When two legends like Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam team up, the bar is set sky-high. Their latest collaboration, Thug Life, aimed to revive the intensity of their iconic film Nayakan, but sadly, it stumbles along the way.
Thug Life movie review
Cast: Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR and Trisha Krishnan
Director: Mani Ratnam
Star Rating: 2.5/5
Movie Trailer: Watch here
The film begins with all the right elements—an intense backdrop, a gritty tone, and a strong character in Kamal Haasan’s Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar. However, despite the promise, Thug Life fails to match the emotional grip and powerful storytelling of Nayakan.
Kamal Haasan’s Commanding Presence
Kamal Haasan is undeniably commanding. His screen presence, especially in action sequences and emotionally charged moments, is impressive. But even his performance cannot fully elevate a script that feels stretched and uneven. Mani Ratnam’s signature style is present – layered characters, moody visuals, and a brooding pace—but it lacks the sharpness and soul of his earlier classics.
Trisha Krishnan plays a key role and shares a complex dynamic with Kamal’s character. While she performs well, the writing doesn’t give her enough depth to shine consistently. Supporting actors like Jayam Ravi and Aishwarya Lekshmi add some texture to the film, but their arcs are underdeveloped.
A Story That Struggles to Take Off
Visually, the film is a treat. Ravi Varman’s cinematography is rich and moody, giving each frame a dramatic edge. The background score by A.R. Rahman blends well with the setting, although the songs don’t stand out as memorable.
The biggest drawback is the narrative pace. The story moves in bursts—sometimes too slow, sometimes rushed. The build-up to key moments is often too long, which causes the audience to lose emotional connection. The political commentary is present, but it lacks the bite Mani Ratnam is known for.
In the end, Thug Life is a mixed bag. It’s visually stunning and anchored by a strong lead performance. But it doesn’t deliver the emotional depth or gripping plot one would expect from a film with such powerful names behind it. Follow Dazzlerr for more updates!
