Thug Life: Tamil Nadu movie ticket prices reduced as Karnataka continues its stand on ban on Kamal Haasan’s film
Only a few days are left for the release of the much-awaited Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role. The film features Simbu, Trisha and others as well
Last Updated: 02.54 PM, May 31, 2025
Thug Life is one of the most awaited releases next week. The film, which stars the multi-hyphenated personality in the lead role, marks the reunion of the Papansam actor with filmmaker Mani Ratnam after their iconic film Nayakan. All eyes are set on the reunion and if the duo will once again conjure the magic onscreen. But just ahead of the release of Thug Life, the film’s release has been caught in controversy after Kamal Haasan’s recent statement on the origin of the Kannada language sparked debate in the state, leading to the uncertainty of release in Karnataka. At the same time, Tamil Nadu has slashed the ticket prices, making it even more affordable to visit the cinema halls. How are these going to impact the Kamal Haasan starrer?
Tamil Nadu slashes ticket prices ahead of Thug Life release
On Friday, the government of Tamil Nadu reduced the Local Bodies Entertainment Tax (LBET) almost by half from 8.6% to 4%. Kamal Haasan had appealed to the government, following which the new rule will be brought into implementation with the release of Thug Life. As the industry stakeholders like producers and distributors welcomed the move, it is expected that it will encourage more moviegoers, which in turn will help the industry to thrive. Thug Life, which is scheduled to release on June 5 in theatres, is expected to see a reduction in ticket prices.
Kamal Haasan refuses to apologise for his Kannada comment
While it has been good news in Tamil Nadu, the Kamal Haasan-starrer is facing a ban in Karnataka, courtesy of the comment made by the Gunaa actor about the origin of Kannada. In a recent event, Kamal Haasan had stated that Kannada is born out of Tamil Nadu, which did not sit well with the people of Karnataka.
Several pro-Kannada organisations have taken offence to the statement and demanded that Kamal Haasan apologise for his remarks. The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce had also asked the actor to do the same, failing which would lead to a ban on Thug Life in Karnataka. However, the actor has stated that he stands by his words and will not apologise. With the bookings yet to open in India for Thug Life, it is not known how the release in the state will progress.
Thug Life OTT release
Thug Life is directed by the Roja filmmaker Mani Ratnam and Netflix has bagged the post-theatrical streaming rights. The film will stream eight weeks after its release. With music scored by AR Rahman, the film also stars Simbu, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George and others.