The highly anticipated Tamil gangster action drama, "Thug Life," starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, has finally hit theaters worldwide on June 5, 2025, but early reviews paint a mixed picture, with some critics finding the film 'poor' and 'disappointing.' This film marks the reunion of Haasan and Ratnam after their iconic 1987 film "Nayakan," raising expectations sky-high.
Several reviews point to a predictable storyline and a lack of the signature Mani Ratnam magic. One review described the plot as "totally predictable" and following the trailer closely. Some viewers felt that the narrative was flat, missing the adrenaline rush and surprise elements typically associated with the director's work. The absence of emotional depth and engaging drama in the first half was a common concern. A user on X (formerly Twitter) noted that the film unfolds exactly as the trailer suggests, with Kamal and Simbu delivering strong performances, but the overall narrative lacking the usual spark.
However, not all initial reactions were negative. Some viewers praised the film's technical aspects, particularly Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography and A.R. Rahman's musical score, though some felt Rahman's background score was underwhelming. Silambarasan TR (STR) is being highlighted as a standout performer, with many praising his electrifying screen presence. One user described the first half as "pure adrenaline," lauding the stunning visuals, raw energy, and Kamal Haasan's commanding presence. The plot was said to be gripping, with slick action and impactful dialogues, complemented by Rahman's vibrant music. Some early reviews even called the film a potential "cult classic" with goosebump-inducing scenes, particularly those featuring the chemistry between Kamal Haasan and STR.
Despite the stellar cast, including Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Nassar, and others, several reviews suggest that many actors were underutilized due to weak character writing. While the performances were generally competent, few characters made a significant impact, with the exception of Kamal Haasan in the initial portions. Some critics felt that Trisha's role as a bar dancer was unnecessary and that her "Sugar Baby" song added nothing of substance to the film. Veteran actors like Nassar and Joju George were also cited as being wasted in short roles.
Several reviews highlighted issues with the film's pacing, particularly in the first half, which was described as slow and overly stretched. The editing by Sreekar Prasad was criticized, with the runtime feeling exhausting. However, the interval sequence was praised for injecting much-needed spice and setting the stage for a potentially stronger second half, which ultimately did not deliver according to some reviews.
Adding to the film's woes, "Thug Life" has faced controversy in Karnataka due to Kamal Haasan's past remarks about the Kannada language, leading to protests and a delayed release in the state. Despite these challenges, the film has generated significant buzz, driven by Rahman's music and high ticket sales. However, modest pre-sales figures may reflect the mixed critical reception.
Overall, initial reviews suggest that "Thug Life" may not live up to the high expectations set by the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam. While the film boasts strong technical aspects and standout performances, particularly from Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan, its predictable plot, uneven pacing, and lack of emotional depth have left some critics and viewers disappointed. Whether the film can overcome these shortcomings and achieve commercial success remains to be seen.
