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Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life finds unexpected buzz amid Karnataka ban

Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life may lose revenue in Karnataka, but the controversy surrounding the film has significantly raised its national profile and box office potential.

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Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and scored by A.R. Rahman, is all set for its nationwide release on Thursday, June 5 — except in Karnataka. The ban in the southern state, due to an unresolved legal controversy, may result in an estimated Rs12 crore loss for the producers. However, trade experts believe the buzz generated by the controversy could outweigh the regional setback.

A Rs12 crore loss, but Rs50 crore worth visibility?

Before the controversy, Thug Life had minimal public awareness. But ever since the dispute emerged, the film has consistently dominated news cycles and social media chatter. Analysts note that while the Karnataka release loss may be financially inconvenient, it has effectively functioned as a high-impact marketing campaign without the usual advertising spend.

Promotional campaigns for big-budget films often consume Rs30–50 crore, with no guaranteed returns. In this context, Thug Life’s controversy has provided organic publicity that might be valued higher than the Rs7–12 crore expected loss from Karnataka.

Film trade analyst Girish Wankhede said the Karnataka loss should be seen as part of the promotional investment, as the controversy has turned the spotlight on the film. “Now everyone knows Kamal Haasan is starring in a film directed by Mani Ratnam with music by A.R. Rahman. Before this, barely anyone was talking about it,” he added.

Advance bookings suggest strong box office opening

Despite the regional release restriction, the film is witnessing strong demand across markets. Distributor Raj Bansal noted that advance bookings across languages have already surpassed Rs10 crore, with Rs65 lakh coming from the Hindi belt alone. The numbers are expected to rise further in the lead-up to the release.

Kamal Haasan, whose last outing Indian 2 failed at the box office, will be looking to reclaim his commercial appeal with Thug Life. His previous success, Vikram, grossed over Rs414 crore worldwide and set a high benchmark for his action films.

Final verdict awaits box office performance

As the legal matter remains under judicial review, all eyes are on how the controversy will impact Thug Life’s opening weekend. While the absence from Karnataka limits regional revenue, national — and possibly international — anticipation has sharply risen.

Whether the marketing value of controversy converts into long-term success will be clearer after its theatrical run begins outside Karnataka.

Entertainment

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for Welcome and Hera Pheri, dies at 56

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, known for his memorable supporting role in Welcome, has died at 56.

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Mushtaq Khan

Veteran actor Mushtaq Khan, who appeared in several Hindi films and was particularly remembered for his role in the 2007 comedy Welcome, has died at the age of 56.

Khan was known for playing supporting characters across Hindi cinema and had worked in films spanning several decades. His role as Balu in Welcome remains among his best-known performances.

Mushtaq Khan’s film career

Mushtaq Khan appeared in a wide range of films during his career. His filmography included Aashiqui, Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke, Gopi Kishan, Krantiveer, Raja, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Jodi No. 1 and Hera Pheri.

He also featured in more recent films including Stree 2, Gadar 2, Baby John, Dhoom Dhaam and Jaat. His filmography lists acting work continuing into 2026.

In Welcome, Khan played Balu, a supporting character in the comedy starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor and other prominent actors.

Khan’s career also included television work, with his credits spanning a wide range of acting roles over the years.

Mushtaq Khan dies at 56

The actor’s death was reported on September 24, 2026. Reports said Khan had been undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with liver cancer and had been hospitalised for around 15 days. Further details surrounding his death were awaited in the initial reports.

Mushtaq Khan was 56. IMDb lists his date of birth as December 31, 1969.

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcome baby girl, their second child

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the birth on Instagram.

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Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have welcomed their second child, a baby girl. The couple announced the arrival of their daughter on Instagram on Saturday through a post featuring a baby’s footprint.

The newborn is the couple’s second daughter. Deepika and Ranveer became parents for the first time in September 2024, when they welcomed their daughter Dua.

The couple has not announced the name of their newborn daughter in the post.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s last spotting

Just a day before the announcement, Deepika Padukone visited Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple with Ranveer Singh and his parents.

Deepika was seen wearing an orange and purple kurta set, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white trousers. The visit came as the couple awaited the arrival of their second child.

Interestingly, the couple had also visited Siddhivinayak Temple in September 2024, shortly before the birth of their first daughter Dua.

Deepika and Ranveer’s family

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy. Their wedding featured ceremonies reflecting their Konkani and Sindhi backgrounds.

The couple’s relationship began while working together on Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013. They later got engaged in 2015 and welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024.

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Drishyam 3 trailer: Ajay Devgn faces triple threat from Tabu, Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj

Drishyam: The Conclusion trailer brings back Ajay Devgn and Tabu, while Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the franchise in new roles.

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Drishyam 3 trailer

The trailer of Drishyam: The Conclusion, the third instalment of the Ajay Devgn-led franchise, has been released, bringing Vijay Salgaonkar back for what is billed as the final chapter of the story.

Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay, while Tabu reprises her role as Meera Deshmukh. The latest chapter also introduces Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj in new roles, creating fresh challenges for Vijay and his carefully planned attempts to protect his family.

Ajay Devgn faces new challenges

The trailer continues the story of Vijay Salgaonkar, a family man who has repeatedly relied on his intelligence to protect his family from the law.

This time, Vijay faces Tabu’s Meera Deshmukh along with two new adversaries. Jaideep Ahlawat plays an SP from the Crime Branch, while Prakash Raj appears as a lawyer. The two characters add another layer to the investigation surrounding Vijay and the events of the previous films.

The trailer suggests that Vijay’s earlier strategy may face its toughest test yet as the investigation moves forward and pressure mounts on his family.

Tabu returns as Meera Deshmukh

Tabu is back as Meera Deshmukh, continuing a character that has remained closely connected to Vijay’s story since the earlier films.

Shriya Saran also returns to the franchise, reprising her role from the previous instalments.

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj join the cast

Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj are among the key additions to the cast of the third film.

Ahlawat plays an SP in the Crime Branch, bringing a new investigating officer into Vijay’s path. Prakash Raj plays a lawyer, adding another significant character to the conflict surrounding the case.

Drishyam The Conclusion release date

Drishyam: The Conclusion is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on October 2, 2026.

The trailer sets up another battle of wits for Vijay Salgaonkar, with the final outcome of his long-running struggle with the law expected to form the central conflict of the concluding chapter.

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