
Thug Life Review: A Reunion Without the Spark
Nearly four decades after delivering the cult classic Nayakan, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam reunite for Thug Life—a project that promised cinematic grandeur and emotional depth. With A.R. Rahman on music, Silambarasan, Trisha, and a talented supporting cast, expectations ran sky-high. But does this long-awaited collaboration live up to the legacy?
Story Overview
Thug Life follows Delhi-based gangster Rangaraaya Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan), who, during a violent police shootout in 1994, adopts a boy named Amaran (Silambarasan) after his father is killed. Fast forward to 2016—Sakthivel, headed to jail for murder, appoints Amaran as the new gang leader. This sparks tension within the gang, and what follows is a saga of betrayal, hidden motives, and complex relationships involving Indrani (Trisha), a woman tied to both men.
Performances
- Kamal Haasan gives a commanding performance and delivers some of the film’s most powerful emotional moments. His presence alone is worth watching.
- Silambarasan struggles with an underwritten character that gives him little room to shine.
- Trisha, in a complex role that had potential, is let down by weak characterization and an abrupt arc.
- Abhirami adds maturity in her role as Sakthivel’s wife, while actors like Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and Aishwarya Lekshmi are disappointingly underused.
Technical Merits
- Cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran is visually striking. His frames elevate otherwise lackluster sequences.
- Music by A.R. Rahman surprisingly falls flat, with only one standout score. This is far from his usual form in Mani Ratnam films.
- Editing by Sreekar Prasad lacks finesse. Several scenes, especially in the second half, overstay their welcome.
- Production Values are impeccable—but grandeur alone doesn’t save a film from narrative issues.
Hits & Misses
What Works:
- Kamal Haasan’s compelling screen presence
- Rich, immersive visuals
What Doesn’t:
- Weak screenplay and predictable plot
- Flat emotional beats
- Poorly developed characters
- Uninspiring music
- Dragged second half and overstretched climax
Verdict
Thug Life feels like a missed opportunity. What should have been a cinematic event marking the reunion of two legends instead turns into a disappointing experience marred by poor writing and inconsistent storytelling. Even Mani Ratnam’s usual strengths—emotionally complex characters and impactful drama—are missing here.
Despite a promising start, the film nosedives in the second half with a cliched revenge arc and characters that never fully come alive. Kamal Haasan tries to anchor the film with his performance, but he’s let down by a screenplay that simply doesn’t deliver.
Bottom Line:
Thug Life – A Grand Reunion That Fails to Deliver.
Watch it only if you’re a die-hard fan of Kamal or Mani Ratnam.