‘Thug Life’ Box Office Collection Day 5: Kamal Haasan’s Film Sees Steep Drop After Strong Start

Kamal Haasan’s latest cinematic outing, Thug Life, directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam, opened to high expectations and excitement. Released on June 5, 2025, the film marked the much-anticipated reunion of the actor-director duo after 38 years, sparking significant buzz in the Tamil film industry and beyond. Despite an impressive opening, the film’s journey at the box office has become a tale of steep highs and sudden lows.

Thug Life Box Office Collection Day-Wise Performance

Thug Life box office collection day figures have been a rollercoaster. The film opened with a bang, collecting ₹15.5 crore across India on Day 1. Tamil Nadu was the primary contributor, pulling in ₹13.35 crore, reflecting the power of Kamal Haasan’s loyal fan base. The Hindi and Telugu dubbed versions added ₹0.65 crore and ₹1.5 crore, respectively. The multi-starrer, backed by powerful performances and Mani Ratnam’s direction, saw a massive turnout initially, driven by curiosity and fanfare.

However, Day 2 brought a significant dip, with earnings falling to ₹7.15 crore—a drop of over 50%. Day 3 saw a slight recovery, earning ₹7.75 crore, suggesting some positive word-of-mouth. But the relief was short-lived. Day 4 saw another decline, settling at ₹6.5 crore, as the weekend excitement waned.

By the end of Day 4, Thug Life had grossed ₹36.9 crore. But the most dramatic fall came on Day 5, where the collection dropped drastically to ₹1.13 crore. Morning and afternoon shows in Tamil Nadu’s 2D theaters had a dismal 13–14% occupancy, and many evening and night shows reported zero attendance.

Factors Behind the Decline in ‘Thug Life’ Collections

There are several reasons behind the sudden decline in the Thug Life box office collection day trends:

• Mixed reviews: Viewers had divided opinions about the film’s pacing and screenplay, which diluted the initial momentum.
• Limited appeal beyond hardcore fans: While the film drew initial crowds due to Kamal Haasan’s brand, it struggled to retain general moviegoers.
• Competition from other releases: Several regional and Bollywood films released around the same time, giving viewers multiple options.
• Lack of strong weekday hold: As is often the case, films relying on star power alone struggle to maintain weekday numbers without strong word-of-mouth.

Despite the downturn, the film has managed to stay in headlines, thanks to its ensemble cast featuring Silambarasan, Trisha, Nassar, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Gautham Karthik, with AR Rahman providing the soundtrack and Ravi K Chandran handling cinematography.

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Will ‘Thug Life’ Bounce Back?

As of now, Thug Life has collected ₹38.03 crore in India within the first five days. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the film’s long-term viability. For a movie of this scale, sustaining through the second and third weekends is essential. Its fate will depend heavily on whether the content can captivate a broader audience beyond Kamal Haasan’s ardent fans.

The response from international markets and digital rights deals could further cushion any losses. Given the names attached to this project, including Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman, there remains a possibility for recovery through ancillary revenue streams.

Star Collaborations and Cinematic Legacy

Beyond the numbers, Thug Life is significant for reuniting two legends—Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam—after nearly four decades. Their earlier collaboration in Nayakan (1987) is still celebrated, and expectations for this new project were sky-high. While reviews may be mixed, the collaboration itself holds value for fans of Indian cinema. AR Rahman’s music adds an emotional layer, complementing the gritty storytelling and enhancing the theatrical experience.

What Lies Ahead for ‘Thug Life’

With over ₹38 crore in earnings, Thug Life is far from a flop. However, to be deemed a commercial success, the film needs stronger legs in the coming weeks. Promotions, strategic screenings, and word-of-mouth will play vital roles in reviving interest. The film’s prospects outside Tamil Nadu—particularly in multiplexes across metro cities—will also be a defining factor.

In the meantime, fans and industry watchers alike will be observing its day-to-day performance closely. Mani Ratnam’s signature direction and Kamal Haasan’s screen presence remain the biggest draws for potential viewers still on the fence.

Explore More Tamil Cinema Updates

Stay updated on all the latest happenings in the Tamil film world. Check out our stories on Kamal Haasan’s upcoming projects and recent Tamil movie releases.

For additional background, visit the official site of the Film Foundation to understand how Indian cinema is evolving through heritage and innovation.

Thug Life box office collection day performance remains a focal point of industry chatter and fan speculation. With its star-studded cast and directorial finesse, the film still has time to make a lasting impact—if it manages to recapture audience interest.

FAQs on Thug Life Box Office Performance

What was the opening day collection of Thug Life?

The film earned ₹15.5 crore on its opening day, with ₹13.35 crore coming from Tamil Nadu alone.

Why did Thug Life see a drop in earnings after the weekend?

The film faced criticism for its pacing and screenplay, and the interest dropped after the initial fanfare.

How much did Thug Life earn by Day 5?

By the end of Day 5, the total net collection in India stood at ₹38.03 crore.

Who are the major stars in Thug Life?

The film features Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha, Nassar, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Gautham Karthik.

Will Thug Life recover its box office position?

The next few weeks will be critical. Stronger word-of-mouth and international performance could help turn things around.

Is Thug Life worth watching in theaters?

If you’re a fan of Kamal Haasan or Mani Ratnam’s work, the film offers a visual treat and compelling performances despite its flaws.