The OTT giant bought the digital streaming rights for the Mani Ratnam film for around ₹150 crore, creating a history in Tamil cinema.
Published Sep 21, 2024 | 2:22 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 24, 2024 | 2:03 PM
Team 'Thug Life' wrapped up the shooting schedule recently. (X)
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam have set a new benchmark in the Tamil film industry by striking a record-breaking deal for the OTT rights for their highly anticipated film, Thug Life.
According to a report in Deccan Herald, the digital streaming rights for the film have been sold for an unprecedented ₹149.7 crore. This makes it the largest-ever OTT deal in the history of Tamil cinema.
Netflix acquired the OTT rights for Thug Life by shattering the previous records in Kollywood. This monumental deal surpasses other high-profile digital rights agreements, including Suriya’s Kanguva (₹100 crore), Ajith’s Good Bad Ugly (₹95 crore), and Vijay’s GOAT (₹110 crore).
In a telephonic conversation with Deccan Herald, film distributor Kartik Ravivarma confirmed the OTT deal, saying, “Yes, the deal has been struck. Netflix has purchased the rights for Mani Ratnam’s masterpiece for a remarkable ₹149.7 crore. This marks one of the highest deals for Tamil movies.”
He further added, “After Vikram, Kamal Haasan’s business has experienced significant growth, while Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan series (2022 & 2023) has been well-received by audiences. Their reunion created a buzz, and as the film approaches its release, the business deals have soared, setting new benchmarks for Tamil cinema.”
The most-awaited movie wrapped up its shooting recently and is slated for a summer 2025 release. The enormous price tag attached to the OTT rights reflects the growing anticipation for Thug Life.
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Thug Life marks the first collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam in over two decades, following the iconic success of Nayakan (1987).
An action drama co-written by Kamal Haasan, it is jointly produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies.
It is expected to span three distinct time periods. Kamal Haasan portrays multiple characters in it.
The movie boasts a stellar cast, including Silambarasan, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Ashok Selvan, Pankaj Tripathi, Nassar, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami Gopikumar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jisshu Sengupta, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, and Vaiyapuri.
With music composed by AR Rahman and cinematography handled by Ravi K Chandran, the flick promises to be a cinematic spectacle.
It was formally announced on Kamal Haasan’s birthday in 2023 and has since piqued the curiosity of fans and industry insiders alike.
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
(Updated with the latest info.)
