
Just a few days ahead of the release of Thug Life, Kamal Haasan’s highly anticipated film with Mani Ratnam, the actor’s 2022 hit film Vikram, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj is now creating a significant buzz in Japan with its theatrical release, drawing large crowds and positive responses upon its debut.
The actioner, starring Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil in lead roles, was released on May 30th across 54 screens in the country. Vikram is currently on its way to set a new record for the biggest-ever opening for a non-Japanese film in Japan, grossing over Rs 50 lakh in just three days.
Originally released in 2022, the Japanese release coincided with the film's third anniversary. Vikram was distributed by Twin Co. Ltd, a leading distributor of Indian films in Japan known for bringing major titles like Baahubali, RRR, Devara, and Jawan to screens in the country.
Vikram was the second installment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe and a spiritual successor to the 1986 film of the same name. It also stars Narain, Kalidas Jayaram, Gayathrie, Chemban Vinod Jose, Santhana Bharathi and Elango Kumaravel in supporting roles. Critically and commercially well-received, Vikram earned over Rs 500 crore worldwide.
Meanwhile, Thug Life, which marks Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan's reunion after 38 years, is getting a worldwide release on Friday. Even as tensions rise over the film's ban in Karnataka following the actor's remarks, fans and audiences across the state remain hopeful for a smooth release. Despite the ongoing ban, Kamal Haasan's clarification on Tuesday has sparked anticipation, but it remains to be seen whether the film will ultimately release in Karnataka.
The film's extended ensemble cast comprises Trisha, Silambarasan, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, Joju George, Mahesh Manjrekar, Tanikella Bharani, Vadivukkarasi, Chinni Jayanth, Vaiyapuri, Bagavathi Perumal, Baburaj, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, Arjun Chidambaram, Chetan, and Rajashri Deshpande.
The technical crew of Thug Life features cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, music director AR Rahman, editor Sreekar Prasad and action directors Anbariv.