Kamal Haasan's Thug Life Embodies the Essence of Thug Life
The film's worldwide release, except in Karnataka, has sparked intense interest and debate among fans and critics alike. As the controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan's statement continues to unfold, the film's success will likely be closely watched and analyzed in the coming weeks.
Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life, directed by acclaimed director Mani Ratnam, has been released worldwide, except in Karnataka, due to a controversy surrounding Haasan's remark about the Kannada language. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan TR, Joju George, and Ashok Selvan, and has a budget of Rs 300 crore.
The film's cast has reportedly been paid hefty fees for their roles, with Trisha Krishnan earning Rs 12 crores and Silambarasan TR earning Rs 40 crores. Ashok Selvan and Joju George have each been paid Rs 1 crore, while Abhirami has charged Rs 50 lakh. Notably, Kamal Haasan has chosen not to take any fees for the film and will instead take a share of the profits.
The controversy surrounding the film's release in Karnataka stems from Kamal Haasan's statement that "Kannada is born out of Tamil". The Karnataka High Court had suggested that Haasan apologize for his statement, but he refused, arguing that an apology is only necessary when there is malice. The court expressed skepticism over Haasan's explanation, questioning his intentions and citing concerns about potential unrest.
Despite the controversy, Kamal Haasan has praised director Mani Ratnam, saying he has become a "Gnani" or an enlightened person in cinema. Haasan has credited Ratnam with showcasing excellence in his work and has expressed gratitude to the state of Tamil Nadu for its support. The film's co-producers, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, have also chosen not to take separate fees for their work on the film.
The release of Thug Life has been highly anticipated, and the film's success will likely depend on its reception in the states where it has been released. With its star-studded cast and acclaimed director, the film is expected to perform well at the box office.