Thug Life Movie Review 2025
When cinematic greats like Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and A.R. Rahman join forces, expectations are sky-high. With its high-octane trailer, Thug Life promised a gripping gangster drama—and to an extent, it delivers. The movie is loaded with style, attitude, a powerhouse cast, and striking visuals. But despite the flair, it’s the story that holds it back.
Thug Life Plot
In Thug Life, Kamal Haasan plays Shaktivel, a feared gangster haunted by guilt after his men accidentally kill a journalist. In a turn of redemption, he adopts the journalist’s orphaned son, while the daughter mysteriously disappears. Years later, the adopted son becomes a trusted aide in Shaktivel’s gang. As power struggles unfold, the real threat comes from within—forcing Shaktivel to confront not just enemies, but betrayals.
Is Thug Life Worth Watching?
In this Thug Life Movie Review 2025, it’s fair to say the film is a solid one-time watch. Kamal Haasan owns the screen—whether in intense action or surprisingly tender moments. His digitally enhanced youthful appearance in the flashbacks is convincing and doesn’t feel jarring. The film starts strong, with stylish intros and fast-paced sequences. However, the momentum dips in the second half. The narrative slows, conversations drag, and the emotional core feels undercooked. Thankfully, the action-packed climax saves the day.
The film’s weakest link is the writing. Despite being co-written by legends Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, the story is overly predictable and lacks depth. What keeps it afloat is its sharp execution—from impressive production values to spot-on casting. Every role, no matter how small, is handled with finesse. Still, Thug Life feels more like a stylish spectacle than a storytelling triumph. For Mani Ratnam, this doesn’t quite reflect his usual storytelling brilliance.
Performances
Kamal Haasan is the film’s anchor. He seamlessly transitions between fierce and charming, silencing trolls with his confident screen presence. His line “Main Yamraj ko hara ke aaya hoon” delivers pure cinematic impact. STR (Silambarasan) matches Haasan’s energy and holds his ground. Trisha, though limited in screen time, makes an impression. Abhirami shines in a post-accident scene, while Joju George is quietly excellent. Ali Fazal and Rohit Saraf, though underutilized, play their roles well.
Direction & Writing
Visually and stylistically, Mani Ratnam delivers. The frames are slick, the mood is set. But the script—surprisingly average for a Kamal-Mani combo—lacks emotional heft and originality. The storytelling doesn’t quite pack a punch, and that’s where the disappointment lies.
Music
A.R. Rahman’s music is a standout. The songs are catchy and energetic, while the background score adds an extra layer of intensity and style. His compositions elevate many moments, making the film feel grander than it is.
Final Verdict
To wrap up this Thug Life Movie Review 2025: the film is carried by Kamal Haasan’s magnetism and the team’s technical brilliance. It’s not Mani Ratnam’s best work, and the narrative could have used more depth. But for fans of Kamal and lovers of cinematic style, Thug Life is still worth a watch—just don’t expect a storytelling masterpiece.