Kamal Haasan’s “Thug Life” Sees Strong Opening Day Performance Driven By Tamil Audience Support
The much-anticipated crime drama Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, opened to solid numbers on June 5, 2025. Fans of the legendary actor-director duo turned out in large numbers, especially in Tamil Nadu. According to early trade estimates, Thug Life box office collection day 3 figures showed that the film earned ₹15.5 crore in India on its first day.
The Tamil version contributed the lion’s share of earnings, grossing over ₹13.35 crore. The Telugu version added ₹1.5 crore, while the Hindi version struggled at just ₹0.65 crore. Despite lukewarm critical reviews, audiences initially turned up for the reunion of Haasan and Ratnam after nearly four decades.
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A Sharp Drop in Revenue on the Second Day Raises Concerns for the Film’s Long-Term Prospects
On day two, Thug Life faced a major drop in earnings. Domestic collections dipped significantly to around ₹7 crore. The decrease raised alarms within the industry, given the high expectations from the film. Analysts suggested that the underperformance was due to a combination of mixed reviews, weak word-of-mouth, and minimal traction in the non-Tamil versions.
Although the film had an impressive opening, it failed to maintain momentum on Friday. This slump could be attributed to limited appeal outside Tamil-speaking regions. The second-day figures marked a downward trend that producers were hoping to reverse by the weekend.
Slight Recovery on Saturday Brings Some Relief, but Competition and Mixed Reviews Remain Barriers
The Thug Life box office collection day 3 witnessed a minor recovery. On Saturday, the film grossed ₹7.75 crore domestically. While it did not bounce back to its opening numbers, this upward movement gave the film a chance to stabilize. In India, the movie’s total gross reached ₹35.40 crore within three days. Overseas markets added ₹26.70 crore, bringing the worldwide tally to ₹62.50 crore.
Still, Hindi and Telugu versions continued to struggle. Neither version crossed ₹1 crore on Saturday. The Tamil version remains the key revenue driver. If Sunday brings higher footfall, the film could enter its first week on a stronger note.
Ban in Karnataka Over Language Row Has Dented Regional Revenue, Impacting Overall Collections
One major factor affecting Thug Life box office collection day 3 is the ban in Karnataka. This important market, which has historically supported both Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s films, has not screened the movie. The ban followed a controversy where Kamal Haasan reportedly refused to apologize for remarks perceived as anti-Kannada.
The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce took strong action, effectively blocking the film’s release in the state. Previous films like Indian 2 and Ponniyin Selvan performed well in Karnataka. Without this revenue stream, Thug Life has lost a significant chunk of its potential income. The absence from Karnataka theatres may cost the film several crores.
Overseas Box Office Performance Has Been a Silver Lining for the Film’s Financial Outlook
International markets have responded more favorably to Thug Life than Indian multiplexes. In just three days, overseas collections crossed ₹26.70 crore. The film performed especially well in North America, the UK, and the Gulf countries. Kamal Haasan’s global fanbase seems to have contributed to this success.
While domestic figures remain inconsistent, international performance has helped offset some losses. It also demonstrates that the film has appeal outside of India, particularly among Tamil-speaking diaspora audiences. The overseas segment may play a pivotal role in the film’s eventual profitability.
Critics Offer Mixed Reviews for “Thug Life,” Pointing Out Script Weakness Despite Strong Performances
Critics have not been kind to Thug Life. Although performances by Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR earned praise, the storyline did not impress. The narrative, focused on a mafia kingpin’s revenge, felt predictable. Viewers expected more, especially from the director of Nayakan and Roja.
The film’s visual style and background score by A.R. Rahman were lauded. However, the writing lacked the emotional intensity that typically defines Mani Ratnam’s work. This may explain why Thug Life box office collection day 3 failed to build word-of-mouth momentum.
Star Power Alone Might Not Be Enough as “Thug Life” Faces Strong Competition from Other Releases
While Kamal Haasan remains one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors, Thug Life faces stiff competition. Other regional films and Bollywood releases are attracting audiences with fresher themes and stronger reviews. Despite its pedigree, Thug Life is not commanding the box office as expected.
Industry experts believe that star power is no longer sufficient. Audiences want compelling stories and emotionally rich content. Unless Thug Life picks up over the next few days, it risks falling short of its break-even mark.
Can “Thug Life” Recover and Make an Impact at the Box Office This Week?
As of day three, Thug Life box office collection day 3 figures reflect both promise and peril. The film has earned over ₹62.5 crore globally. However, it has not yet established the consistent upward trajectory that major releases need. The next few days will be critical.
Sunday collections and weekday drop rates will determine whether the film can cross ₹100 crore in its first week. A strong hold in Tamil Nadu and continued overseas support will be essential. For now, the film is surviving more on legacy and less on content.
