After months of hype and sky-high expectations, the much-anticipated Tamil film “Thug Life,” directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, was released on June 5, 2025. The film created enormous excitement because of the legendary reunion of Kamal and Mani Ratnam—an actor-director pair that collaborated for the last time in the classic Nayakan almost 40 years ago.
The film is striking in its visuals, performances, and ambition, but ultimately does not meet the high expectations established by the legacy of its creators. This is a thorough examination of Thug Life, which looks at its merits and faults as well as its general effect on cinema.
A Star-Studded Team with Legendary Chemistry
Thug Life revolves around the magnetic figure of Kamal Haasan, a true gem among Indian actors. He began working with Mani Ratnam on the 1987 film Nayakan, which transformed Tamil cinema. Thug Life tries to recapture that magic by combining gritty realism with epic storytelling.
Alongside the main actors, Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan (Simbu), and Ali Fazal round out the cast, while the score is crafted by the legendary A.R. Rahman. The cast and crew of this film look like the ideal dream team on paper.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
In Thug Life, Kamal Haasan portrays an underworld don who maneuvers through a complex web of betrayal, political intrigue, and revenge. The narrative unfolds in a made-up city beset by gang conflicts, corruption, and ethical decline. Kamal’s character emerges from the ashes, quite literally, to confront those who have wronged him, battling for survival and justice alike.
The film attempts to provide a nuanced character study intertwined with a crime thriller, but it frequently loses its focus and wanders into convoluted subplots that are difficult to understand.
Kamal Haasan’s Commanding Performance
Kamal Haasan’s performance is undoubtedly the one reason to watch Thug Life. Even at the age of 70, the actor demonstrates once more why he is deemed a legend. Kamal’s magnetic presence dominates every frame, from powerful monologues to intense action sequences.
He portrays a man whose circumstances have shattered him, whose character has been shaped by suffering, and who is motivated by vengeance. His body language, expressions, and way of delivering dialogue are all excellent, reminding us of his cinematic brilliance.
Mani Ratnam’s Direction: Ambitious but Flawed
Mani Ratnam is recognized for his talent in seamlessly merging art and commerce. In Thug Life, though, his direction seems unfocused. The initial setup is captivating and rich with emotional intensity, but the screenplay gradually loses consistency. The pace slows down in the latter half, and the climax seems hurried and lacks impact.
Although his use of symbolism and visual storytelling continues to impress, the emotional core that Mani Ratnam typically incorporates into his characters is absent here.
Stunning Visuals and Technical Excellence
The cinematography is one of the film’s strongest aspects. The film, captured by Ravi Varman, features breathtaking visuals—from streets drenched in rain to action scenes depicted in slow motion. The essence of a chaotic urban underworld is captured by the gritty and immersive set design.
In the first half, Sreekar Prasad’s editing is crisp, but in the latter half it feels choppy and disjointed. The choreography for the action is stylized and brutal, with its basis in realism, steering clear of excessive gimmicks.
Music and Background Score: A Mixed Bag
When A.R. Rahman collaborates with Mani Ratnam, fans anticipate something magical. Sadly, the music in Thug Life doesn’t meet those expectations. Although some background themes are appropriate, the songs seem contrived and disturb the narrative flow.
It feels forced to place songs at emotionally climactic moments, and even though Rahman is a genius, the soundtrack is not memorable.
Writing and Screenplay: The Biggest Downfall
Thug Life’s screenplay and writing are its most significant problems. The main concept is interesting, but the execution has issues. The dialogues lack the impact that Mani Ratnam is known for, and character arcs feel underdeveloped.
By attempting to address too many themes—redemption, crime, politics, betrayal—the film only lightly touches on each without delving into them. Subplots with secondary characters distract from the narrative and lessen its emotional effect.
Social Commentary and Themes
By tackling problems such as systemic corruption, class divide, and political exploitation, the film endeavors to reflect society. The character played by Kamal Haasan symbolizes the average person who will not submit to oppression.
The film’s inconsistent storytelling, however, complicates the messaging. Though it had the potential to be a potent commentary, it ultimately comes across as unclear and contradictory.
Box Office and Audience Response
Thug Life, despite receiving a mix of reviews, had a solid debut at the box office, raking in ₹17 crore on its first day. Theatres were packed with Kamal Haasan fans, and advance reservations were completely filled in the major cities of Tamil Nadu.
Nonetheless, the film’s performance in Karnataka was impacted by a temporary ban, reportedly because of controversial language used in the film. Opinions on social media were split, with some lauding the film’s ambition and others condemning it as an unsuccessful experiment.
What Worked in Thug Life
- Kamal Haasan’s performance is top-notch and commands respect.
- Cinematography and visual style are breathtaking.
- Action sequences are realistic and engaging.
- Mani Ratnam’s direction shows flashes of brilliance in parts.
What Didn’t Work
- Weak screenplay that loses grip in the second half.
- Underwhelming music from A.R. Rahman.
- Unconvincing character arcs and lack of emotional depth.
- Climax feels rushed and fails to deliver a satisfying payoff.
Final Verdict
Thug Life is a movie that possessed all the essential components—iconic actors, groundbreaking direction, outstanding visuals, and powerful themes. But at some point on the journey, it loses its essence. Kamal Haasan provides a masterclass in acting, but the film does not establish an emotional connection with the audience.
The effort by Mani Ratnam to blend crime, drama, and social commentary is ambitious but fails to land effectively. The film is watchable, particularly for fans of Kamal and those who appreciate artistic cinema, but don’t expect it to replicate the legacy of Nayakan.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
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