SHOCKING : Kamal- Mani combo trails Suriya- Karthik Subburaj RETRO

 Thug Life Box Office Collection Day 1: Fails To Beat Retro’s 19.25 Crores, Registers 4th Biggest Opening For Kollywood In 2025!

 Among Kollywood releases of 2025, Thug Life has clocked the fourth biggest opening by staying below Suriya’s Retro (19.25 crores).

Take a look at the top Kollywood openers of 2025 at the Indian box office (net collection):

1.     Good Bad Ugly – 29.25 crores

2.     Vidaamuyarchi – 27 crores

3.     Retro – 19.25 crores

4.     Thug Life – 17.50 crores

 

While the original Tamil version was good in occupancy, it failed to reach its full potential, as walk-ins were less than expected for Thug Life in the evening and night shows. The response in the Telugu-dubbed version was also not up to the mark. The Hindi-dubbed version turned out to be a washout on the opening day itself. As a result, a day 1 collection of 17.50 crore net was registered at the Indian box office.

The number of 17.50 crores is not bad at all, but considering the scale, names involved, and the film’s reported budget (200 crores), this collection is disappointing.

The failure of Indian 2 has seemingly taken on Kamal Haasan’s pull. Also, the promotional campaign couldn’t generate the hype of an event film. This resulted in an underwhelming advance booking for the opening day, and later, poor reviews and word-of-mouth made things worse for Thug Life.

The biggest plus for the action thriller was the reunion of Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam. This reunion factor helped the film to a certain extent, but that was clearly not enough. When the announcement video was dropped in November 2023, everyone got excited and hoped for a unique experience from Kamal and Mani’s duo. However, until the film’s release, the excitement level wasn’t the same for several reasons.

Thug Life has failed to meet high expectations. Starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, the Kollywood magnum opus promised a lot with its trailer, but unfortunately, the content has left the majority of the audience disappointed. This negativity took a major toll on day 1’s collection at the Indian box office, as it couldn’t even cross the 20 crore mark. K

Aamir Khan and Lokesh Kanagaraj join for Superhero film

 

An announcement that stunned Bollywood and South Entertainment media – Aamir Khan says “Lokesh and I are making a film. This belongs to the superhero genre. It is a big-scale action film and is going on floors in the second half of 2026.” , No media house even remotely got near to this announcement as even us down in Chennai were looking towards Lokesh teaming up with South heroes and there was not even an hint of a colaboaration. he duo worked together for the first time for the upcoming Rajinikanth film Coolie, in which Aamir Khan will have a cameo. We hear superhero film inspired by the classic comic The Steel Claw.

Aamir, who is famous for cinematic landmarks such as Ghajini, 3 Idiots, PK, and Dangal, teaming up with director Lokesh Kanagaraj—known for Kaithi, Master, and Leo—shows a huge new leap into badged genre filmmaking. Lokesh, who has built a fan-favourite cinematic universe in Tamil cinema, is stepping into Hindi cinema with a clear vision of building his own brand of mass storytelling.

The still-untitled superhero/action hybrid film that is in the early stages appears to be conceived as a pan-India spectacle at a scale unlike any of Aamir’s previous projects.

The film, whose title has yet to be revealed, is slated to begin production in the second half of 2026, after Aamir has finished filming Rajkumar Hirani’s biopic of Dadasaheb Phalke.

For now, fans can look forward to seeing Aamir Khan in Sitaare Zameen Par this month. The movie is a remake of the Spanish film Campeones. Aamir Khan plays a disgraced basketball coach who is ordered to train a team of people on the spectrum by the court after he is arrested for drunk driving.

Box Office Worldwide Verdict

Aamir Khan‘s formal entry in the superhero genre does so under Lokesh Kanagaraj, who will bring his own mighty, gritty lens—one of the most exciting gambles to take by an Indian filmmaker in 2026.

PK 2 is off the table, but the announcement of Dadasaheb Phalke, followed by the announcement of a superhero of the epic kind, wraps a well-overdue signal of a new reinvigorated Aamir.

This is not just about stunts or celebrity — it is the ambitions of the narrative that seeks to redraw the legacies of mainstream Indian cinema. And if Sitaare Zameen Par is merely an emotional return, then this superhero film is likely an unlikely spectacular reinvention.

Aamir is back, and he is future ready.

 

Vetrimaran - Andrea film Manushi denied Censor without REASON / Nivin Pauly is BAD GUY

Madras High Court asked how the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) could refuse certification to the Vetrimaaran's film Manushi without mentioning the objectionable scenes, dialogues, music, which is required to be edited before public screening.

The judge has said "Making a movie is a part of the right to speech and expression. As such, the filmmakers are already suffering from a lot of difficulties. You cannot deny certification for an entire movie without specifying the objectionable portions and expect a filmmaker to shoot the entire movie afresh. "

The judge also said that unless the objectionable portions of the movie were given by the CBFC, the producer would be in the dark without knowing which parts of the film were to be edited and with huge monetary loss, as the entire movie had been completed.

Manushi is produced by Vetrimaaran’s Grassroot Film Company. The film also stars actors Nasser, Tamizh, Hakkim Shah, and Balaji Sakthivel.

Renowned musician Ilaiyaraaja has composed the music for the film. The trailer, released by actor Vijay Sethupathi in April 2024, had received acclaim on social media.

In September 2024, the CBFC refused to certify the film, claiming that it portrays the central government in a bad light and features scenes that might confuse or misrepresent an ideology. These objections led to a halt in the film's release, creating discussions around freedom and censorship in Indian cinema.

The makers of Raghava Lawrence's Film Benz have revealed that Malayalam actor Nivin Pauly will play the baddie opposite him in Benz.

The announcement was made with a video which featured Nivin Pauly's character, who is seen standing with a gold hammer which is dripping in blood.

Nivin Pauly is Walter In Lokesh Kanagaraj's Benz

The tweet from the makers read "Meet #Walter, Our very own certified Baddie AKA @nivinofficial". The video sees Walter dressed in chunks of gold jewellery, shiny gold teeth, surrounded by mannequins dressed in sarees. There seems be another Nivin Pauly, who is clad in a simple t-shirt, lungi and devouring a greasy dish. He seems reveal the details of Benz (played by Raghava Lawrence), and Walter promises to kill the man who wears the helmet. The video ends with his saying "Beautiful heart, dirty mind...deadly combo...love you Walter."

About Benz

Raghava Lawrence plays the lead in this action-packed film. Directed by Remo fame Bakkiyaraj Kannan, the film is part of the most-loved Lokesh Kanagaraj Cinematic Universe (LCU).

 

Prabhas next- December 6 - Pawan Kalyan film release in TROUBLE

 Prabhas’ The Raja Saab to Hit Cinemas on 5th December 2025!

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The Wait Ends! Prabhas’ The Raja Saab To Hit Cinemas on 5th December 2025

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Prabhas’ The Raja Saab Locks Its Release Date: Hitting Theatres on 5th December 2025

Teaser Drops on 16th June – Get Ready for a Horror Entertainer Like No Other

The wait is finally over! After months of mounting buzz and speculation, the makers of The Raja Saab have locked in the film’s grand theatrical release: 5th December 2025. Adding fuel to the excitement, the teaser is set to drop on 16th June, giving fans their first thrilling taste of this genre-defying entertainer.

Stepping into uncharted territory, Prabhas headlines The Raja Saab, marking his first full-fledged horror entertainer — a bold move that showcases his ever-evolving journey and fearless approach to storytelling. The first motion poster hinted at a deliciously twisted blend of supernatural elements and old-school charm, instantly grabbing attention across the board.

Directed by Maruthi, known for his unique blend of humour and emotion, The Raja Saab promises a horror film laced with surprising entertainment. Every asset so far — from vibrant posters to intriguing glimpses has left audiences in awe.

Backed by People Media Factory, the film is a visual spectacle, mounted on a grand scale with uncompromising production values. T.G. Vishwa Prasad produces the film, while Karthik Palani handles cinematography, and Thaman S delivers what is expected to be a thunderous, high-impact score.

The cast includes the stunning trio of Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Ridhi Kumar, who add charm, elegance, and freshness to the eerie yet colourful world of The Raja Saab.

As December cements its place as a blockbuster season for Indian cinema, The Raja Saab positions itself as a potential game-changer — a perfect year-end spectacle. Every update so far has only amplified excitement, and with the teaser just days away, the buzz is set to explode once again.

Set for a massive Pan-India release in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam, The Raja Saab isn’t just a film — it’s a full-blown theatrical event that dares to push the envelope.

Prabhas. Supernatural thrills. Romantic chaos. Theatrical spectacle. 5th December 2025 — Enter The Raja Saab’s kingdom, if you dare.

With Kamal Haasan letter to Karnataka Film Chamber after the High Court slamming him for taking the role of a linguist expert and hurting the film personalities and various groups in the State, will the chamber relent is the question. Meanwhile, two Telugu States where Thug Life is to release will face no opposition in theatres . Pawan Kalyan’s Hari Hara Veera Mallu, which has been delayed for almost five years, was all set to be released in theaters this June, but the latest shocking news is that Hari Hara Veera Mallu has been postponed. The team informs us that they are looking for a release in the 2nd week of July, A M Ratnam whose debts from previous outings has resulted in financiers stalling the release. Last minute efforts are on as it is a big blow to Pawan Kalyan’s image and to his fans,

Dhanush slams Nayanthara - Vignesh at Kuberaa audio launch / Thug Life Tamil Nadu- North America opening

 At the Kuberaa audio launch, Dhanush speech aimed at his enimies has termed as the warning to Nayanthara and Vignesh Raja with whom he is fighting a legal battle over copyright issues over a NetFlix documentary.

Dhanush said "Neenga enna summa naalu vadhandhi kelapdi , enna mudichrulamnu nenacha, ungallala oru sengala kooda pudunga mudiyadhu. Konjam Thalli Poi viladunga Raja. " (you have been spreading fake news about me thinking it will end my career, let me just make it clear to you that you can can't event move a brick) The Raja that mentioned is Vignesh Shivan, says fans.

He said "Oru vela saapatuku Vakkilaamaiyum irudhuruken, ippo oru nalla nilamai la um iruken. But I am always happy, Happiness is always inside you, don't search for it outside. I'm lucky to have fans like you, after all this negativity. "

About Kuberaa

The teaser which was released a few days ago gave fans a glimpse of the powerful storyline with strong background music and score adding the drama. The teaser goes into the themes of power and wealth, following the journey of Dhanush’s character, a homeless man from Mumbai’s Dharavi slums who climbs to become a powerful gang leader.

Nagarjuna takes on a, complex role in the film, while Rashmika portrays a woman yearning for more than her simple life. Jim Sarbh stars as a sharp-witted businessman.

The audio launch of director Sekhar Kammula's Kuberaa took place in Chennai on June 1. The event was a star studded affair with Dhanush, Akkineni Nagarjuna and Rashmika Mandanna in attendance.

At 3 PM on June 1, Thug Life‘s Day 1 pre-sales in Tamil Nadu were ₹1.90 crore, with sales of 110,000 tickets, amounting to 985 shows across Tamil Nadu. With anticipation building in the lead-up to its June 5 theatrical release, we expect ticket sales to increase significantly in the last three days. In comparison Leo collected Rs 6,17 crores from Chenai alone.

The Premieres have already crossed $300K and will cross the Million dollar mark at this pace. Thug Life is also likely to cross Ponniyin Selvan’s premiere record of $1.1M becoming the third biggest opener for Kollywood after Kabali and Leo.

Thug Life will be released in five languages — Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada — and will also take on Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull 5 in the Hindi-speaking belt. While both films target different audiences, the box office clash will keep people looking.

Thug Life will open on over 1,800 screens across the country, with Tamil Nadu leading most of the core business. Thug Life is set to release on June 5.

Prithviraj to Direct Hrithiik ? / No Ticket Price Cut for Thug Life

 

The buzz is that Prithviraj of Lucifer0 L 2 Empuran is to direct Hrithik Roshan for Hombale films. It sounded possible as Prithviraj had said that he was to do a film for Hombale films. However Hombale clarifies; No director has been signed yet. Please do not believe in rumors — we will announce all updates of this project officially when it is time,” said the source.

Speaking on the partnership, Vijay Kiragandur, founder of Hombale Films, said:

“Partnering with Hrithik Roshan is an honest step towards accomplishing our goal of making a film where intensity meets imagination in a large-scale sense.”

Hrithik added:

“Hombale has previously been home to unique stories through the years. We are dreaming big and are ready to execute that vision.”

Hombale Films: A Consistent Game-Changer

Hombale Films has changed the course of Indian storytelling and produced consecutive box office monsters such as KGF Chapter 1 & 2, Kantara, and Salaar while embedding their identity in cultural momentum and delivering spectacular visuals. A project with Hrithik is bound to be nothing short of a monumental piece of work.

After Mahesh Narayanan – Salman Khan, Prithviraj- Hrithik is latest talked about combo.

The Entertainment tax cut by Tamil Nadu Government will not be passed on to te movie goers as the 4 % that is got will be shared by Theatres- Distributors and Producer,  The bookings open online show that rates that prevailed before cut are still in force.

Now, with advance bookings officially open nationwide, all eyes are on how fast the tickets will be snapped up and how that pre-release frenzy will reflect in box office collections. The film’s gripping promos and strong word-of-mouth have already made it one of the year’s most awaited theatrical releases.

Featuring a stellar cast that includes Trisha, Silambarasan (Simbu), Abhirami, Nassar, Joju George, and Ashok Selvan in key roles, Thug Life also boasts a powerful musical score by A.R. Rahman. The film is being released in multiple languages, including Telugu, and trade circles are keenly watching to see what kind of opening day records it might set.

According to industry tracker AB George, advance booking reports show a positive trend, with overseas pre-sales crossing $700,000 (approximately ₹6 crores), indicating a strong overseas interest ahead of its global release. The movie is scheduled for a global release on June 5, 2025, and will be available in both regular and IMAX formats. Kerala distribution is managed by Sree Gokulam Movies, while overseas rights are handled by Home Screen.
 The film is a collaborative production between Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and R

Tax Cut to Help Thug Life ? / Malavika song in Sardar 2 - Vaa Vathiyaar delayed ??

 Was Entertainment tax cut by Tamil Nadu Government done to help Thug Life at box office ? This question arises as the film protagonist Kamal Haasan is all set to be Rajya Sabha MP with the backing of ruling party DMK. Yet another impact is that the reduced ticket prices will make it all the more difficult for Thug Life to enter the Rs 100 crore club in a jiffy. Thug Life opening is expected to be a record breaker in Kollywood and by attributing the turnout  to tax cut is probably a pre-emptive way to undermine the record.

Media reports say that it was Kamal Haasan who spoke about ET reduction in FICCI Chennai meet with Udhaynidhi Stalin as one of the participants, that fuelled the cut. The Exhibitors Association had put forth a similar demand. However, the Film Employees Federation of South India (FEFSI) thanked and expressed their gratitude to MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. They also thanked Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and Minister for Tamil Development and Information Thiru MP Saminathan. Kamal name goes missing.

Popular notion is that reduced ticket rates get more footfalls and it can be the case in States where theatres are free to fix ticket prices for first one week of release. It has been seen that big budgeted films with ticket rates as high as Rs 2000 in AP/ TS has backfired after a bad Word of mouth talk has spread. In Tamil Nadu, the new legislation would mean Rs 8 cut and this is not going to bring more crowds. The parking charges, prices of eatables in theatres canteens are costing more than the ticket rates. After a consumer court ruling on selling bottled water at MRP, theatres have instead put water coolers to beat the argument that drinking water has to be provided free and sell bottled water without MRP and say that these bottles are manufactured for sale in theatres only. Popcorn  and other snacks too have no MRP .

Tamil Nadu holding on to strict pricig control of movie tickets is a great help to movie goers. Apart from this the no permission to fan shows that sell tickets at exorbitant rates and screen them at late night hours is a great relief.

As Malavika Mohanan is all set to join Karthi in Bangkok for a special song in Sardar 2, Vaa Vathiyaar film directed by Nalan Kumaraswamy is getting delayed further. The film that started much before Sardar sequel is still lying unfinished as Producer is not able to get 20 days call  sheet from Karthi. As Amazon who bought the OTTare keen that the film Sardar 1 is given in time to schedule releasem the film is given all importance by Karthi.

The Bangkok leg is expected to be power-packed, with high-octane sequences and a special song being shot during this phase. A source close to the development revealed, "Malavika Mohanan is set to fly to Bangkok in the first week of June for the next schedule of Sardar 2 alongside Karthi. The team will also be shooting a special song during this leg of the shoot."

Sardar 2 marks her next collaboration in Tamil after Thangalaan with Vikram ar, and is already being talked about for its gripping plot and scale. But that’s just one piece of the puzzle. Malavika’s growing pan-India appeal is evident in her upcoming lineup, which includes three major films across industries — The Raja Saab with Prabhas in Telugu, Hridayapoorvam with Mohanlal in Malayalam, and Sardar 2 with Karthi in Tamil.