It’s been 38 long years since Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam joined forces to create the crime classic Nayakan. Now, they’re back with a vengeance in Thug Life, a film that’s stirred up anticipation, debates, and some controversy even before its theatrical release. This Thug Life Review: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam dives deep into the movie’s early box office numbers, story premise, and all the drama surrounding its launch. So, is it worth your ticket? Let’s find out.
Advance Booking: Big Start, But Not Quite Record-Breaking
The buzz around Thug Life had been simmering for weeks, and as the release approached, the ticket counters finally started ringing. According to Sacnilk, the film raked in a solid ₹13.89 crore in advance bookings, narrowly edging out Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan: II (₹11 crore), though it still fell short of the massive ₹18.95 crore that Ponniyin Selvan: I achieved.
Here’s the breakdown:
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Tamil version: ₹5.3 crore
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2D: ₹5.25 crore
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IMAX 2D: ₹11.63 lakh
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4DX: ₹70,470
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Hindi version: ₹26 lakh
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Telugu version: ₹54 lakh
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Block seat bookings: Rounded out to total ₹13.89 crore
It’s a decent figure, no doubt. But when compared to Haasan’s Vikram (₹15.3 crore) or Indian 2 (₹17.9 crore), Thug Life still trails slightly. Yet, with a weekend window wide open and limited competition, the film may close the gap fast.
Plot Tease: Crime, Justice, and One Man’s Battle
In Thug Life, Kamal Haasan plays Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar, a character deeply entrenched in a world torn between crime and justice. He isn’t your typical hero, and that’s what makes the movie so compelling. It’s a layered narrative—gritty, introspective, and morally grey. This isn’t just a fight between good and evil; it’s a full-blown war inside the man himself.
Star Cast That Commands Attention
Apart from Kamal Haasan’s magnetic presence, the film features a strong ensemble:
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Silambarasan (as the wild card)
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Aishwarya Lekshmi (grace with grit)
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Joju George (solid and grounded)
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Nassar, Mahesh Manjrekar, and Ali Fazal all bring power-packed performances
It’s clear the casting was curated to blend new-age talent with seasoned veterans.
Direction: Mani Ratnam’s Signature Touch
Let’s be real—when Mani Ratnam directs, expectations hit the sky. With Thug Life, he balances his iconic visual storytelling with emotionally intense scenes. Ratnam brings nuance, particularly in showing Nayakar’s inner turmoil. It’s not your high-octane masala fare, but something much deeper, more brooding. And that’s exactly what his fans love.
Production Powerhouse: Red Giant Meets Madras Talkies
The movie is backed by two big names:
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Red Giant Movies (Udhayanidhi Stalin)
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Madras Talkies (Mani Ratnam’s home banner)
This partnership ensured not just budget muscle but also top-tier production value—cinematography, background score, and VFX are polished and immersive.
Box Office Competition: A Clear Field… Almost
With not many big films clashing at the box office this week, Thug Life had the golden opportunity to shine. Its main rival in the Hindi belt is Housefull 5, a comedy caper that appeals to a totally different audience. This genre gap could actually work in Thug Life’s favor.
But there’s one hiccup…
Karnataka Controversy: A Political Storm
Here’s where things get dramatic. The movie hasn’t been released in Karnataka, thanks to an ongoing dispute with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). The spark? Kamal Haasan’s controversial comment suggesting “Kannada was born out of Tamil.”
KFCC took a hard stance and demanded an apology. Haasan, standing his ground, moved the Karnataka High Court. The producers clarified they won’t screen the film in Karnataka unless there’s a resolution. The court, in turn, didn’t hold back, saying, “a single apology could have resolved the situation.”
This row definitely hit potential revenue, especially from Kannada-speaking regions Thug Life review.
Audience Buzz: Mixed Yet Curious
Early reactions from social media and fan circles have been mixed. While hardcore Kamal fans are thrilled to see him in a gritty, complex role again, casual moviegoers seem divided—some love the dark tone; others find it a bit too slow. But one thing’s clear: the film is a conversation starter, and that’s always good for business.
Is Thug Life a Hit in the Making?
The numbers so far show a steady climb. The ₹13.89 crore advance sales, while not record-smashing, signal a strong opening. The absence of major competition, a deeply emotional storyline, and Kamal Haasan’s fanbase could help the movie gather pace post-release.
And let’s not forget—Ratnam’s films often have long legs. People return for second viewings once word of mouth spreads.
The Verdict: Should You Watch Thug Life?
Absolutely—especially if you enjoy cinema with soul. Thug Life isn’t just another gangster flick. It’s a gritty drama that explores power, regret, morality, and survival. Kamal Haasan delivers a performance that’s both cerebral and raw, while Mani Ratnam wraps the narrative in layers of storytelling brilliance.
If you’re looking for a popcorn flick, this might not be your jam. But if you crave intensity, character depth, and emotionally loaded storytelling, Thug Life will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thug Life may not have broken all box office records yet, but it’s a film that dares to be different. With Kamal Haasan at his introspective best and Mani Ratnam helming a thoughtful narrative, it’s bound to find a solid place in the hearts of cinephiles.
The controversies might have clouded its release, but beneath all that noise lies a story worth experiencing. Give it time, and this might just become another cult classic in the Kamal-Ratnam legacy.
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After the Conclusion: Final Takeaway
So, what’s the takeaway from this Thug Life Review: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam? It’s simple: The movie might not blow the roof off the box office in its first weekend, but it’s got the legs to last. Keep an eye on it—it’s got the makings of something special.
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