Kamal Haasan Moves HC For Thug Life Release Amid Kannada Remark Row

In recent years, Indian audiences have developed a strong affinity for thrillers, a trend that has significantly intensified with the rise of OTT platforms. Even now, thrillers continue to be the preferred genre for many viewers, often surpassing big-budget star-studded films in terms of reception and popularity — particularly in the Tamil film industry.

A prime example of this shift is Vijay Antony’s latest release, Maargan. With minimal pre-release hype, the film quietly entered cinemas last week. However, by the evening shows on its opening day, positive word-of-mouth started to spread, leading to a notable pickup in collections over the weekend. Its engaging narrative and crisp runtime played a key role in winning over the audience, both in Tamil and Telugu markets.

Similarly, Naveen Chandra’s Eleven didn’t fare well during its theatrical run, but found a second life after premiering on OTT. It has since garnered widespread appreciation, with many viewers hailing it as one of the best thrillers in recent times. Observers believe that better promotional efforts might have helped the film gain more attention during its theatrical release.

The trend in Tamil cinema is clear — audiences are leaning towards content-rich thrillers over formulaic star vehicles. Films like DNA and Ten Hours have also enjoyed a warm reception, in contrast to big-budget disappointments such as Retro, Thug Life, and Vidaamuyarchi. What sets these thrillers apart is not just their modest budgets, but also their rooted storytelling — many are inspired by real-life events, making them more relatable and gripping.

As of now, industry insiders report that nearly 20 thrillers are in various stages of production in Kollywood, underscoring the current demand. It remains to be seen how long this trend will sustain, but for now, the message is loud and clear — content is king, and thrillers are ruling the throne.