“We Are Sorry”: Mani Ratnam Reflects on Thug Life Flop
Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has broken his silence following the disappointing performance of Thug Life, his much-hyped collaboration with Kamal Haasan. The director, who reunited with Haasan nearly four decades after their landmark film Nayakan, has offered a candid apology to fans who were expecting cinematic magic from the duo once again.
“For those who were expecting another Nayakan from the two of us, all I can say is we are sorry. It was never our intention to go back. Why should we? We wanted to do something completely different. I think more than over‑expectation, it was another expectation. The audience expected something far removed from what we delivered,” said Ratnam in a heartfelt interview, acknowledging the film’s disconnect with viewers.
Box Office Disappointment
Released on June 5, Thug Life opened with promise, pulling in ₹38 crore on its first day. However, the momentum quickly faded. Total global collections have stalled between ₹85 and ₹89 crore, falling drastically short of the estimated ₹200–300 crore budget. With high production costs and marketing spend, analysts believe the film may result in over ₹100 crore in losses.
Critics pointed to an uneven screenplay and a lack of emotional depth, especially in the second half. Audiences, meanwhile, expected a return to the gritty realism and emotional gravitas that defined earlier Ratnam-Haasan masterpieces. Instead, they were met with an experimental and stylized narrative that failed to connect.
Kamal Haasan’s Silence
Insiders close to Kamal Haasan suggest the film’s abrupt rejection came as a shock. The iconic actor, who had invested both emotionally and professionally in the project, is said to be taking time to reflect before signing on to any new ventures. While there has been no official announcement, sources indicate that Haasan may step back briefly from future commitments.
What’s Next for Ratnam?
Despite the setback, Mani Ratnam is already focused on his next script. Known for his resilience and ability to reinvent, Ratnam has previously bounced back from failures with acclaimed hits like Roja, Bombay, Guru, and more recently Ponniyin Selvan. His drive to experiment and evolve remains undeterred.
Ratnam’s response to the Thug Life debacle underscores his commitment to pushing creative boundaries, even when outcomes fall short. His fans, though disappointed, are now looking forward to what the master storyteller will craft next.
