The highly anticipated Tamil gangster thriller Vaalivu Ulagam (translated as Life of a Gangster) starring Kamal Haasan, Simbu, Trisha, Abhirami, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, and Joju George, officially released on June 5, 2025. Directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote the screenplay with Haasan, the film has quickly become one of the most talked-about movies of the year.
Vaalivu Ulagam marks Kamal Haasan’s 234th film as a lead actor and represents a significant reunion with Mani Ratnam after their landmark 1987 collaboration on Nayakan. The film’s release in multiple Indian languages—including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi—has garnered considerable excitement among audiences nationwide.
However, the film’s launch was not without controversy. Comments made by Kamal Haasan regarding language issues sparked significant debate, resulting in the decision not to release the movie in Karnataka. Despite this, the film received a UA 16+ rating from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), making it accessible to a broad demographic.
Early box office reports from Sacnilk indicate that Vaalivu Ulagam has already amassed approximately ₹115.3 million (around 115 crore INR), suggesting a strong opening. While many viewers praise the powerful performances and the film’s gripping portrayal of the gangster world, reactions on social media remain mixed, reflecting varied opinions on the narrative and themes.
As Vaalivu Ulagam continues its theatrical run across India—except Karnataka—the coming weeks will reveal its lasting impact both commercially and culturally.
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