Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's reunion after 36 years for "Thug Life" has generated considerable buzz, but early reviews paint a mixed picture of this gangster saga. While Haasan's performance as Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar is widely praised, the film itself is receiving criticism for uneven writing, a predictable storyline, and a sluggish second half.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan TR (also known as STR), Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Nasser, and Ashok Selvan. The music, composed by A.R. Rahman, adds a powerful auditory dimension to the film's intense atmosphere. "Thug Life" has a runtime of nearly 2 hours and 46 minutes and has received a UA 16+ rating, suggesting mature themes and intense action sequences.
"Thug Life" tells the story of Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar, a powerful mafia don in Old Delhi. The narrative begins with Sakthivel lamenting his close relationship with death. A key event occurs in 1994 when a police encounter orchestrated by Sakthivel's rival, Sadanand (Mahesh Manjrekar), results in the death of an innocent newspaper vendor. Wracked with remorse, Sakthivel adopts the vendor's orphaned son, Amaran (STR), raising him as his own. The plot thickens as Amaran later plots against Sakthivel, seeking to usurp his empire.
Several reviews highlight Kamal Haasan's commanding screen presence and his ability to portray the nuances of an aging gangster. Some critics noted that Haasan "delivers with sheer class". Silambarasan TR also receives praise for his portrayal of Amaran, with some suggesting that he even overshadows Haasan in certain scenes. Abhirami's portrayal of Sakthivel's wife, Jeeva, is also noted for its compelling performance.
However, the film's screenplay appears to be a major point of contention. Some reviews describe the writing as "uninspired" and the characterizations as "weak." The second half of the film is frequently criticized for dragging and lacking the spark of Mani Ratnam's signature style. One user on X (formerly Twitter) described the film as having "potential but ends up dragging," further noting that Kamal Haasan's "never-ending monologues wear you down." Another user echoed this sentiment, stating that the film "fails to engage, surprise, or emotionally move the audience."
Trisha Krishnan's role as Indhrani, Sakthivel's mistress, has also come under scrutiny. Several reviews suggest that her character is unnecessary and adds nothing to the story. One review bluntly states that "Trisha's role is a waste and feels useless." Furthermore, some critics feel that talented actors like Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, Ashok Selvan, and Joju George are underutilized, with their characters barely registering.
Despite the criticisms, some aspects of the film have been lauded. Ravi K. Chandran's cinematography and A.R. Rahman's background score and songs are frequently mentioned as highlights. The visuals are described as striking, and Rahman's music is said to enhance the film's intense atmosphere.
Overall, "Thug Life" appears to be an uneven cinematic experience. While Kamal Haasan's performance and the technical aspects of the film are commendable, the weak screenplay and sluggish pacing detract from its overall impact. Whether the film can overcome these shortcomings and resonate with audiences remains to be seen.
