Thug Life, starring an ensemble cast of Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Nassar, and Joju George, was released on June 4. The film carried massive expectations as it marked the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 35 years since their iconic collaboration in Nayagan.

However, the film disappointed audiences, and this was strongly reflected at the box office. Despite releasing in a record number of screens and securing record pre-release deals, Thug Life has not even crossed the Rs.100 crore gross mark worldwide.

The film collected only around Rs. 43 crore in Tamil Nadu — its core market — and approximately Rs. 37 crore from overseas. Other Indian markets also underperformed, leading to major disappointment within trade circles.