Mani Ratnam, a colossal name in the world of cinematography and film direction, recently released the film Thug Life with South Indian megastar Kamal Haasan. From the moment the film was announced, audiences and loyal fans of both the director and actor eagerly awaited its release. Even after gathering a lot of public attention and stirring up much controversy, Thug Life did hit theaters across India; however, the film didn't live up to fans' expectations.
Mani Ratnam’s Apology To His Fans
Weeks after the film's release across India, Mani Ratnam put out an apology to his fans for the movie's disappointing performance and for not delivering what he had promised. In a candid interaction with 123 Telugu, the Thug Life director, Mani Ratnam, expressed his regret for not meeting expectations and not delivering a film like Nayakan. He said, "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?" Acknowledging the film's utter failure at the box office, Mani Ratnam further explained that the filmmakers wanted to create something completely different from their usual style, which ultimately led to the film not meeting audience expectations.
What Else Caused The Film To Fail?
The film’s below-par performance at the box office can also be attributed to its delayed release in Karnataka, as Thug Life faced a controversial regional ban after Kamal Haasan’s statement. For the unversed, the film found itself in the middle of a controversy when, at a launch event in Karnataka, Kamal Haasan said, "Kannada was born out of Tamil." This statement from the popular actor triggered a lot of backlash from local fans, and the film's release in Karnataka was opposed by the local film body.
Concerning this, Kamal Haasan moved to the Karnataka High Court. However, when he was asked to apologize for the statement by the High Court, the actor agreed not to release his film in the state. Later, the Supreme Court of India intervened in the matter and allowed the film to be released in Karnataka, but it was too late, as the film had suffered terrible monetary and reputational losses at the box office.
