June 2025 is poised to be an exhilarating month for Indian cinema enthusiasts, with two highly anticipated films ready to grace the big screens. On one hand, audiences eagerly await Kamal Haasan’s stylish action thriller, Thug Life, directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam. On the other, Power Star Pawan Kalyan’s ambitious period epic, Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit, helmed by Krish Jagarlamudi and A.M. Jyothi Krishna, is also gearing up for a massive theatrical release.
Both films have already generated tremendous buzz with their aggressive promotional campaigns, stunning visuals, and the devoted fan bases of their respective lead stars. Recognizing their pan-India appeal, both Thug Life and Hari Hara Veera Mallu are confirmed for wide releases in multiple languages, including Hindi. However, this expansive release strategy comes with a notable caveat for Hindi-speaking OTT audiences, impacting their digital viewing timelines.
As per established multiplex chain regulations in North India, Hindi-language films released in major theaters are mandated to maintain a minimum 8-week theatrical window before becoming available on digital platforms. This means that unlike some regional films that quickly transition to OTT within weeks, the Hindi versions of Thug Life and Hari Hara Veera Mallu will not make their digital debut in the first month following their theatrical release, which might come as a slight disappointment for fans hoping for an earlier streaming option.
The theatrical release dates are set: Thug Life will hit cinemas on June 5, 2025, while Hari Hara Veera Mallu is scheduled for its grand premiere on June 12, 2025. While the OTT rights have been secured (Netflix for Thug Life and Amazon Prime Video for Hari Hara Veera Mallu), their digital premieres, particularly for the Hindi versions, will only occur after the mandatory 8-week theatrical run, likely in August 2025. This adherence to the theatrical window may test the patience of some viewers, but it underscores the industry’s commitment to prioritizing the big-screen experience.