Thug Life (2025) Movie NetMirror

Thug Life marks the much-awaited reunion of legendary actor Kamal Haasan and acclaimed director Mani Ratnam. After 38 years since their cult classic Nayakan (1987), this Tamil gangster action drama carries enormous expectations. Originally titled KH234, the film was officially announced in November 2022 and released worldwide on June 5, 2025.

The film boasts an impressive cast including Silambarasan (STR), Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya, Ashok, Joju, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj. Produced by Raaj Kamal Films, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, the film brings together top talents with cinematography by Ravi K., music by A.R. Rahman, and editing by A. Sreekar.

Thug Life Movie Casting

Plot and Storyline

Thug Life tells the story of Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar (Kamal Haasan), a powerful gang leader who rescues young Amaran (Silambarasan) during a violent police shootout. Years later, Sakthivel faces betrayal when an assassination attempt rocks his empire, leading him to suspect Amaran’s involvement. What follows is a complex narrative of loyalty, revenge, and family bonds torn apart by suspicion and violence.

The film explores themes of power, betrayal, and cyclical violence in the underworld. Set in a gritty urban landscape, the story examines how family ties can both bind and destroy.

Cast Performances

Kamal Haasan delivers a powerhouse performance as Sakthivel, embodying the character with his trademark intensity and emotional depth. I found his commanding presence particularly striking in the first half, where he truly embodies what critics call intensity personified. His portrayal of a father figure turned enemy showcases his remarkable range as an actor.

Silambarasan provides a rooted performance with complex emotional layers as Amaran. His character arc from protégé to potential threat offers substantial material, and he rises to the occasion with a nuanced portrayal that impressed me throughout the film.

Trisha Krishnan reunites with Kamal Haasan for the third time, bringing her considerable screen presence. However, the romantic subplot has drawn criticism due to their 28-year age difference, though director Mani Ratnam has defended the casting choice.

The supporting cast, including Abhirami, Nassar, Joju George, Ali Fazal, and Pankaj Tripathi, adds depth to the narrative with their unique strengths.

Direction and Technical Aspects

Mani Ratnam’s direction showcases his mastery of visual storytelling and character development. Known for creating compelling narratives with strong emotional cores, Ratnam blends his signature style with the gritty requirements of a gangster drama.

Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography creates a visually striking experience, particularly in action sequences. The camera work effectively captures both intimate character moments and larger-scale action set pieces.

A.R. Rahman’s musical score includes nine songs, with standout tracks like Vinveli Nayaga and Anju Vanna Poove receiving particular praise. However, his background score aims for an international style that sometimes feels minimalist for a revenge-driven gangster drama.

What Works

The film’s strongest elements include Kamal Haasan’s commanding performance, particularly in the first half where his intensity keeps audiences engaged. The action sequences choreographed by Anbariv are visceral and well-executed, offering genuinely thrilling moments.

The high production values with excellent set design and locations create an authentic gangster world atmosphere. The emotional depth in scenes exploring the father-son relationship between Sakthivel and Amaran provides the film with its heart.

Areas for Improvement

I noticed the film suffers from pacing issues, with some sequences dragging longer than necessary. The romantic subplots feel underdeveloped and could have benefited from more careful writing.

The background score sometimes feels absent when the film needs emotional emphasis. For a revenge-driven gangster drama, a more pronounced musical presence might have enhanced the overall impact.

Some supporting characters lack sufficient development, and the film occasionally relies too heavily on familiar gangster movie tropes.

Critical Reception and Ratings

Early reviews present a mixed picture of Thug Life’s reception. While critics praise Kamal Haasan’s performance and technical aspects, many note it falls short of the high expectations set by the Nayakan legacy.

Popular review websites show varied responses. Rotten Tomatoes features limited reviews with audience scores ranging from 0.5/5 to 2.5/5 stars. IMDb users present polarized opinions, with some calling it a visual treat while others describe it as disappointingly slow-paced.

Critics describe the film as a mix of Ratnam’s previous works like Nayagan and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, with elements reminiscent of Kamal Haasan’s Virumandi.

Box Office and Controversies

Thug Life faced significant challenges before release, including a ban in Karnataka due to controversial remarks by Kamal Haasan about the Kannada language. Industry analysts estimate this could cost ₹35-40 crore in gross revenue.

Despite setbacks, the film managed impressive advance bookings, crossing ₹10 crore in worldwide pre-sales. The global release across standard, IMAX, and EPIQ formats demonstrates confidence in the project’s commercial appeal.

Final Verdict

Thug Life represents an ambitious attempt to recapture the magic of the Nayakan collaboration, with mixed results. While Kamal Haasan’s powerful performance and high production values make it worth watching, the film struggles with pacing issues and familiar storytelling.

I believe the film works best when it focuses on character relationships and emotional depth, but stumbles when relying on conventional gangster movie conventions. For fans of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, the film offers moments of brilliance that justify watching.

Bottom Line: Thug Life earns a respectable but not exceptional rating. It serves as a reminder of what these talents can achieve while highlighting the challenges of meeting impossibly high expectations. The film will likely find its audience among fans and genre enthusiasts, though it may not achieve universal acclaim.