Thug Life Movie Review: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s Ambitious Gangster Drama – Hit or Miss?
Indian cinema has witnessed many iconic collaborations, but few have excited audiences as much as the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam in Thug Life. Released on June 5, 2025, this much-anticipated Tamil-language gangster drama brought back the master duo after decades. Featuring a star-studded cast including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and others, Thug Life promised to be a cinematic spectacle. But does it live up to the expectations?
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the movie’s story, performances, direction, music, cinematography, box office performance, and social media reactions. This review is crafted for movie lovers, SEO readers, and those curious about the latest trending Tamil film. Let's dive in.
Thug Life Movie Overview
Title: Thug Life
Language: Tamil (Dubbed in Telugu and Hindi)
Genre: Action / Gangster Drama
Director: Mani Ratnam
Lead Actor: Kamal Haasan
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Runtime: Approx. 160 minutes
Music: A.R. Rahman
Production Companies: Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies
Plot Summary: A Tale of Crime, Power, and Redemption
Thug Life centers around Rangaraya Sakthiraju (Kamal Haasan), a legendary gangster who rules the underworld of Delhi alongside his rival-turned-ally Manickam (Nassar). During a violent confrontation, Rangaraya adopts a young orphaned boy named Amaran (played by Silambarasan TR) after saving his life. As Amaran grows under Rangaraya’s guidance, he becomes a fierce gangster in his own right, earning the title “The Prince of Delhi.”
However, internal conflicts begin to brew as Amaran starts questioning Rangaraya's morality and leadership. The film’s second half transforms into a gritty emotional battle between mentor and disciple, loyalty and betrayal, father figure and adopted son.
The film showcases:
A complex father-son dynamic
Shifting power equations
Gang rivalries across Delhi
Betrayals from unexpected allies
A poignant climax filled with action and emotion
Kamal Haasan’s Powerful Return to Mass Cinema
Kamal Haasan, known for his versatility, returns in full form as the feared yet philosophical gangster Rangaraya Sakthiraju. His portrayal is layered, charismatic, and intense. From powerful monologues to deadly confrontations, Kamal steals every frame he appears in.
His look, inspired by both traditional Tamil warriors and modern dons, has become a trending topic. Despite some criticisms that his character's arc feels a bit exaggerated in parts, most agree that this is one of Kamal’s boldest and most memorable roles in recent years.
Silambarasan TR Shines as Amaran
Silambarasan TR (STR) delivers a strong performance as Amaran. His transformation from a young street kid to a ruthless gangster is handled with conviction. STR matches Kamal’s screen presence, especially in scenes where the two share emotional and ideological confrontations.
His fight sequences, emotional breakdowns, and dialogues have resonated with fans, especially on social media. For many, Thug Life marks STR's most mature and powerful performance yet.
Supporting Cast Review
Trisha Krishnan
Unfortunately, Trisha’s role as a political fixer and love interest feels underwritten. Despite her strong presence, the script doesn’t give her enough to showcase her talents.
Joju George
Joju George plays a corrupt cop-turned-kingmaker with finesse. His unpredictable role adds tension and intrigue to the narrative.
Aishwarya Lekshmi
She plays a brave journalist caught in the crossfire of crime and politics. Though her role is brief, her screen presence is memorable.
Nassar
As always, Nassar delivers a nuanced performance. His chemistry with Kamal Haasan provides nostalgic value, especially for fans of Nayakan and Thevar Magan.
Mani Ratnam’s Direction: Masterstroke or Misfire?
Mani Ratnam takes a bold turn with Thug Life. Known for poetic storytelling and emotional depth, here he embraces the gritty gangster genre, albeit with a stylish, almost operatic tone.
The first half is gripping, balancing world-building with character arcs. But the second half tends to drag, with slow pacing and monologues that could have been trimmed. While some scenes are visually stunning and emotionally powerful, others feel indulgent.
Still, Ratnam deserves credit for crafting a complex narrative with layered characters in an industry often dominated by formulaic action.
Music and Background Score by A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack adds emotional depth and cinematic grandeur. The standout tracks include:
“Mutha Mazhai” – a haunting melody symbolizing Amaran’s transformation
“Sirantha Sangam” – a powerful background score during action montages
However, some critics felt the BGM was inconsistent, with a few key sequences lacking punch. Nevertheless, Rahman fans will find plenty to enjoy.
Cinematography and Editing
Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran paints the film with rich textures – from the dark alleys of Delhi to neon-lit gangster dens.
The action sequences are stylishly choreographed, especially the warehouse shootout and rooftop chase.
Editing, however, is uneven. The film could easily have been 20 minutes shorter.
Dialogues and Screenplay
The dialogues in Thug Life are a mix of mass appeal and philosophical musings. Kamal’s lines, such as “To be a thug is to know pain, power, and penance,” have gone viral.
That said, the screenplay occasionally loses momentum with overlong scenes and repetitive flashbacks.
Box Office Performance and Pre-Release Buzz
Pre-Release Collections:
Total Advance Booking: ₹6.16 crore
Tamil Version: ₹4.02 crore
Telugu: ₹48 lakh
Hindi: ₹19 lakh
Despite the buzz, the film faced a ban in parts of Karnataka due to Kamal Haasan’s controversial remarks, which may have impacted opening day figures.
Opening Day Prediction:
Tamil Nadu: ₹8-10 crore
Worldwide Gross: Expected to cross ₹25 crore in the first weekend
Public and Social Media Reactions
On Twitter (X) and other platforms, fans are divided:
Positive Tweets:
> “Thug Life is cinema with soul and swagger. Kamal sir, take a bow.”
“STR and Kamal sir together? Goosebumps throughout.”
“A gangster epic like no other. Bold. Gritty. Poetic.”
Critical Tweets:
> “Too long, too slow. Expected better from Mani Ratnam.”
“Visually stunning, but weak on story.”
“Trisha deserved a better role. Disappointed.”
Comparisons with Other Gangster Films
Nayakan (1987) – Thug Life is more stylized, but less emotionally grounded.
Vikram (2022) – More action-heavy, while Thug Life focuses on emotional drama.
Kaala (2018) – Similar themes of power and identity, but Thug Life has higher production value.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
Stellar performances by Kamal Haasan and STR
Powerful cinematography and art direction
A.R. Rahman’s memorable music
Unique father-son gangster narrative
Bold, non-formulaic storytelling
❌ Cons:
Dragging second half
Weak female characters
Inconsistent pacing
Lack of mass punch dialogues expected in a gangster drama
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Thug Life is not your typical masala entertainer. It’s an ambitious attempt to merge art-house storytelling with mainstream gangster tropes. While it doesn’t always succeed, it offers enough cinematic brilliance, powerful performances, and thought-provoking moments to make it a worthwhile watch.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
> Recommended for fans of Kamal Haasan, STR, and intense drama.
FAQs About Thug Life (2025)
Q1. Is Thug Life a sequel to Vikram or Nayakan?
No, it’s a standalone gangster drama with an original story.
Q2. Is the movie available in dubbed languages?
Yes, it’s available in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
Q3. Why was Thug Life banned in Karnataka?
The film was temporarily banned in parts of Karnataka due to political backlash over a controversial statement by Kamal Haasan.
Q4. Is this Kamal Haasan's comeback film?
While Vikram (2022) marked his action return, Thug Life is seen as his dramatic comeback with Mani Ratnam after decades.
Conclusion
Thug Life may not be perfect, but it’s a bold, layered, and visually rich film that stands out in today’s commercial cinema. Kamal Haasan proves yet again why he’s a legend, and Mani Ratnam continues to push cinematic boundaries. Whether you’re a fan of gangster films or just looking for a thought-provoking drama, Thug Life deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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