From the grandeur of iconic dialogues to the depths of experimental cinema, Kamal Haasan is a name that has ruled Indian cinema for over five decades. His acting prowess is beyond genres, and his contribution to cinema—whether as an actor, director, writer, or producer—has carved out a legacy very few can parallel.
But with legacy comes scrutiny.
In recent years, Kamal Haasan’s choices have intrigued fans, critics, and the box office alike. While some films crashed despite high expectations, others redefined the word “comeback.” As we stand at the gates of his upcoming project ‘Thug Life’, let’s take a closer look at the rollercoaster ride of his last 6 box office outings and what they mean for his future.
📊 Kamal Haasan’s Last 6 Films at the Box Office
1. Indian 2 – ₹153.30 Crores (Flop)
Despite massive expectations and the return of Senapathy, ‘Indian 2’ failed to strike a chord with the masses. With a box office collection of ₹153.30 Cr, it underperformed significantly given the hype, budget, and the legacy of its predecessor.
What went wrong?
- Overhyped visuals with underwhelming execution
- Disconnect with today’s youth
- Lack of emotional depth that ‘Indian’ (1996) had
Still, the buzz it generated was proof of Kamal Haasan’s cult following.
2. Kalki 2898 AD – ₹1100.00 Crores (Blockbuster)
This was the game changer.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ brought together futuristic sci-fi, VFX marvels, and a mythological twist. Kamal’s cameo as the mysterious villain was short but powerful, giving a strong hint that he’s now embracing the pan-India wave. With ₹1100 Cr at the box office, it smashed records and expectations.
Why it worked:
- Pan-India star cast (Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika)
- Cutting-edge visuals and storytelling
- Teasing Kamal’s major role in the sequel
This film restored his mass appeal among Gen Z and millennials.
3. Vikram – ₹430.60 Crores (Blockbuster)
Now this is what a “mass comeback” looks like.
‘Vikram’ was a gritty action thriller that brought Kamal Haasan back in his best form. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, it was smart, intense, and elevated Kamal’s action avatar.
Impact:
- Revived his “mass hero” image
- Set up the Lokesh Cinematic Universe
- Crossed ₹400 Cr and became one of the highest-grossing Tamil films ever
From the action sequences to Anirudh’s background score, everything screamed blockbuster.
4. Vishwaroopam 2 – ₹50.00 Crores (Flop)
The much-awaited sequel to the spy thriller ‘Vishwaroopam’ was a letdown.
While the original was layered and stylish, the sequel failed to continue the pace or intrigue. Despite a decent ₹50 Cr collection, it was considered a flop because of high production costs and dull storytelling.
Issues:
- Messy screenplay
- Flat narrative
- Delayed release and low promotions
A missed opportunity in the espionage genre.
5. Thoongaa Vanam – ₹50.00 Crores (Average)
This thriller had potential but remained average at the box office. Kamal’s performance was tight, but the film lacked the punch to become a hit.
It wasn’t a disaster, but definitely not a memorable outing in his filmography.
Quick Take:
- Low-key thriller
- Average music, limited emotional investment
- Couldn’t attract mass viewers
6. Papanasam – ₹50.00 Crores (Super-Hit)
This Tamil remake of Drishyam is still loved by many.
Kamal Haasan’s role as a protective father was emotionally rich and realistic. While the film didn’t rake in massive numbers, its impact was strong, and it was declared a Super-Hit.
Why it clicked:
- Simple, effective storytelling
- Powerful performance
- Relatable and grounded screenplay
It reminded the audience of Kamal’s versatility.
🔥 What’s Next? All Eyes on ‘Thug Life’
Now comes the biggest question: Will ‘Thug Life’ be a Flop, Hit, or Blockbuster?
Directed by Mani Ratnam, this film marks the return of the iconic Kamal-Mani duo after classics like ‘Nayagan’. The first look is intense, the casting is elite, and fans are already calling it the next ‘mass classic’.
What We Know So Far:
- Dark, intense crime drama
- Massive scale production
- Potential to be part of another cinematic universe
The expectations are sky high, especially after ‘Vikram’ and ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. If done right, ‘Thug Life’ could be Kamal Haasan’s most defining film of this decade.
🎬 Kamal’s Box Office Graph: A Summary
| Movie | Verdict | Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Indian 2 | Flop | ₹153.30 Cr |
| Kalki 2898 AD | Blockbuster | ₹1100.00 Cr |
| Vikram | Blockbuster | ₹430.60 Cr |
| Vishwaroopam 2 | Flop | ₹50.00 Cr |
| Thoongaa Vanam | Average | ₹50.00 Cr |
| Papanasam | Super-Hit | ₹50.00 Cr |
✨ Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Kamal Haasan
Kamal Haasan is not just an actor. He’s a living institution in Indian cinema. Even when his films don’t perform, they start conversations. His fearless choices, be it in terms of scripts or roles, make him stand apart.
The box office has been a mixed bag for him lately, but the resurgence is real, and with upcoming films like ‘Thug Life’, the legend seems ready to rule again.
As fans, we’re not just waiting for numbers anymore. We’re waiting for moments. And Kamal Haasan still has plenty to give.
