Thug Life is one of the most anticipated Tamil movies of the year, bringing together two legends—Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam—for a powerful gangster drama. Set in the heart of Delhi’s underworld, the film tells a gripping story of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. With a strong cast that includes Silambarasan TR (STR), Trisha Krishnan, and Aishwarya Lekshmi, Thug Life blends action, emotion, and style in a way that fans of Tamil cinema love. Add to that stunning visuals from Ravi K. Chandran and a haunting soundtrack by A. R. Rahman, and you have a film that’s been the talk of the town since its announcement. In this Thug Life Movie Review, we’ll explore what works, what doesn’t, and whether this highly anticipated film lives up to the hype.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
Genre: Action · Crime · Drama
Release Date, Director, and Cast
- Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR (STR), Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Ali Fazal, Joju George
- Release Date: June 5, 2025
- Director: Mani Ratnam
- Language: Tamil
Story of Thug Life
Set against the backdrop of 1990s and 2010s Delhi, Thug Life follows Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan), an aging gangster, who once took in a young boy named Amaran (Silambarasan) after a life-saving act of loyalty. Years later, their mentor-protégé relationship is shattered by betrayal, ambition, and revenge. As power shifts and loyalties are tested, both men face off in a violent, emotionally charged war for control, legacy, and survival.
Performances
- Kamal Haasan, as Sakthivel, commands the screen with calm intensity and emotional depth. This is a seasoned actor at his best—subtle, powerful, and emotionally grounded.
- Silambarasan TR (STR), playing Amaran, delivers a career-defining performance. His transformation from a loyal protégé to a conflicted and tormented leader is compelling and heartbreaking.
- Trisha and Aishwarya Lekshmi offer solid support in limited roles, while Ali Fazal and Joju George stand out in key moments. The chemistry and tension between characters are key strengths in this gangster film.
Direction & Screenplay
Mani Ratnam returns to familiar territory with Thug Life—the gangster genre he helped shape decades ago. His storytelling is sharp in the first half, building emotional weight and suspense. However, the screenplay gets slightly overstuffed in the latter half with too many characters and subplots. Still, his signature visual storytelling and emotional beats shine through.
The narrative’s interweaving timelines add complexity but are easy to follow thanks to clear visual and thematic cues.
Cinematography
Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography is one of the film’s major highlights. From the crowded streets of Old Delhi to the serene landscapes of Mount Kailash, every frame is masterfully crafted. The lighting, composition, and color grading elevate even simple moments, making Thug Life visually arresting.
Music & Background Score
A. R. Rahman delivers an immersive soundtrack that enhances both action and emotion. Songs like “Jingucha” and “Sugar Baby” blend naturally into the storyline. His background score intensifies key sequences, especially during emotional flashbacks and final confrontations.
Box office collection
Thug Life, released on June 5, 2025, opened with ₹15.5 crore on Day 1 but saw a sharp drop in collections, earning around ₹40.5 crore net in India within six days. Its global gross stands between ₹75 to ₹87.6 crore. Despite big names like Kamal Haasan and STR, and direction by Mani Ratnam, the film underperformed at the box office. A major challenge is the Thug Life movie budget, estimated at ₹200–300 crore, making recovery through theatrical earnings difficult. Limited regional release, including a Karnataka ban, and mixed reviews impacted its performance. While expectations were high, Thug Life has struggled to meet them and is currently viewed as a commercial disappointment.
OTT Release Date
After its eight-week theatrical release, the film will be available on Netflix on 7 August 2025.
What Works
- Powerful performances by Kamal Haasan and STR
- Emotional storytelling with strong character arcs
- Stunning cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran
- Engaging music and score by A. R. Rahman
- A layered plot with themes of loyalty, revenge, and redemption
What Doesn’t Work
- Predictable elements in the climax
- Slightly stretched runtime in the second half
- Some secondary characters feel underdeveloped
Themes & Depth
This Thug Life Movie Review wouldn’t be complete without discussing its deeper layers. The film touches on:
- Redemption through suffering and personal growth
- Father-son dynamics and chosen family
- Betrayal and its emotional consequences
- The duality of violence and vulnerability in gangster life
Final Verdict
As this Thug Life Movie Review concludes, it’s clear that Mani Ratnam has delivered a powerful comeback to the gangster genre. It’s an emotional rollercoaster that mixes action, drama, and character-driven storytelling. While not flawless, Thug Life is a bold, satisfying experience that deserves your attention.
Whether you’re a fan of Kamal Haasan, STR, or just enjoy layered action dramas with heart, Thug Life is worth watching. It’s not just a gangster tale—it’s a story about family, identity, and the cost of power.
Should You Watch Thug Life?
Yes, especially if you love Tamil action dramas, Mani Ratnam’s storytelling, or Kamal Haasan’s masterful acting. It’s a film that offers action and depth, with emotional payoff and cinematic grandeur.
FAQs
Q1: What is Thug Life about?
Thug Life is a Tamil action drama directed by Mani Ratnam. It follows gangster Sakthivel and his adopted son Amaran as they face crime, betrayal, and revenge in Old Delhi’s underworld.
Q2: Who stars in Thug Life?
The film features Kamal Haasan as Sakthivel and Silambarasan TR (STR) as Amaran. It also stars Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ali Fazal, Joju George, and Abhirami.
Q3: Who directed Thug Life?
Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam, renowned for his storytelling and cinematic style in Tamil cinema.
Q4: What genre is Thug Life?
It’s a blend of action, crime, and drama—a Tamil gangster movie packed with emotional depth and high-stakes conflict.
Q5: Is Thug Life based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional story, though it explores real themes like loyalty, power, and betrayal.
Q6: How is the music in Thug Life?
Composed by A. R. Rahman, the music intensifies the film’s emotions with a powerful background score and memorable songs.
Q7: Where can I watch Thug Life?
It’s currently playing in theatres across India and select global markets. An OTT release is expected soon.
Q8: Is Thug Life worth watching?
Yes. According to our Thug Life Movie Review, it’s a gripping film with standout performances and stunning visuals.
Q9: In what languages is it available?
The original version is in Tamil, with dubbed versions planned in Telugu, Hindi, and Malayalam.
Q10: Will there be a sequel?
No official sequel has been announced, but the possibility remains open due to the film’s success.
Read more:
- Padakkalam Movie Review: A magical campus ride filled with laughs and friendship
- Panchayat Season 4 Trailer: A chaotic, comedy-packed return to Phulera
- Kunal Verma Pooja Bannerjee Financial Crisis: TV Couple Betrayed by Trusted Associate
- Thug Life Movie Review: Kamal Haasan returns to the gangster world – but is it worth the hype?
- The Raj Shamani Podcast Journey: From selling soap to selling stories
