'Thug Life' OTT release: Kamal Haasan confirms 8-week OTT window, calls it a game-changer
'Thug Life' is an upcoming Tamil action drama directed by Mani Ratnam , featuring Kamal Haasan in the lead role as Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar, a complex character caught in the grey zone between crime and justice. Touted as one of the most anticipated films of the year, 'Thug Life' brings together two cinematic legends after a 35-year gap, following their iconic collaboration in 'Nayakan' (1987). With music by AR Rahman and a high-octane storyline, the film promises a gritty, stylish narrative rooted in strong character arcs.
Kamal Haasan advocates for an 8-week gap before streaming release
At a recent promotional event in Mumbai, Kamal Haasan announced a key release strategy: 'Thug Life' will maintain an eight-week theatrical window before premiering on OTT platforms. This marks a significant shift from the now-common four-week model, which has dominated post-pandemic film releases. Kamal Haasan stressed that this decision wasn’t experimental but rather a strategic and necessary step to preserve the value of theatrical releases.
Netflix on board with Kamal Haasan’s plan to support theatrical revenue
Kamal Haasan shared that Netflix, the streaming partner for the film, supported this move without hesitation. “It wasn’t a negotiation — it was a well-thought-out plan,” he said. “We believe this approach will lead to a healthier industry model. We’re glad to be the first to embrace this direction, and hopefully, others will follow.”
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam revisit their lifelong friendship through film
The event also served as a heartfelt reunion between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam. Recalling their early years, Kamal Haasan described their friendship as one rooted in mutual respect for cinema. “We weren’t talking gossip; we were talking films,” he said, reminiscing about their passion-driven journey. Mani Ratnam echoed the sentiment, praising Kamal Haasan’s unwavering dedication and storytelling instincts, qualities that Thug Life is expected to showcase once again.
Kamal Haasan advocates for an 8-week gap before streaming release
At a recent promotional event in Mumbai, Kamal Haasan announced a key release strategy: 'Thug Life' will maintain an eight-week theatrical window before premiering on OTT platforms. This marks a significant shift from the now-common four-week model, which has dominated post-pandemic film releases. Kamal Haasan stressed that this decision wasn’t experimental but rather a strategic and necessary step to preserve the value of theatrical releases.
Netflix on board with Kamal Haasan’s plan to support theatrical revenue
Kamal Haasan shared that Netflix, the streaming partner for the film, supported this move without hesitation. “It wasn’t a negotiation — it was a well-thought-out plan,” he said. “We believe this approach will lead to a healthier industry model. We’re glad to be the first to embrace this direction, and hopefully, others will follow.”
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam revisit their lifelong friendship through film
The event also served as a heartfelt reunion between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam. Recalling their early years, Kamal Haasan described their friendship as one rooted in mutual respect for cinema. “We weren’t talking gossip; we were talking films,” he said, reminiscing about their passion-driven journey. Mani Ratnam echoed the sentiment, praising Kamal Haasan’s unwavering dedication and storytelling instincts, qualities that Thug Life is expected to showcase once again.
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