Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life' low run at the box office; digital partner to reconsider 130 crore OTT deal
Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan 's ' Thug Life ,' which hit theaters on June 5, 2025, did not live up to the box office expectations. Despite the mass discussion around the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after 'Nayakan,' the gangster drama opened to mixed reviews, which affected its dramatic run. Now, the film has to face a fresh obstacle—Nails, which had previously acquired its digital rights, allegedly looking at the post-theatrical deal to resume.
Netflix pushes for reduction.
According to a report by Pinkvilla, Netflix is emphasizing a reduction of 20–25% on the earlier quoted amount for the digital premiere of 'Thug Life.' Initially, OTT rights were sold in banking to the legendary pair of ₹130 crore, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. However, with the fall of dramatic response, the platform is asked to reevaluate its investment. Talks are underway to release digital releases from eight weeks to only four, which indicates an attempt to promote access and returns.
'Thug Life's dark and gritty plot
The film describes the dark and gritty story of Sakathivel Rangaraaya Naicker, a powerful crime boss in New Delhi, who takes an orphan boy to Amaran. As Amarran grows up in the ranks of the mafia, the tension between the two starts boiling, causing a brutal clash of strength and betrayal. The depiction of Silambarasan, who has grown up with the growing Amaran, is praised, even though the film's pacing and tone polarize the audience.
A hyped cast and crew
Apart from Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan, 'Thug Life' boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi , Abhirami, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Nassar, and Ali Fazal. As Netflix and the producers attempt to recalibrate their strategy, Kamal Haasan is moving on to his next big project, 'KH237,' helmed by the stunt duo AnbArivu in their directorial debut. Meanwhile, STR is expected to collaborate with Vetri Maaran soon, alongside other films already in development.
Netflix pushes for reduction.
According to a report by Pinkvilla, Netflix is emphasizing a reduction of 20–25% on the earlier quoted amount for the digital premiere of 'Thug Life.' Initially, OTT rights were sold in banking to the legendary pair of ₹130 crore, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. However, with the fall of dramatic response, the platform is asked to reevaluate its investment. Talks are underway to release digital releases from eight weeks to only four, which indicates an attempt to promote access and returns.
'Thug Life's dark and gritty plot
The film describes the dark and gritty story of Sakathivel Rangaraaya Naicker, a powerful crime boss in New Delhi, who takes an orphan boy to Amaran. As Amarran grows up in the ranks of the mafia, the tension between the two starts boiling, causing a brutal clash of strength and betrayal. The depiction of Silambarasan, who has grown up with the growing Amaran, is praised, even though the film's pacing and tone polarize the audience.
A hyped cast and crew
Apart from Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan, 'Thug Life' boasts a strong ensemble cast featuring Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi , Abhirami, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Nassar, and Ali Fazal. As Netflix and the producers attempt to recalibrate their strategy, Kamal Haasan is moving on to his next big project, 'KH237,' helmed by the stunt duo AnbArivu in their directorial debut. Meanwhile, STR is expected to collaborate with Vetri Maaran soon, alongside other films already in development.
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