Chennai, India – June 16, 2025 – The Tamil film industry, popularly known as Kollywood, continues to make waves with a mix of box office performances, controversies, and upcoming releases capturing attention today. Below is a roundup of the latest developments shaping the industry.
Box Office Struggles for Thug Life
Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated gangster action drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is facing challenges at the box office. Released on June 5, 2025, the film has grossed over ₹60 crore worldwide by its third day but is struggling to maintain momentum. As of June 13, the film recorded a Tamil occupancy rate of 17.43% on its ninth day, with collections estimated at ₹44 crore India net. Despite its star-studded cast, including Trisha Krishnan, T.R. Silambarasan, and Ali Fazal, negative reviews have impacted its performance, making it the seventh highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025. Industry analysts note that Thug Life is now aiming to surpass Veera Dheera Sooran to claim the sixth spot in the year’s top Kollywood grossers.
Paid Reviews Controversy Sparks Debate
A heated discussion has erupted in Kollywood following allegations that some Tamil film critics are demanding exorbitant fees to review medium-budget films. The issue gained traction after a televised debate went viral, pitting online reviewers against critics of the practice. Director Arvindh Srinivasan revealed that a reviewer demanded payment to review his films Dejavu and Tharunam, prompting him to bypass the critic. Social media platforms are abuzz with fans expressing distrust in movie reviews, fearing that paid promotions are overshadowing genuine critique and affecting the visibility and box office performance of quality films. Some reviewers have denied the existence of paid review campaigns, claiming only paid promotions by Instagram influencers occur. The controversy has raised concerns about transparency and authenticity in Kollywood’s review ecosystem.
Vijay Sethupathi’s Ace Streams on OTT
Vijay Sethupathi’s romantic crime comedy Ace has transitioned to OTT platforms after a brief theatrical run. The film, which follows the story of Kannan, began streaming on Amazon Prime Video on June 15, 2025. The move has generated buzz among fans, offering wider accessibility to Sethupathi’s latest project, which blends humor with crime elements.
Kollywood Mourns Ahmedabad Plane Crash
The Kollywood fraternity continues to express grief over the tragic Air India flight crash from Ahmedabad to London. Celebrities such as Jayam Ravi, Vishnu Vishal, and Simran have taken to social media to share their condolences and prayers for the affected families. The industry’s response reflects its solidarity with the nation during this somber moment.
Upcoming Releases and Teasers Generate Excitement
Social media posts on X indicate significant anticipation for upcoming Kollywood projects. Fans are eagerly awaiting a teaser for Suriya45 on June 20, a Jailer2 update on June 21, and a glimpse of JanaNayagan for Thalapathy Vijay’s birthday on June 22. Additionally, Rajinikanth’s Coolie is reportedly securing record-breaking overseas theatrical rights, underscoring the superstar’s enduring appeal after five decades in the industry. These updates are set to keep Kollywood in the spotlight in the coming weeks.
Kamal Haasan’s Political Milestone
In a significant development bridging cinema and politics, Kamal Haasan has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, becoming the eighth Tamil actor to transition from the silver screen to the Upper House of Parliament. This milestone highlights the growing influence of Kollywood stars in Indian politics.
Looking Ahead
Kollywood remains a dynamic hub of creativity and controversy, with its films and personalities continuing to shape cultural and social narratives. As debates over reviews and box office performances unfold, the industry’s upcoming releases and OTT expansions promise to keep audiences engaged both in India and globally.
