Thug Life, the much-hyped collaboration between kamal haasan and Mani Ratnam, two of South indian cinema's most iconic names, finally hit the screens after intense anticipation. Marking their reunion after a staggering 38 years, expectations were sky-high, particularly in tamil Nadu where both legends enjoy an immense following. The film opened to moderate occupancies in tamil Nadu, with fans curious to see what the duo had crafted. However, the film’s momentum took a hit soon after the early morning shows and overseas premieres began generating negative word of mouth.

The situation was far worse in the telugu states, where Thug Life saw dismal footfalls, especially in B and C centres. Despite efforts to promote the film, audiences seemed disconnected from its narrative style and thematic execution. Word quickly spread about the film’s underwhelming pace, convoluted storytelling, and lack of emotional grip, which further dampened interest throughout the day. The distribution rights for the telugu market were handled by Nithiin’s Sreshth Movies, who took a gamble by bringing the film to a non-native audience—but it unfortunately backfired, as the film struggled to bring in even modest numbers.

With the day-one collections falling far below expectations, Thug Life is now on track to become a major box office disappointment in the telugu market. While it may still find some support from core fans in tamil Nadu due to the star power of kamal haasan and the prestige attached to Mani Ratnam’s direction, the overall commercial trajectory looks bleak. The film’s failure to resonate with a pan-Indian audience despite its stellar cast and legacy backing is a stark reminder that even legendary collaborations need strong content and universal appeal to succeed in today’s competitive cinematic landscape.
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G GOWTHAM

06/06/2025 10:48 AM