Kamal Haasan's "Thug Life," directed by Mani Ratnam, has had a noteworthy opening day at the box office, earning an estimated ₹17 crore despite not being screened in Karnataka. This ban stems from a controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan's remarks about the Kannada language during a promotional event, leading to significant backlash from pro-Kannada groups.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) demanded a public apology from Haasan, declaring that the film would not be screened in the state without it. Haasan, however, chose not to apologize, asserting that his comments were made out of affection for the legendary Dr. Rajkumar's family and were not intended to diminish Kannada in any way. This decision led to the film's release being stalled in Karnataka, with the actor's production company, Raajkamal Films International, stating they would await encouraging dialogue with the KFCC before considering a release.

The Karnataka High Court also weighed in on the matter, questioning Haasan's refusal to apologize and emphasizing that public figures should be mindful of the sentiments of the masses, particularly in a country where language is an emotional issue. Despite the controversy, determined fans in Karnataka have been traveling to neighboring Hosur, Tamil Nadu, to watch the film. Social media posts show fans celebrating the release and expressing their unwavering support for Kamal Haasan.

Trade experts predict that the ban in Karnataka could result in a loss of ₹20 to ₹25 crore for "Thug Life." Analyst Sreedhar Pillai estimates a minimum loss of ₹10-12 crore due to the film's absence from the Karnataka market. Other recent Tamil films, such as Rajinikanth's "Jailer" and Thalapathi Vijay's "Leo," have grossed ₹40-50 crore in the state, highlighting the potential revenue loss for "Thug Life."

Despite the challenges, "Thug Life" has managed to secure the fourth-highest opening day for a Kollywood film in 2025. While it lags behind Ajith Kumar's "Good Bad Ugly" (₹28.15 crore) and "Vidaamuyarchi" (₹25.5 crore), it may surpass Suriya's "Retro" (₹17.25 crore) if final numbers rise. However, early estimates suggest that "Thug Life" may not beat Kamal Haasan's recent film "Indian 2" which earned ₹25.6 crore on its opening day.

Occupancy rates for "Thug Life" in Tamil Nadu showed a gradual decline throughout the day, with an overall occupancy of 48.72%. Pondicherry registered the highest occupancy at 69.33%. The film's performance is crucial, especially considering the high stakes involved. The film will later be available on Netflix after its theatrical run.