Thug Life

I didn't expect this from the goated combo at all. Why just why did they have to disappoint us to this extent. Ts so bad that I who had never shared a review had to vent it out right now coz it made me doubt my life's purpose and question my existence while watching this. Seriously... Never putting my trust and never getting my hopes up for any other movies anymore.

Bruh just retire ffs. Have you guys not hoarded enough? Just give way for new gen talents. That would be the biggest help Kamal and Mani saar could do to the betterment of tamil cinema. Consider it rude or whatever but I don't care. I'm too fed up. This is absolutely garbage.

I recently watched *Thug Life*, the much-anticipated film by Kamal Haasan, and I must say it was a bold and visually rich experience that left a lasting impression. The movie, directed by Mani Ratnam, marks a significant collaboration between the two legends after decades, following their iconic film *Nayakan*. Naturally, expectations were sky-high, and while the film might not be flawless, it delivers in many important ways, particularly in terms of performances, music, and visual storytelling.

The story follows Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakkar, played by Kamal Haasan, as he navigates through the dark and dangerous underworld. The plot carries a mix of political tension, emotional weight, and gangster drama. Although the storyline occasionally slows down and some scenes feel unnecessarily stretched, the core of the narrative remains gripping. What kept me engaged throughout the film was the depth of the characters and the layered storytelling. Mani Ratnam has a distinct way of blending personal struggle with broader societal issues, and that style is evident here too, although the emotional impact isn't as strong as some of his earlier works.

Kamal Haasan, as always, delivers a compelling performance. His portrayal of Sakthivel is nuanced and grounded, showing both vulnerability and strength. Watching him carry such a complex character with effortless grace reminded me why he's considered one of the finest actors in Indian cinema. However, I think the real standout of the film is Silambarasan TR. He brings a raw, energetic presence to the screen that perfectly balances Kamal Haasan's more composed and introspective character. It's been said that Silambarasan performed some of the major action sequences despite health challenges, which makes his performance even more commendable. Trisha Krishnan also plays her role well, adding a strong emotional element to the story, though I wish her character had been given more depth and screen time.

One of the strongest elements of *Thug Life* is its cinematography. The visuals are striking, with gritty streets, moody lighting, and well-framed action sequences that bring the gangster world to life. The cinematographer, Ravi K. Chandran, does an excellent job of creating a dark and immersive atmosphere that complements the film's tone. Each frame feels carefully crafted, which helped maintain my interest even during slower parts of the story. The production design is equally impressive, with every detail-from costumes to set design-contributing to the film's gritty realism.

A. R. Rahman's music is another major highlight. The background score adds emotional weight to critical scenes, and the songs, especially "Jinguchaa" and "Sugar Baby," stay with you even after the film ends. Rahman knows how to match his music to a film's tone perfectly, and in *Thug Life*, he creates a soundscape that is both haunting and powerful.

As for the reception, the film seems to have drawn mixed reactions. Some viewers were blown away by the performances and technical brilliance, while others felt that the narrative didn't quite live up to the hype. I can understand both perspectives. For me, while the screenplay could have been tighter and the emotional connection stronger, the overall experience was still memorable. The opening day collections were solid, reflecting the strong anticipation surrounding the film.

In conclusion, *Thug Life* may not be a perfect film, but it's a well-crafted, intense gangster drama with standout performances and rich visuals. Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR are both excellent, and Mani Ratnam's direction shines in many scenes, even if the pacing could have been improved. If you enjoy gritty crime dramas and appreciate strong acting and top-notch cinematography, this movie is definitely worth watching.

When you name a film Thug Life, a name chosen by the masters of cinema and filmmakers, and that too using a culturally iconic term like Thug Life, it comes with expectations. The term represents how society mistreats or neglects certain groups. That neglect creates cycles of violence, trauma, and systemic failure that hurt everyone.

The term is often glorified or associated with pride and criminal life, but it carries a much deeper meaning. It is about survival. So naturally, you can imagine the expectations and feelings it invokes.

You need to know that I am an ardent Mani Ratnam fan. My cultural and artistic foundations were built on his films. I grew up in a world of films where he dominated. He was my icon. But revered icon or not, a spade has to be called a spade.

Thug Life felt like self-indulgent hero worship. The screenplay was extremely weak, with absolutely no plot or motivation. Sure, it was well-made in terms of production value, but that is all. Mani Ratnam is known for being a master storyteller who uses layered plot points to drive a narrative and evoke emotion. Here, it was almost appalling to see the same man rely so heavily on expositions, so many of them, even for useless points. It felt insulting to a point.

Kamal probably had his fill. Like I said, this felt like self-indulgence, coming hot off Indian 2. If anyone gave a truly memorable performance, it was the women in the film. All of them except Trisha...and that is no fault of hers.

The only two saving graces were the cinematography and A. R. Rahman's music. Rahman went god level with the score.

It makes me so uncomfortable to say this, but this has got to be Mani Ratnam's worst film ever in terms of storytelling and narrative. I need to go watch Nayakan, Aayutha Ezhuthu, and Kannathil Muthamittal again to recover.

Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan's much-awaited Thug Life tells the story of a gangster and the drama that unfolds around his empire, exploring themes of manipulation, greed, power politics, and betrayal. The film carries Mani Ratnam's signature frames, but the distinctive Mani touch in storytelling is noticeably absent. The first half delivers a good, though predictable, gangster narrative. However, it's the second half where the film begins to unravel, with a screenplay that feels scattered and incoherent. The execution starts to resemble Indian 2. The action sequences, which were grounded in the first half, suddenly become excessive and, to be honest, somewhat illogical. AR Rahman's music and score elevate the film, adding the right aura around Kamal Haasan's character. The cinematography is another technical standout.

Kamal Haasan shines as an actor, but the weak character writing in the second half dulls the overall impact of his performance. STR provides good support, but again, the second half fails to do justice to his role. Trisha is decent, though her scenes with Kamal feel awkward and out of place. The North Indian supporting cast is just passable, with mostly clichéd roles. Abhirami and Joju George stand out among the supporting actors, while Nassar's performance feels sub-par. Overall, the film derails in its second half and doesn't quite feel like a Mani Ratnam creation. The nuances are present, the sets are meticulously staged, but ultimately, it ends up as a below-average gangster drama.

OVERALL 2.15/10.

Thug Life (2025) - 40%

One Of The Worst Films Of 2025... I Still Don't Want To Believe That Legends Mani Ratnam & Kamal Haasan Who Have Given Us The Masterpiece Nayakan Collaborated For Such A Film... What Had Happened To Them While Writing & Filming This One... Didn't They Felt What They Are Making? Also What An Actress Like Trisha Was Doing In The Film Is Beyond My Understanding... She Had Been Completely Wasted & Same Goes For Ali Fazal... A. R. Rahman's Music Is Good, But The Background Score Many A Times Doesn't Match The Visuals On Screen... The Character Of Silambarasan & Haasan Aren't Even Developed Properly & As A Result, You Do Not Connect With Them At Any Juncture In The Film... The Few Plus Points Apart From Music Are Cinematography & Action Blocks... Overall, This One's A Huge Disappointment... Avoid At All Cost.