Despite its massive hype and iconic collaboration with Mani Ratnam, Thug Life failed to impress at the box office—now hoping for redemption on OTT.
Chennai, July 3, 2025 — Kamal Haasan’s highly anticipated film Thug Life, directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam, is now available for streaming on Netflix. The film, which brought together two cinematic giants after nearly 20 years, generated significant buzz but ultimately fell short of expectations during its theatrical release.
Also Read: Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa Sets New Record in Hindi Satellite Deal: To Get This Amount
Now streaming in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi, Thug Life is looking to find new life on OTT after its negative critical reception and lackluster box office performance.
In a notable development, Netflix reportedly imposed a penalty of ₹25 lakh on the filmmakers for breaking the standard 8-week theatrical-to-OTT window, releasing the film on the platform within just four weeks of its theatrical debut. As a result, the original digital rights deal, initially pegged at ₹135 crore, was scaled down to ₹25 crore, representing a sharp ₹110 crore cut.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone Becomes First Indian Actress to Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
The film features an ensemble cast including Abhirami, Joju George, and Ashok Selvan, and is backed by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies. The music is composed by AR Rahman, adding to the project’s heavyweight credentials.
Despite its rocky start, Thug Life now has a chance to reach wider audiences through streaming, potentially gaining the appreciation it missed out on in theatres.
Also Read: Kylie Page Death: Fentanyl Overdose Suspected in Adult Star’s Passing
Tags:
Kamal Haasan, Thug Life Netflix, Mani Ratnam, OTT Releases, Tamil Cinema, Thug Life Review, Netflix India, AR Rahman Music, Raaj Kamal Films, Red Giant Movies