New Delhi – The much-awaited Mani Ratnam-Kamal Haasan collaboration, Thug Life, hits the screens with sky-high expectations. After all, this is the iconic duo’s reunion after nearly four decades since the timeless Nayakan (1987). Add to that the prestige of Ratnam’s recent Ponniyin Selvan saga, and Thug Life naturally arrives with buzz and anticipation.
But does it live up to the legacy? Only in parts.
A Stylish Start That Promises Firepower
The film kicks off with a gritty, stylized introduction. Kamal Haasan’s character, Rangaraya Sakthivel, enters with a gravel-toned self-narration in Hindi, declaring a life-long standoff with death. The mood is immersive, the visuals sharp, and the energy promises a gripping gangster drama.
A powerful black-and-white flashback sequence set in Old Delhi sets the tone — featuring a shootout that becomes the crux of the film’s conflict two decades later. Here, a de-aged Kamal Haasan impresses, and the mood feels like vintage Mani Ratnam.
Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR Lead the Show
Kamal Haasan is magnetic, delivering a balance of restraint and fire — often portraying Sakthivel as a wounded lion navigating loyalty and betrayal. Alongside him, Silambarasan TR brings electric intensity, commanding the screen every time he appears.
Supporting roles by Joju George, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, and Nasser add occasional weight, though their characters feel underdeveloped. Rajshri Deshpande, despite limited screen time and dialogues, leaves a lasting impression.
A Promising First Half, a Faltering Second
The first half of Thug Life is filled with Ratnam’s signature storytelling: experimental cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran, sharp cuts by A. Sreekar Prasad, and a gripping exploration of gangland dynamics. Themes of family, betrayal, and revenge brew beneath the surface, hinting at a slow burn.
But after intermission, the film spirals. The narrative weakens, shifting from cinematic strength to soap-opera theatrics. As family tensions rise—with mistaken identities, romantic subplots, and a crumbling brotherhood—the story loses its sharpness. Dialogue gets clunky, scenes feel rushed, and pacing becomes erratic.
Action, Survival, and the Problem of Invincibility
Sakthivel faces everything from snow-covered gorges and avalanches to explosions and bullet wounds. And while the movie does make an effort to show the physical toll, the superhero-like comebacks begin to wear thin.
Instead of building grounded intensity, Thug Life veers into unrealistic survival tropes, robbing the film of stakes. The core idea stretches too far, testing the viewer’s patience and belief.
Verdict: Thug Life Needed More Life
Thug Life is visually compelling and bolstered by strong performances — especially from Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan. But it ultimately falls short of being the gangster epic it was meant to be.
Despite flashes of brilliance and Mani Ratnam’s directorial finesse, the film doesn’t match the legacy of Nayakan, nor the cinematic scale of Ponniyin Selvan. It delivers moments, not momentum. Emotion, not edge.
Final Rating: 2.5/5
Pros:
- Kamal Haasan’s powerful screen presence
- Silambarasan TR’s energetic performance
- Strong visuals and sound design
- Stylish first half
Cons:
- Weak second half
- Over-the-top survival scenes
- Inconsistent pacing
- Underdeveloped supporting characters
