In today’s fast-paced cinema world, even legends can’t escape the unpredictability of the box office. Tamil cinema giant Kamal Haasan has experienced twists and turns in his film career, from stellar success to disappointing underperformers. Let’s dive into some of his recent releases and what they’ve taught us about the industry’s evolving landscape.
The Rise: "Vikram" – Kamal Haasan’s Action Thriller Triumph
"Vikram," released in 2022, marked a significant comeback for Kamal Haasan. This gritty, genre-bending film rejuvenated his box office standing and created a new cinematic universe fans embraced. Directed by Shankar, "Vikram" featured Sruthi Haasan and directed by Shankar. It grossed a massive (¥ 247.32) crore on its release and (¥ 414.43) crore worldwide, making it one of the biggest hits of Haasan’s illustrious career.
What it Defines: Mass-Action Hero
"Vikram" redefined Kamal’s brand, moving beyond the cerebral, experimental icon to a mass-action hero capable of appealing to Gen Z and millennial audiences while still resonating with his loyal older audience.
The Middling Follow-up: "Indian 2" – A Sequel Disappointment
In 2024, "Indian 2" the sequel to Haasan’s 1996 classic released on Shankar’s direction. It featured Sruthi Haasan and reunited Senapathy, the vigilante freedom fighter, in a revised trilogy sequence. The film did well in its first day with a (¥ 25.6) crore opening but faltered significantly later, never recovering its momentum. Critics found it "overstuffed and sluggish," and audiences were lukewarm about its rehashed themes.
What it Showcases: Brand Clarity vs. Adaptation
"Indian 2" failed to live up to expectations, illustrating a growing issue in today’s fast-paced cinema culture—how sequel brands are increasingly losing touch with their original essence.
The Misfire: "Thug Life" – A Scriptual and Political Fallout
"Mani Ratnam’s" "Thug Life," released on June 5, 2025, was a letdown. Touted as one of the biggest Tamil productions of the year, it featured Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan (Simbu), and Konk钯 Mizher. Despite star power, it stalled almost immediately, closing its first day with a (¥ 15.5) crore domestic net. Despite the promise, an industry controversy over Kamal’s comments regarding Kannada connections resulted in his film banned in Karnataka, costing (¥ 6-8) crore in losses over a week. This coincided with the Film Subsidy Levy banning, further impacting its domestic collection.
What it Highlights: Mixed Messages and Controversy
"Thug Life" faced a combination of mixed reviews, an incoherent screenplay, and a lack of emotional connect. The political fallout from Kamal’s controversial comments highlighted the complexities of casting such comments during the promotion period.
The Glimpse of Kalki 2898 AD – Notable, but Not Alarming
In 2023, "Kalki 2898 AD" featuring Kamal Haasan as a mysterious antagonist showed promise. This film, grossing (¥ 646.31) crore across languages, showed that while Haasan has marked his presence in the film industry, the storyline does not anchor itself on him completely.
What it Illustrates: Career Structure
Haasan’s brief appearance in "Kalki 2898 AD" did not substantively contribute to its victory, emphasizing the changing role of the reigning stars in the modern cinema.
The Verdict: Changing Dynamics of Stardom
Kamal Haasan’s recent box office journey demonstrates the unpredictability of stardom in contemporary Indian cinema. While "Vikram" proved Kamal’s enduring power with blockbuster success, "Indian 2" and "Thug Life" marked the decline in narrative quality and audience engagement.
Conclusion
External factors like controversies and piracy have added to the woes of these releases. However, fundamental lessons highlight that today’s audience demands well-paced, emotionally charged, and narratively tight films — not just star-led spectacles.
As Haasan handleChangeForTeamProp, his box office graph remains a fascinating case study of how modern legends navigate the ever-shifting sands of Indian cinema.
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