Thug Life Movie Review: A Tale of Power, Betrayal, and Refurbishment in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life

Thug Life Movie Review: A Tale of Power, Betrayal, and Refurbishment in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life

 

Directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam and co-written by Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, Thug Life is a gripping gangster drama released on 5 June 2025, with a runtime of 163 minutes. Produced by Kamal Haasan, R. Mahendran, Mani Ratnam, Siva Ananth, and Udhayanidhi Stalin under the banners Raj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, the film unfolds a layered tale of familial loss, betrayal, and vengeance set in the dark underbelly of organized crime.

The story begins with a violent clash between Kamal Haasan’s gang and the police, during which Simbu’s father is tragically killed. Simbu, separated from his sister in the chaos, is taken in by Kamal, who raises him as his own and ultimately names him the heir to his vast criminal empire. Just as this father-son bond deepens, Kamal is shot under mysterious circumstances and hospitalized. To Simbu’s shock, Kamal suspects him of orchestrating the attack—a moment that causes emotional devastation and drives a wedge between the two.

In the wake of this suspicion, a power-hungry alliance, comprising Nasser, Joju George, and Bhagavathy, manipulates the situation. They conspire to eliminate Kamal through Simbu, capitalizing on his vulnerability and broken trust. Their plan culminates in a dramatic scene where Kamal is thrown off a mountaintop, presumed dead. Simbu, hardened by betrayal and guilt, rises to power, declaring himself as Rangaraya Sakthivel, Kamal’s successor. The story then leaves the audience questioning: is Kamal truly gone, or is there more to this twist?

Silambarasan delivers a standout performance, showcasing a complex emotional arc, from an orphaned child to a conflicted heir, and finally a powerful yet tormented leader. His screen presence and transformation are riveting. Kamal Haasan, as expected, commands every frame with effortless authority and emotional depth, especially in scenes of suspicion and confrontation. Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, and the supporting cast—including Nasser, Joju George, and Bhagavathy—bring gravitas and intensity to the narrative, enriching its political and emotional undercurrents.

On the technical front, Ravi K. Chandran’s cinematography is a visual feast, capturing the gritty tones of the underworld and the majestic scale of the power struggle. A. R. Rahman’s background score and songs elevate the emotional quotient, blending orchestral grandeur with thematic tension. A. Sreekar Prasad’s editing ensures a tight, engaging pace, with smooth transitions between action and drama. Thug Life stands tall as a powerful cinematic experience, rooted in emotion, layered with suspense, and bolstered by stellar craftsmanship.