The much-anticipated film Thug Life, marking the reunion of legendary actor Kamal Haasan and acclaimed director Mani Ratnam after nearly 37 years, has failed to meet expectations at the box office. Released on June 5, the film received a lukewarm response from audiences and critics alike, prompting director Mani Ratnam to publicly apologise for the film’s underperformance.
Following their iconic 1987 collaboration Nayakan, the duo’s latest venture carried high expectations. However, despite an ensemble cast and a substantial production scale, viewers expressed disappointment over the film’s weak narrative and lack of emotional depth. The film collected just ₹18 crore on its opening day, with occupancy dropping significantly on the second day, indicating a steep decline in audience interest.
Adding to its challenges, Thug Life was not released in Karnataka due to a language-related controversy, further affecting its revenue potential. The film reportedly failed to recover even half of its ₹200 crore budget during its theatrical run. Trade analysts estimate combined losses of over ₹150 crore for producers and distributors.
Breaking his silence after the film’s poor performance, Mani Ratnam acknowledged the audience’s disappointment. “Audiences expected another classic from us. I sincerely apologise for not meeting that expectation,” he said in a statement. “We never intended to deliver a film lesser than Nayakan. No one sets out to make a subpar film. We had high hopes for Thug Life, but I understand that people anticipated a different and more compelling story from us. I assure you, we will return with a stronger narrative.”
Ratnam’s candid remarks have gained widespread attention on social media, with many industry figures appreciating his honesty. Meanwhile, the film’s performance continues to be a topic of discussion in Kollywood circles, as fans and analysts reflect on what went wrong with one of the most awaited collaborations in recent Tamil cinema.