🎬 Thug Life (2025): Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan Reunite for a Gritty Gangster Epic

Released: June 5, 2025 (India)

Director: Mani Ratnam

Starring: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR (Simbu), Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, Joju George, Sanya Malhotra, Ali Fazal

🎞️ Trailer: 

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🧨 Plot & Themes

Thug Life is a stylized crime saga set against the harsh backdrop of Old Delhi’s underworld, chronicling familial bonds turned to betrayal. Kamal Haasan portrays Sakthivel, a powerful gang leader who rescues and adopts Amaran (Simbu) during a bloody clash. But when Sakthivel survives an assassination attempt, accusations mount. Suspicion falls not only on his inner circle but on the son he raised. A tense emotional and violent power struggle ensues, testing loyalty, love, and destiny.

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🎭 Performances

• Kamal Haasan commands every frame as Sakthivel—intense, brooding, and morally complex in a role that merges mentor, father, and anti-hero.

• Simbu (Silambarasan TR) plays Amaran with raw energy and simmering emotion—compelling in both conflict and tragedy.

• Trisha Krishnan impresses with her emotional performance, earning praise from fans for her layered portrayal.

• Supporting cast—including Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, and Joju George—add depth and texture to the power dynamics and personal betrayals that unravel.

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🎥 Direction & Technical Craft

Under Mani Ratnam’s direction, Thug Life combines murky underworld aesthetics with emotional turmoil. Cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran delivers moody visuals and gritty realism. The brisk 2 hours 45 minutes runtime (165-minute approx.) pulses with betrayal, moral code, and bloody showdowns.

A.R. Rahman’s soundtrack—featuring the emotional single “Muththa Mazhai” performed by Dhee and Chinmayi Sripada—anchors the narrative with haunting melodies that echo Sakthivel’s grief and struggle.

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📈 Reception & Controversies

Thug Life generated massive anticipation—being the long-awaited Mani Ratnam–Kamal Haasan reunion after 36 years. Early reviews labeled it a “Clear BLOCKBUSTER”, praising its entertainment value. However, critical response has been sharply mixed:

• Rotten Tomatoes shows a low 30% Tomatometer, with reviewers citing strong visuals and performances but uneven storytelling.

• Some reviews, like BaapOfMovies, criticized the film for contrived writing and pacing issues—calling it a missed opportunity.

• Social media reactions reflect polarized views; fans praised performances, while others felt the emotional arc and second half lagged.

A controversy erupted when Kamal Haasan claimed “Kannada is born from Tamil”, leading to a temporary ban in Karnataka and affecting box office predictions in that region.

Despite the turbulence, Thug Life drew strong advance bookings (₹6.36 crore across languages), with many traveling to nearby states to watch.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Thug Life reigns as a stylish, emotional crime drama headed by two legends of Tamil cinema. It offers bold visuals, thunderous musical moments, and intense performances—anchored by Kamal Haasan’s gravitas and Simbu’s energy.

But with storytelling that sometimes falters under its own weight, and mixed reception from critics and fans, this film is a polarizing but unforgettable gangster saga.

Watch it if you want to experience Mani Ratnam’s signature storytelling style merged with Kamal Haasan’s commanding presence—just expect the ride to be as morally complicated as it is visually bold.

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"Blood binds families. Betrayal breaks them apart."