Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's highly anticipated film, Thug Life, has made its way to the digital realm, arriving on Netflix on July 3, 2025. This comes shortly after its theatrical release on June 5, 2025.
A Quick Shift to OTT
Despite the initial plan for an eight-week theatrical window, Thug Life premiered on OTT just four weeks after hitting the big screens. This decision reportedly stemmed from the film's underwhelming performance in theaters, leading Netflix to renegotiate the digital rights deal.
Where to Watch
Thug Life is now available for streaming on Netflix in multiple languages, including Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. This allows a wider audience to experience the action drama from the comfort of their homes.
Box Office Performance and Controversy
Thug Life, made on a substantial budget of ₹200 crore, had a rather disappointing run at the box office, collecting a net ₹48 crore in India and ₹97.25 crore worldwide. The film also faced controversies, including one related to Kamal Haasan's remarks on Tamil-Kannada issues, which led to its delayed release in Karnataka.
Breaching the Theatrical Window
The decision to release Thug Life on OTT after only four weeks has resulted in penalties from multiplex chains, who typically enforce an eight-week gap for theatrical releases. The producers reportedly had to forgo their share of the Hindi version's theatrical earnings, amounting to ₹25 lakh.
Behind the Scenes
Thug Life marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 36 years, since their collaboration on the critically acclaimed Nayakan (1987). The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, and Ashok Selvan. The film is produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies, with music composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman.
Plot Overview
Thug Life is a gangster action drama that revolves around Rangaraaya Sakthivel, a mafia kingpin seeking redemption and revenge after betrayal. The story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and family dynamics.
Initial Reception
Upon its theatrical release, Thug Life received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. While some praised the performances of the cast, particularly Kamal Haasan, the film as a whole did not meet the high expectations.
