Thug Life on OTT: Tentative release date of Kamal Haasan-Silambarasan film is here

The much-hyped reunion of director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan, Thug Life, released in theatres on June 5, 2025, except in Karnataka, where it was banned following a controversial statement he had made during its promotions. The film, which also starred Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, among many others, was a colossal box office failure, though. The film’s digital streaming rights had been in place well before the theatrical outing, with Netflix announcing it as part of its 2025 bouquet in January this year.

Thug Life to drop on OTT on or before 30-day mark

The initial deal was said to be for an 8-week window, but since the film fizzled out at the box office that has been renegotiated. The Thug Life team is apparently getting a substantially lower amount from Netflix (down to Rs 110 cr from Rs 130 cr), and has been fined Rs 25 lakh by the National Multiplex Association for not sticking to the plan. According to the latest reports, Thug Life is following films like Retro and heading to OTT within a month. As such, the film is expected to drop on Netflix on July 4, 2025.

Several industry trackers have reported this possible OTT launch date, given that the film is nearing the end of its theatrical run and is not being brought to theatres in Karnataka, even though the ban was lifted, when Kamal won the case in the Supreme Court. The Karnataka distributor, though, refused to release the film weeks later, citing its box office failure, owing to which he would not have any return on his investment.

Also read: Thug Life movie review: Kamal Haasan and Simbu shine in this contrived and emotionally hollow gangster saga by Mani Ratnam 

Thug Life, meanwhile, was a mafia tale, with Kamal’s aging gangster Rangaraya Saktivel seeking revenge against those who wronged him, including his own flesh and blood. The film was panned for its wafer-thin, predictable and done-to-death storyline. Interestingly, the film’s writing credits are shared by Mani Ratnam and Kamal, with both also serving as producers.