Thug Life Box Office Collection Day 1 Worldwide: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam Deliver a Smashing ₹40 Cr+ Opening
Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated gangster drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, hit theaters worldwide on June 5, 2025, and has taken the box office by storm. With strong advance bookings, a star-studded cast, and the legacy of the Haasan-Ratnam duo, the film has set a high benchmark for 2025’s Tamil cinema releases. This article breaks down the Thug Life box office collection for Day 1 worldwide, explores the factors behind its success, and provides insights into its performance amidst challenges like the Karnataka release controversy.
Background Context: The Hype Around Thug Life
Thug Life marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, 38 years after their iconic collaboration on Nayakan (1987). Produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, the film features a powerhouse ensemble including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, and others. With A.R. Rahman’s electrifying music and Ravi K. Chandran’s stunning cinematography, the film promised a gripping crime thriller experience, released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam across standard, IMAX, and EPIQ formats.
The film’s pre-release buzz was amplified by a stellar trailer that garnered over 15 million views in 24 hours and a star-studded audio launch in Chennai. However, controversy over Haasan’s remarks about the Kannada language led to a boycott in Karnataka, impacting its initial market reach. Despite this, Thug Life has shown remarkable resilience at the box office, driven by strong advance bookings and positive early reviews.
Thug Life Day 1 Box Office Collection: A Breakdown
According to industry tracker CineDisco, Thug Life grossed over ₹40 crore worldwide on its opening day, with some estimates suggesting it could climb as high as ₹75 crore globally, per trade expert Ramesh Bala. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Day 1 performance:
- India Net Collection: Early estimates from Sacnilk indicate Thug Life earned approximately ₹1.92 crore India net on Day 1 across all languages, though this figure is preliminary and expected to rise significantly with final tallies. Trade experts predict a net collection of ₹35–50 crore in India, with Tamil Nadu alone contributing ₹20–25 crore, as per Sreedhar Pillai.
- India Gross Collection: Including taxes, the India gross is estimated at ₹40–50 crore, with the Tamil version leading (85% of pre-sales from Tamil 2D screenings) and Telugu-dubbed versions performing strongly in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
- Overseas Collection: Overseas markets have been a major driver, with pre-sales crossing $1.2 million (₹10.3 crore) globally. In North America, the film’s premiere advance sales reached $545K across 375 locations, with projections of $700K–$800K for Day 1, making it Kamal Haasan’s second-biggest premiere after Indian 2.
- Worldwide Gross: Combining domestic and international figures, Thug Life is estimated to have grossed over ₹40 crore worldwide on Day 1, with some optimistic projections reaching ₹75 crore, fueled by strong spot bookings and positive audience reactions.
Advance Booking Performance: A Solid Start
Thug Life wrapped up its Day 1 advance bookings with impressive numbers, grossing ₹34.7 crore in India, including block seats, as per industry reports. Key highlights include:
- Tamil Nadu: Pre-sales surpassed ₹7 crore, reflecting strong regional support.
- Telugu States and Rest of India: An additional ₹2.5 crore in bookings, with Telangana leading among circuits.
- Overseas: Advance sales of $1.2 million globally, with North America contributing $545K by June 4, trending close to Indian 2’s $580K premiere.
- Total Pre-Sales: The film crossed ₹20 crore in global advance bookings, with Sacnilk reporting ₹13.89 crore (including block seats) and ₹6.16 crore (excluding block seats) by 6 AM on release day. Over 3.5 lakh tickets were sold across all languages except Kannada.
Despite these strong figures, advance bookings were lower than Haasan’s Indian 2 (₹17.9 crore) and Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan films (₹18.95 crore and ₹11 crore), partly due to the Karnataka boycott.
Why Thug Life Is Roaring at the Box Office
Several factors have contributed to Thug Life’s strong Day 1 performance:
- Star Power and Legacy: The Haasan-Ratnam reunion, coupled with a stellar cast including Silambarasan and Trisha, has drawn massive crowds. Early reviews praise Haasan’s “Oscar-worthy” performance and the ensemble’s chemistry.
- Technical Brilliance: A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack and Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography have been lauded as “goosebump-inducing,” elevating the film’s appeal.
- Positive Audience Buzz: Posts on X highlight the film’s gripping first half and powerful performances, with one user calling it a “cultural reset” and another noting, “Kamal and Simbu have enough scenes to score in performance.”
- Wide Release Strategy: Released in multiple formats (IMAX, EPIQ, standard) and languages, Thug Life has maximized its reach, except in Karnataka, where a release is uncertain pending a June 10 court hearing.
Challenges: The Karnataka Controversy
The film faced a setback due to Haasan’s remark at a promotional event, stating “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” which sparked protests and a boycott by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). This led to Thug Life being held back from Karnataka theaters, potentially costing ₹12–15 crore in producer share losses. Despite this, the film’s strong performance in Tamil Nadu, Telugu states, and overseas markets has cushioned the impact.
Comparison with Other 2025 Openers
Thug Life is poised to be the second-biggest Indian opener of 2025, surpassing Sikandar (₹30.06 crore) and Chhaava (₹33.10 crore) but trailing Game Changer (₹54 crore). It is expected to overtake Haasan’s Vikram (₹32.05 crore) and Indian 2 (₹30 crore) for his career-best opening.
What’s Next for Thug Life?
As audience reactions continue to pour in on platforms like X, the film’s weekend performance will depend on word-of-mouth and resolution of the Karnataka issue. Early reviews suggest a “visually stunning” and “emotionally rich” experience, positioning Thug Life for a strong run. With no major competing releases except Housefull 5 on June 6, the film has a clear window to dominate.
