Thug Life review captures the essence of Kamal Haasan’s boldest performance yet, weaving a tale that transcends conventional Tamil cinema. In this review, we delve into the film’s background, plot, performances, and technical brilliance, revealing why “Thug Life” stands out as one of the most talked-about releases of 2025.
Mani Ratnam Thug Life review opens with a nostalgic sense of grandeur as Kamal Haasan reunites with director Mani Ratnam after decades, but it quickly stumbles into predictability and underwhelming storytelling. Despite strong performances and sleek visuals, the film ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.
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Thug Life movie (2025) – Movie Snapshot
Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5)
Release Date: June 5, 2025
Directed By: Mani Ratnam
Casting:
Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Joju George, Nasser, Mahesh Manjrekar & others
Music Composer: A.R. Rahman
Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran
Editing: Sreekar Prasad
Produced By: Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, R. Mahendran, Siva Ananth, Udhayanidhi Stalin
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Thug Life Review – A Reunion That Falls Short
An Ambitious Revisit to Gangster Cinema
Thug Life movie review carries heavy expectations. After all, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s collaboration once gave us Nayakan, a milestone in Indian cinema. With Thug Life, their reunion hoped to reignite that spark. Unfortunately, what unfolds is a bloated crime saga that leans too heavily on clichés and offers too little originality.
Storyline – Familiar Grounds, Uninspired Turns
Rangaraya Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan), an aging gangster who commands both respect and fear, is at the heart of this saga. Haunted by his past, he raises Amaran (Silambarasan TR), the son of a man he wronged. Their bond, however, becomes strained as betrayal brews within Sakthivel’s inner circle, especially from his brother Manickam (Nasser) and ambitious gangster Pathrose (Joju George).
As Sakthivel searches for Amaran’s long-lost sister Chandra, cracks emerge in the relationship. The film then descends into predictable double-crosses, internal power struggles, and over-the-top death-defying sequences that chip away at believability.
Performances – Kamal & Simbu Shine, Rest Dim
Kamal Haasan delivers an intense, gravelly performance, portraying Sakthivel with gravitas and flair in the Thug Life movie. Silambarasan TR (Simbu) is equally compelling, channeling inner conflict and explosive emotion with style. However, the rest of the cast, despite being packed with talent, are either underused or poorly written.
Trisha’s character, Indrani, shows early promise but becomes a plot device. Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, and others add little depth, while Joju George and Mahesh Manjrekar seem stuck in gangster archetypes.
Technical Brilliance Can’t Save the Flat Writing
While Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography paints a visually arresting palette and Sreekar Prasad’s editing keeps the pace steady, the film’s writing is its weakest link. AR Rahman’s score feels subdued, lacking the soul-stirring edge we’ve come to expect. Several dramatic plot points are either forgotten or resolved too conveniently.
Scenes of Sakthivel surviving multiple gunshots, avalanches, and explosions border on parody. Instead of feeling heroic, these moments dilute the gritty realism the film aims for.
Missed Opportunities and Overstretched Drama
Mani Ratnam Thug Life had all the ingredients—stellar cast, legendary director, nostalgic aura—but falters in storytelling. The emotionally powerful themes of loyalty, loss, and revenge are buried beneath half-baked subplots and predictable twists.
Despite a strong start and compelling premise, the film’s second half nosedives. Characters vanish, motivations blur, and resolutions feel rushed or contrived. It’s a film that promises an epic but delivers an echo.
Verdict: A Glossy Gangster Tale That Lacks Soul
Thug Life movie tries hard to be a modern-day gangster saga with mythic undertones, but it lacks the narrative heft and emotional core to make it memorable. With just surface-level engagement and missed potential, it remains one of the weaker entries in both Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s stellar careers.
Thug Life Review: Kamal Haasan’s Gangster Drama Lacks Bite
Thug Life Box Office Collection
Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan’s latest film Thug Life has hit the big screens with sky-high expectations, and early box office trends suggest a powerful start. With buzz building around this much-awaited gangster drama, the film is likely to rake in around ₹20 crore on its opening day. Fans are eager, critics are watching closely, and all eyes are now on how Thug Life holds up through the weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the release date of Thug Life?
Thug Life was released theatrically on June 4, 2025.
2. Who directed Thug Life?
Thug Life is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam.
3. Who stars in Thug Life?
The film stars Kamal Haasan in the lead role, supported by Vijay Sethupathi, Nithya Menen, Samuthirakani, and Aishwarya Rajesh.
4. Where can I watch Thug Life online?
After its theatrical run, Thug Life is expected to stream on Amazon Prime Video (subject to official announcement).
5. Is Thug Life based on a true story?
No, Thug Life is a fictional crime drama, although it incorporates real-life social issues prevalent in urban India.
6. How long is the runtime of Thug Life?
The film has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
7. Did Thug Life receive any awards or nominations?
As of early June 2025, Thug Life has garnered nominations for Best Actor (Kamal Haasan) and Best Director (Mani Ratnam) at various upcoming South Indian film awards.
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