Veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated action-drama Thug Life continues its steady journey at the box office. On its sixth day of release, the film added another ₹1.75 crore to its total earnings, showcasing moderate yet consistent performance as it moves through its first week in theatres.
Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, Thug Life reunites him with Kamal Haasan after several years, and the film generated significant buzz even before its release due to the star-studded collaboration and the intense teaser trailers. The film blends elements of raw action, political intrigue, and layered storytelling—hallmarks of both the actor and director’s cinematic styles.
While the film opened to strong initial curiosity, its box office performance has been a mixed bag. The opening weekend saw decent footfalls in major metropolitan areas and strong support from loyal fans of Kamal Haasan. However, weekdays have witnessed a gradual dip in collections, a trend common with films that cater more to niche audiences or come with complex narratives.
On Day 6, Thug Life managed to collect ₹1.75 crore across all languages and circuits. While the number might not seem astronomical, trade experts argue that the film is targeting a more discerning audience, and its theatrical performance must be viewed through a different lens. “It’s not a mass-market masala entertainer. It’s a film that leans heavily on storytelling and character depth, and naturally, its earnings reflect a different curve,” a trade source explained.
What’s worked in the film’s favor is Kamal Haasan’s commanding screen presence and his portrayal of a layered anti-hero. Fans have praised the actor for yet another transformative performance, with many hailing it as one of his most nuanced roles in recent years. The technical finesse, including Ravi Varman’s cinematography and A.R. Rahman’s gripping background score, has also earned applause.
Social media reactions have been largely positive, with viewers calling the film a “slow-burn masterpiece.” Many users have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram to praise its philosophical undertones and Haasan’s fearless approach to unconventional storytelling.
Despite the midweek slowdown, box office experts remain cautiously optimistic. With the weekend approaching, there’s hope that collections might receive a boost, especially in multiplexes and urban centers where such content-driven cinema often finds a stronger foothold.
Thug Life may not be setting commercial records, but it is certainly carving a place for itself in the hearts of cinema lovers who appreciate complex narratives and powerful performances. As the film heads into the second weekend, all eyes will be on whether word-of-mouth and critical acclaim can sustain its theatrical momentum.
In the ever-competitive world of box office numbers, Thug Life stands as a reminder that not every film needs to rely solely on high earnings to make an impact—sometimes, it’s the storytelling that leaves the most lasting impression.
