The much-anticipated Kamal Haasan starrer ‘Thug Life’, directed by Mani Ratnam, is off to a thunderous start at the box office—even before its theatrical release. With a combination of star power, genre appeal, and nationwide anticipation, the film has already crossed the ₹9 crore mark globally through advance ticket sales, setting the tone for a stellar opening weekend.
In This Article:
Thug Life vs Housefull 5: A Clash of Genres and Box Office Strength
Kamal Haasan Outpaces Akshay Kumar in Pre-Sales
Despite Akshay Kumar’s ‘Housefull 5’ being a part of a successful franchise, Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life has managed to surpass its competitor in terms of advance booking revenue. According to early data, Thug Life‘s genre—an intense action-drama—coupled with its ensemble cast, has led to stronger buzz and pre-release traction compared to the comedy-oriented Housefull 5.
₹9 Crore Worldwide in Advance Bookings Already
Break-Up of Pre-Sale Revenue
- ₹3 crore+ from India alone, with highest ticket sales in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Karnataka
- ₹6 crore+ from overseas markets, especially in the USA, UK, and UAE
- Total global advance booking gross: ₹9 crore (as of June 4, 2025)
The aggressive booking trends are a strong indicator of the film’s appeal across both domestic and international markets.
India’s Response: ₹3 Crore and Rising
Regional Markets Drive Early Success
According to industry trackers, the Indian market alone contributed over ₹3 crore through Day 1 advance bookings:
- Tamil Nadu: Largest contributor with premium ticket pricing and housefull shows
- Telangana: Strong response due to Silambarasan’s massive fan base
- Kerala and Karnataka: Notable pre-sales with trending showtimes
This early momentum is expected to convert into solid footfalls once the movie hits the screens.
USA Advance Booking Falls Short of ‘Indian 2’
International Numbers Promising but Not Record-Breaking
Despite raking in a good share globally, Thug Life fell short of the record advance booking numbers of ‘Indian 2’ in the USA. While the latter benefited from extensive marketing and pan-Indian buzz, Thug Life‘s advance sales in North America have been solid but relatively modest.
What Makes ‘Thug Life’ a Hot Ticket?
Factors Fueling the Frenzy
- Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam reunion: After decades, the legendary duo is back, generating massive excitement
- Star-studded cast: Silambarasan, Trisha, and others add to the film’s pan-South India appeal
- High-octane trailer: The action-packed promos have already set social media abuzz
- Massive marketing blitz: Strategically planned release schedules, regional promotions, and festival timing
Theatre Owners and Trade Analysts Expect Fireworks
Distributors and exhibitors are optimistic about the film’s potential. Early indicators suggest:
- Packed first-day shows in metropolitan and Tier-2 cities
- Repeat viewing from hardcore Kamal and STR fans
- Festival timing may boost collections across extended weekends
Trade experts project a Day 1 gross of ₹15–20 crore worldwide, with scope for more depending on word of mouth and reviews.
Final Thoughts
With an explosive ₹9 crore already collected through advance bookings, ‘Thug Life’ is poised for a monumental opening weekend. Kamal Haasan’s magnetic appeal, combined with Mani Ratnam’s cinematic vision and a loyal fan base, has created the perfect storm at the box office.
All eyes are now on the film’s actual performance post-release—but if current figures are any indication, ‘Thug Life’ could become one of the highest openers of 2025.
By – Nikita
