Upcoming Film ‘Thug Life’ Faces ₹20 Crore Box Office Blow Because of This Reason

Kamal Haasan’s refusal to apologise for his “Kannada was born out of Tamil” remark could cost the film’s makers a huge chunk of revenue from one of India’s biggest regional markets.

June-3, 2025: Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life is facing an uncertain future in Karnataka as calls for a statewide ban intensify. The controversy stems from Haasan’s recent remarks at the film’s audio launch in Chennai, where he claimed, “Kannada was born out of Tamil.” This has sparked a major backlash, with the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and state authorities demanding an unconditional apology before allowing the film’s release.

Also Read: Ram Gopal Varma Deletes Post Criticizing ‘Hooliganism’ Over Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ Ban Threats

Haasan, however, has refused to back down, leaving distributors and exhibitors in Karnataka on edge. Venkatesh Kamalakar, who acquired the film’s distribution rights in Karnataka for ₹8 crore, is now facing the prospect of losing a significant investment if the film does not see a theatrical release in the state.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ Banned in Karnataka Amid Language Row

Impact on Box Office
The stakes are high for Thug Life, which is slated for release on June 5. Kamal Haasan’s previous films, including Vikram (₹25 crore), Kalki 2898 AD (₹6 crore), and Indian 2 (₹9 crore), performed well in Karnataka, highlighting the state’s importance as a market for the actor’s films.

Given the current impasse, a co-producer of Thug Life has filed a petition in the Karnataka High Court to prevent the KFCC and state authorities from blocking the film’s distribution and exhibition across the state.

Also Read: “Every Scene a Battle”: Kamal Haasan Opens Up About ‘Thug Life’ and His Dynamic Bond with Mani Ratnam

Star-Studded Ensemble & Anticipation
Directed by Mani Ratnam and featuring music by AR Rahman, Thug Life boasts an ensemble cast that includes Silambarasan, Trisha, Sanya Malhotra, and Joju George. The film marks the first collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan since their 1987 cult classic Nayakan, further fueling expectations.

Financial Implications
Should the ban remain in place, trade experts predict that the loss to the film’s box office prospects in Karnataka alone could amount to ₹20 crore. With no signs of an apology from Haasan, the makers of Thug Life are staring at a potential financial setback even before the film hits the screens.

---

Tags:
Thug Life, Kamal Haasan, Karnataka ban, box office loss, Kannada language row, Mani Ratnam, Venkatesh Kamalakar, AR Rahman, Silambarasan, Trisha, Sanya Malhotra, Joju George, Vikram, Kalki 2898 AD, Indian 2