Thug Life (2025) Film

Film Review: Thug Life (2025)

Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)

Director: Mani Ratnam
Writers: Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam
Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan (Simbu), Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Jisshu Sengupta, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, Nassar, Vaiyapuri
Music: A. R. Rahman
Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran
Editing: A. Sreekar Prasad
Runtime: 165 minutes
Language: Tamil (Dubbed in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada)
Release Date: June 5, 2025
OTT Release: July 3, 2025, on Netflix
Budget: ₹200 crore (approx)

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Introduction

Thug Life marks the much-anticipated reunion of director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan after their iconic collaboration in Nayakan (1987). The film aims to revisit the gangster genre with a contemporary lens, blending intense action sequences with emotional drama. Despite the high expectations and a stellar cast, Thug Life delivers a mixed experience, offering moments of brilliance overshadowed by narrative inconsistencies.

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Plot Overview

The story revolves around Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker (Kamal Haasan), a formidable gangster with a complex past. He adopts Amaran (Silambarasan), a young man he saves from a violent fate. As Amaran becomes entangled in the underworld, themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption unfold, culminating in a narrative that brings the characters full circle. The film attempts to explore the dynamics of power, family, and the consequences of choices made in the shadows of society.

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Performances

Kamal Haasan delivers a powerful performance, embodying Rangaraya with a blend of authority and vulnerability. His portrayal adds depth to the character, making him both feared and empathetic. Silambarasan (Simbu) shines as Amaran, capturing the transformation from a naive youth to a hardened gangster. Their on-screen chemistry adds emotional weight to the narrative.

Trisha Krishnan as Valli provides a nuanced performance, though her character lacks sufficient development. Joju George and Pankaj Tripathi portray rival gangsters with conviction, adding layers to the criminal landscape. Ali Fazal, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Ashok Selvan contribute effectively in their supporting roles, though some characters feel underutilized.

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Direction and Screenplay

Mani Ratnam’s direction showcases his signature style, with meticulous attention to visual composition and character arcs. However, the screenplay, co-written with Kamal Haasan, struggles with pacing and coherence. The first half builds tension effectively, but the second half loses momentum, leading to a climax that feels rushed and less impactful.

The narrative attempts to intertwine multiple storylines, but the execution lacks clarity, causing confusion and diluting the emotional resonance. The film’s ambition to blend action with philosophical undertones is commendable but falls short due to inconsistent storytelling.

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Cinematography and Visuals

Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography is a highlight, capturing the gritty underworld with a palette that oscillates between stark realism and stylized aesthetics. The use of lighting and framing enhances the mood, creating a visually engaging experience. The action sequences are choreographed with precision, though some scenes feel repetitive.

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Music and Sound Design

A. R. Rahman’s soundtrack complements the film’s tone, with compositions that underscore the emotional and dramatic beats. The background score elevates key moments, though it occasionally overpowers the dialogue. The songs, while melodious, do not leave a lasting impression, lacking the memorability of Rahman’s previous collaborations with Ratnam.

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Editing and Pacing

A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing maintains a steady rhythm in the first half, but the latter part suffers from abrupt transitions and uneven pacing. The film’s length could have been trimmed to enhance engagement, as certain subplots detract from the central narrative.

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Themes and Symbolism

Thug Life explores themes of identity, morality, and the cyclical nature of violence. The father-son dynamic between Rangaraya and Amaran serves as the emotional core, reflecting the complexities of mentorship and legacy. The film also delves into the dichotomy of power and vulnerability, though these themes are not fully realized due to the fragmented narrative.

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Reception and Critique

Critics have offered mixed reviews:

• Tamil Guardian praised Haasan’s performance, awarding the film 4/5 stars.
• India Today and Cinema Express rated it 2.5/5, citing a strong setup but a faltering second half.
• The Times of India and NDTV gave 2/5 stars, criticizing the film’s execution and storyline.
• The Hindu noted that despite strong performances and production design, the film feels like a generic gangster drama lacking emotional depth.

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Conclusion

Thug Life aspires to be a compelling addition to the gangster genre, bolstered by a talented cast and experienced director. While it succeeds in delivering moments of intensity and visual flair, the film ultimately falters due to its uneven narrative and lack of cohesive storytelling. Fans of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam may find elements to appreciate, but the film falls short of its potential.

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Final Verdict: Thug Life is a visually striking film with commendable performances but is hindered by a disjointed narrative and pacing issues. It offers glimpses of brilliance but fails to coalesce into a satisfying whole.

Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)

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