Thug Life (2025) is a high-profile Tamil-language gangster drama that brings together two icons of Indian cinema — director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan — for the first time since their classic Nayakan in 1987. The film had enormous expectations riding on it, with a reported budget between ₹200–300 crore and a multi-lingual release across India.

Set against the gritty backdrop of New Delhi, the story explores the transformation of Rangaraya Sakthivel, an aging mafia don, and his fractured relationship with his adopted heir Amaran. Despite a powerhouse cast and a brilliant technical team, the film delivers a mixed experience, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by predictability and pacing issues.

Plot and Characters

The story follows Rangaraya Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan), a powerful but weary crime lord betrayed by both his blood brother Manickam (Nassar) and his protégé Amaran (Silambarasan TR). As betrayal leads to all-out war, Sakthivel must confront the ghosts of his past and the enemies within his own house.

Trisha Krishnan plays Indrani, a bar singer with a mysterious connection to the don. Aishwarya Lekshmi and Ashok Selvan lend emotional depth to the story as characters caught between duty and survival. The villains, led by Joju George and Mahesh Manjrekar, offer solid performances that ground the narrative in brutal realism.

Visuals, Direction, and Performances

Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography is one of the film’s strongest assets, capturing the shadows and chaos of New Delhi’s criminal underworld with remarkable precision. Mani Ratnam’s direction shines in the first half — stylish, gripping, and emotionally charged — but the second half loses momentum. Certain narrative choices feel recycled from earlier gangster films, which dilute the impact.

Kamal Haasan gives a powerful performance, embodying a man torn between loyalty and justice. Silambarasan brings energy and aggression to his role, holding his own against the legendary actor. Trisha and Aishwarya offer grace and strength, while Ashok Selvan delivers a grounded performance as a conflicted cop.

Music and Soundtrack

The music by A. R. Rahman is both atmospheric and emotionally stirring. The soundtrack includes standout tracks like “Jinguchaa,” “Muththa Mazhai,” and the upbeat “Sugar Baby.” Released on May 24, 2025, the album was well-received and adds depth to both the story and characters. Rahman’s score is one of the film’s emotional anchors and elevates several key scenes.

Box Office and OTT Release

“Thug Life” was released theatrically on June 5, 2025, in multiple languages and IMAX format. Despite the hype and star power, the film managed to collect only ₹92–97 crore worldwide, making it a commercial underperformer relative to its budget. Interestingly, the movie was made available on Netflix just a month after release, on July 3, 2025 — an unusual move that bypassed the typical 8-week theatrical window.

Controversy and Critical Reception

The film was surrounded by controversy following Kamal Haasan’s comment on the origin of the Kannada language, which led to protests and a ban in Karnataka. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which criticized the state government for bowing to pressure.

Critically, “Thug Life” received mixed to negative reviews. The Times of India called it “tedious and predictable,” awarding it just 2 out of 5 stars. Rotten Tomatoes shows a critic score of around 30%, although audience reactions were more forgiving, particularly praising the visuals, music, and Haasan’s performance. Mani Ratnam himself issued a public apology to fans, acknowledging that the film did not live up to expectations.

Strengths and Weaknesses

What Works:

  • Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan’s intense performances

  • Rich and atmospheric cinematography

  • A. R. Rahman’s emotionally powerful music

  • Strong supporting cast and stylish direction in parts

What Doesn’t:

  • Second half feels bloated and predictable

  • Lack of emotional payoff for key story arcs

  • Controversies affected theatrical reach

  • Repetition of familiar gangster tropes

Final Verdict

“Thug Life” is a film that promised fireworks but ultimately delivers a sparkler. While it boasts top-tier performances, stunning visuals, and a haunting soundtrack, the narrative falls short in its second half. Fans of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan will appreciate the craftsmanship in parts, but the film may not resonate widely with general audiences.

It’s worth watching on Netflix for its artistic merit and standout moments, but it doesn’t quite live up to the cinematic legacy of its creators. A reunion worth noting — but not one that will be remembered as a classic.