After decades of its previous creed release Nayakan, marking the reputable reunion of Thug Life, Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam, is fully prepared to release in theaters on 5 June, 2025. Advance booking for the film has opened globally. However, the number so far is strictly civilized, lower than the sky-high expectations prescribed for this large-tick cooperation. Everyone was expecting a blockbuster opening, but current figures suggest that the film would need to rely on a strong word-mouth for a modest start.
On June 3, 2025 till 4 pm, just one day and eight hours before its release, Thug Life has registered an advance booking of about Rs 6 crore in India. Tamil Nadu, leading the charge, is contributing close to Rs 5 crore to the total. The main audience of the film in the state has shown enthusiasm, but the number is not expected for a project of this stature. The absence of a release in Karnataka this week is a notable shock, limiting the film’s reach in a major South Indian market. This is definitely going to affect its early day performance in India.
When compared to the recent release, the advance booking of thug life is closely aligned with films like Amaran and Retro, which is respectable but not ideal. Given the promotion around Kamal Haasan-Maan Ratnam Reunion, Lakshya was to match or even cross or cross the pre-team of films like Vettyian or even Kamal Haasan’s own Vikram. However, the current figures suggest that the thug life does not match them.
At the international level, the thug life is performing better, offering some optimism. Global Advance Booking Gros is Rs 13.5 crore, with a contribution of Rs 7.5 crore to Tally in international markets. North America, especially, a lotus Haasan is giving shape to give the strongest number to the film.
To achieve its expected blockbuster status for thugs life, the last day of advance booking will be important. A significant leap in ticket sales, especially in India, can help the film grow in its release. In addition, the film will depend on a positive word-mouth to run the audience and maintain its box office run.
The positive news for the film’s makers is that they have already recovered the film’s budget (except for Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s remuneration) from non -drainage revenue sources. Details about the same can be ascertained here. The film has received a premium from digital partners due to the combination factor and also because the deal was made before the Indian 2 was released.
How excited are you for the thug life? Have you booked your tickets for crime-thriller?
Also read: Decoding the economics of thugs life: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam aims to have great profits; Fix the budget with non-theater but …
