Mani Ratnam’s highly anticipated reunion with Kamal Haasan after nearly four decades, Thug Life, hit theatres this Thursday amid much fanfare. However, after the first two days of release, the film’s worldwide box office collections have been a mixed bag, showing decent but underwhelming performance compared to expectations and Mani Ratnam’s recent hits.
Thug Life Box Office Numbers So Far
According to trade tracker Sacnilk, Thug Life has amassed a worldwide gross of approximately ₹52 crore in its opening two days. Breaking this down:
₹22.65 crore net collection in India
₹26.30 crore gross in India
₹25.70 crore from overseas markets
While these numbers are respectable, especially given the film’s star power, they fall short of the optimistic forecasts many had for this film, which was expected to be a blockbuster given Kamal Haasan’s legendary stature and Mani Ratnam’s directorial legacy.
Comparison with Kamal Haasan’s and Mani Ratnam’s Previous Films
To put the collection in perspective, Kamal Haasan’s previous film, Indian 2, directed by Shankar, collected a whopping ₹84 crore worldwide in just two days despite facing poor critical reception. Mani Ratnam’s recent historical epic films Ponniyin Selvan – I & II performed exceptionally well, earning ₹110 crore and ₹146.65 crore respectively within the first two days.
Compared to these, Thug Life’s ₹52 crore tally highlights a significant gap, suggesting the film did not resonate with the audience as much as anticipated during its initial weekend. Critics particularly targeted the second half of the film, dampening early enthusiasm.
Factors Affecting Box Office Performance
Several factors have contributed to the moderate performance of Thug Life:
Mixed Reviews: Critics praised the initial parts but found the narrative pacing and climax lacking, leading to lukewarm word-of-mouth.
Karnataka Release Ban: The film did not release in Karnataka due to the ongoing Kannada language row, a crucial market for Tamil films. Industry estimates suggest this could have led to losses of up to ₹40 crore in box office revenue.
Strong Competition: The film also faces stiff competition from other releases, including Mani Ratnam’s own Ponniyin Selvan franchise and other mainstream blockbusters.
Despite these challenges, the film has maintained steady weekday collections, which could boost weekend figures if positive audience feedback grows.
About Thug Life: The Story and Cast
Thug Life marks the first collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan since the cult classic Nayakan (1987). Kamal Haasan reprises a character reminiscent of his previous role, this time named Shaktivel or “Shakti.” The gangster drama explores the complex relationship between Shakti and his adopted son Amaran, portrayed by Silambarasan TR.
The film also stars Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Ali Fazal, and Abhirami, among others, bringing together a strong ensemble cast. The movie’s gritty narrative and intense performances have been praised, even as the storyline and screenplay faced some criticism.
Looking Ahead: Can Thug Life Bounce Back?
With the initial box office momentum falling short of expectations, the critical question remains: will Thug Life pick up in the coming days? Weekend collections are crucial for films with mixed reviews, as positive word-of-mouth can turn the tide.
The film’s release strategy and any resolutions in the Kannada language controversy could also influence future box office results. Additionally, strong digital and satellite rights sales may help offset theatrical shortcomings.
Final Thoughts
While Thug Life may not have exploded at the box office like Kamal Haasan’s and Mani Ratnam’s past films, it remains an important cinematic experiment bringing together two legends after decades. The film’s unique style, performances, and thematic depth will likely earn it a place in discussions about contemporary Tamil cinema.
As fans await the weekend to see if collections improve, Thug Life stands as a reminder that even celebrated collaborations face challenges in today’s competitive and dynamic film market.