Public Pulse: Will Indian 3 Be Just Another Marketing Gimmick?

In today’s hyper-connected film landscape, promotions are no longer just about building excitement—they’re about managing expectations. And that’s where things seem to be going off track for Kamal Haasan.

Before the release of Thug Life, Kamal made bold proclamations—calling it “bigger than Nayakan,” a film that is still revered as one of Indian cinema’s greatest. These statements raised eyebrows, but fans gave him the benefit of the doubt. After all, when legends speak, people listen.

Unfortunately, once Thug Life hit theaters, the response was lukewarm at best. Audiences quickly pointed out the disconnect between Kamal’s promises and the film’s actual impact.

And this isn’t the first time.

Déjà Vu: What Happened with Indian 2

During the promotional run of Indian 2, instead of putting the spotlight on that film, Kamal kept directing attention toward Indian 3, stating it would be the true game-changer in the franchise.

That odd shift in narrative made many wonder:
Was Kamal trying to lower expectations for Indian 2 because he knew it wouldn’t resonate?

After Indian 2 underwhelmed at the box office and in audience reception, fans began viewing these statements not as foresight, but as a calculated strategy to deflect criticism.

Thug Life: A Risk That Didn’t Pay Off

Kamal also claimed Thug Life would be Mani Ratnam’s modern masterpiece, showcasing a new phase in his direction. But post-release reviews told a different story. The film lacked the emotional weight and craftsmanship of Nayakan, leaving fans wondering how such a statement could be made.

Indian 3: Another Victim of Over-Promise?

Now, all eyes are on Indian 3, helmed by Shankar. The film is reportedly completed, but talks of a direct OTT release continue to make the rounds. Many insiders believe that if Thug Life had done well, Indian 3 might have secured a confident theatrical release.

Fans, however, are wary. Burnt twice already—with Indian 2 and Thug Life—they fear that Indian 3 might also be more hype than substance.

More troublingly, the perception is that Kamal is leaning heavily into marketing theatrics, instead of letting the content speak for itself. And in a content-first era, audience trust matters more than celebrity status.

Final Thought:

Kamal Haasan is a legend. But even legends must align their marketing with reality, especially when today’s viewers have instant access to reviews, spoilers, and critiques. With Indian 3, the audience will not only be watching the screen—they’ll be watching the credibility behind it.

Whether Indian 3 redeems this streak or cements it as a trilogy of disappointments—only time (and honest storytelling) will tell.