- Friday, June 06, 2025
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life opens to mixed reviews, with fans debating its style, storytelling, and age-gap romance. Despite controversies and a Karnataka ban, the film sees a strong box office start and ignites heated social media discussion.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
The much-anticipated gangster drama Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan, finally hit theatres on Thursday (5), 2025, reuniting the iconic Nayakan duo after 38 years.
The film, also featuring Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, and Nasser, has been at the center of massive buzz, not just for its star-studded cast and AR Rahman’s music, but also for the controversies and debates it has sparked.
Box Office Opening and Controversy
Despite a ban in Karnataka following Kamal Haasan’s controversial remarks about the Kannada language, Thug Life managed a solid opening, with pre-sales reportedly reaching $1.66 million and a strong turnout in other states and overseas.
However, the Karnataka ban is expected to cost the film around $1.2 million to $1.8 million, a loss the actor-producer seems willing to accept, standing firm on his decision not to apologize.
Audience and Critical Reactions: A Mixed Bag
As the first shows wrapped up, social media erupted with polarized reactions. While some fans praised the film’s visual style, performances, and Mani Ratnam’s signature direction, others found the narrative lacking.
One fan called it “a gritty gangster saga that flickers but fades,” highlighting strong visuals but criticizing the story for being high on style and low on substance. Another described it as “a cinematic endurance test,” citing subpar writing and a lack of engaging moments.
Some viewers found the first half intriguing but felt the film lost momentum in the second half, calling it “slow, boring, and hard to sit through.”
Others, however, enjoyed the “mass and class combined commercial entertainer,” praising Kamal Haasan’s screen presence and Silambarasan’s performance, while noting AR Rahman’s music as both a highlight and a drawback, depending on the review.
Age-Gap Romance Sparks Debate
A major talking point has been the nearly 30-year age difference between Kamal Haasan (70) and his leading ladies, Trisha Krishnan and Abhirami (both 42), especially given the romantic scenes. The Internet has reignited the debate about Indian cinema’s tendency to pair older male stars with much younger actresses.
While director Mani Ratnam defended the narrative choice by saying cinema must reflect society, many on social media criticized it as a “glorified midlife fantasy,” questioning its relevance and appropriateness in modern storytelling.
The discussion even drew comparisons to industry double standards, asking if the same would be accepted if the gender roles were reversed.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Trisha Krishnan’s performance received praise from some quarters, with fans calling her portrayal “sensitive, raw, and gritty,” while others felt her role was underutilized.
Silambarasan’s presence was noted as electrifying, especially in the climax, though some felt his potential was wasted due to limited scope in the script. Kamal Haasan’s performance was described as classic and commanding, though a few critics felt his monologues dragged the pace.
Technically, the film was lauded for Ravi K Chandran’s cinematography and the “vintage aesthetics” that brought Mani Ratnam’s vision to life. The de-aging effects and production values were also mentioned as standout elements.
Verdict: A Divisive Experience
Thug Life is ultimately a film that has divided both critics and audiences. While its box office prospects remain strong due to star power and controversy-driven publicity, the film’s narrative choices, especially around age-gap relationships and pacing, have sparked intense debate.
For some, it’s a stylish, nostalgic return of two legends; for others, it’s a missed opportunity weighed down by outdated tropes and lackluster storytelling.
As Thug Life continues its theatrical run (and prepares for an OTT release on Netflix in August), it stands as a testament to the power of star collaborations—and the evolving expectations of Indian cinema audiences.
