Unpacking ‘Thug Life’: A Missed Opportunity for Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan
Dive into our detailed review of Thug Life, a 2025 Tamil gangster action drama that reunites the legendary duo of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan.
| Aspect | Details |
| Cast | Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Joju George, Nassar, Ashok Selvan |
| Budget | 200 crore (approx.) |
| IMDb Rating | 4.6 |
| Director | Mani Ratnam |
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s highly anticipated film, ‘Thug Life,’ has finally hit the screens, sparking a wide array of reactions from both critics and audiences. While some viewers are praising it as a thrilling cinematic experience, others are left feeling underwhelmed. This blog post delves into the contrasting reviews to help you understand why this film has become such a talking point.
The story follows Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker (Kamal Haasan), a feared gang leader who takes in Amaran (Silambarasan) after a violent gang clash. Years later, a failed assassination attempt on Sakthivel sparks suspicion toward Amaran, leading to a saga of distrust and revenge.
While the premise sets the stage for a thrilling drama, it leans heavily on overused gangster tropes without bringing new depth.
Despite big names like Kamal Haasan, A.R. Rahman, and Mani Ratnam, along with cameos from actors like Rohit Saraf, Sanya Malhotra, and Ali Fazal, the film reportedly struggles with its filing and execution.
Its runtime of 2.5 hours is considered excessive in an era dominated by short-form content. The review notes that the movie becomes “too stretched” by the interval, making it difficult to endure the second half.
The Social Media Buzz: Mixed Reviews and Controversies
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), ‘Thug Life’ is receiving “all kinds of reviews”. While some viewers found it to be an “average entertainer,” a significant portion of the audience was “mighty impressed”
Audience reactions on X are mixed—some appreciate the interval block and Silambarasan’s performance, while others criticize the slow pacing and lack of substance, with one user calling it “a letdown from a master filmmaker.” Critics have been harsher, with outlets like The Times of India giving it a mere 2 stars, labeling it a weak effort from Ratnam and Haasan.
However, the social media landscape also mirrors some of the critic’s concerns. There are mentions that the film “lags” in parts despite a strong start. Some users felt that Silambarasan TR “overshadowed Haasan” in the film. There were also criticisms regarding the background music, with some deeming it “not up to the mark”
Box office-wise
Thug Life opened with ₹20 crore, supported by a wide release, including 255+ screens in the UK. However, with a production budget, it faces a steep climb to break even, especially in non-Tamil markets like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where the target is ₹21 crore.
Controversy
Adding to the film’s eventful release, ‘Thug Life’ has also faced a ban in Karnataka due to a controversial remark made by Kamal Haasan that “Kannada is born out of Tamil”.
Despite this, trade experts predict a strong opening day, with an estimated Rs 30-40 crore across India, and Rs 20-25 crore from the Tamil market alone, suggesting the ban might not significantly impact its overall box office performance
In summary
Thug Life is a visually striking film with some strong performances but is weighed down by a dull script and uneven pacing. It fails to capture the magic of Ratnam and Haasan’s past collaborations, leaving fans wanting more.
Thug Life’ clearly evokes strong and often opposing reactions. Whether it’s a cinematic triumph or a missed opportunity seems to depend entirely on who you ask. From empty theatres and a “stretched” plot for one critic to “goosebumps” and strong performances for others, ‘Thug Life’ is certainly a film that has generated significant discussion.
Rating: 2.5/5 – A visually appealing but emotionally flat gangster drama
What do you think? Have these reviews made you more or less likely to watch ‘Thug Life’? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
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