Meta Description (SEO – 23 words):
Thug Life Movie Review: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s much-hyped collaboration disappoints with weak writing, predictable plot, and underwhelming music.
Keywords: Thug Life review, Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, Thug Life movie rating, Thug Life 2025, Trisha Krishnan, AR Rahman, Silambarasan, Ali Fazal
Introduction: A Much-Awaited Collaboration, A Massive Letdown
When cinematic giants Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam last collaborated in 1987, they gifted the world the timeless classic Nayakan. So, when Thug Life was announced in 2025, fans were overjoyed. But fast forward to June 5, and this anticipated reunion has become one of the biggest disappointments in Indian cinema. Despite the film’s emotional depth and visual beauty, it’s let down by mediocre writing and a highly predictable plotline.
Story: Old Wine in an Overused Bottle
The film opens beautifully with Kamal Haasan, now aged and dignified, saving a 5-year-old boy named Amar after a shocking shootout in Delhi. He adopts the boy and later makes him the leader of his gang. However, familial betrayal, jealousy, and strained loyalty soon take over.
Despite hints of emotional depth and potential, the storyline becomes painfully predictable. A father figure doubting his adopted son, a love triangle, family betrayal, and a final battle—all feel like plot points we’ve seen before.
Key Characters:
- Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar (Kamal Haasan): A layered character burdened with flaws but not convincingly justified.
- Amar (Silambarasan TR): Torn between loyalty and ambition.
- Indhrani (Trisha Krishnan): A wasted character with no depth.
- Jeeva (Abhirami): Brief but impactful.
Writing & Direction: When Legends Disappoint
The screenplay, co-written by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, fails to carry the film’s emotional weight. The dialogues and character arcs feel disjointed, and emotional scenes lack coherence.
What’s shocking is how Mani Ratnam, known for powerful female characters, fails both Trisha and Abhirami. Trisha’s role lacks substance, making her presence almost non-essential. Meanwhile, Abhirami’s potential is cut short with limited screen time.
Even Ali Fazal’s character seems force-fitted, with his story arc going nowhere. The emotional intent is visible, but the execution lacks depth.
Direction: Where Is the Mani Ratnam Magic?
After the critically acclaimed Ponniyin Selvan series, expectations were sky-high. Unfortunately, Thug Life suffers from:
- Poor pacing in the second half
- Predictable progression
- Dull climax sequences
Though certain emotional moments try to lift the film, they are not enough to keep the sinking ship afloat.
Music: AR Rahman Falls Short Too
When Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman collaborate, expectations skyrocket. Sadly, Thug Life’s soundtrack does not deliver:
- Chand Ke Tukdey and Veer E Kainaat are decent
- Shruti Haasan’s song is wasted in the end credits
- Background score is solid but not enough to salvage scenes
Even the Tamil version, though slightly better, fails to evoke strong emotional connect.
Acting Performances: Kamal Shines, Others Struggle
Kamal Haasan
At 70+, Kamal is undoubtedly the soul of the film. His emotional range and intensity are top-notch, but the Hindi dubbing often takes away from his performance.
Silambarasan TR
His character is flawed, but his portrayal is raw and believable. He shows promise and versatility.
Trisha Krishnan
One of the film’s biggest disappointments. Her character is poorly written, offering no challenge or scope for performance.
Abhirami
Despite limited screen time, she delivers a memorable performance.
Ali Fazal
Confused character arc, underutilized potential, and limited screen presence.
Nassar & Rohit Saraf
Nassar impresses in his brief role, while Rohit Saraf’s part is forgettable.
Verdict: A Film That Couldn’t Live Up to Its Title
Thug Life was supposed to be an epic reunion of two cinema legends, but it turns out to be a melancholic misfire. Despite Kamal Haasan’s commendable effort, the predictable script, flat characters, and uninspired music hold it back from greatness.
⭐⭐ (2 out of 5 stars)
Maharashtra FYJC Admission 2025: Last Date to Apply on mahafyjcadmissions.in – Register Now