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Thug Life

4 June 2025TamilorigHindi2h 45m
ActionCrimeDrama
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 13 scored reviews · 3 not rated

Kamal shines, but Mani Ratnam's gangster saga loses its way in the second half.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: Kamal Haasan's screen presence
  • Criticised: Weak, rushed second half

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What 16 critics are saying

Critical reception for Thug Life is largely negative to mixed, with most reviewers disappointed by the collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. The film's first half, glossy cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, and Kamal Haasan's screen presence draw the most consistent praise across reviews. However, critics widely fault the second half for rushed, implausible plotting, weak writing, and an identity crisis stemming from the film's inability to settle on a coherent tone or story. Several reviewers also single out the underdeveloped portrayal of female characters and a generic revenge narrative as significant shortcomings.

How the 13 scores spread

3 not-rated reviews aren't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 16 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (16)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    NDTV

    Film review ·

    Not even Mani Ratnam's style and Kamal Haasan's presence are enough to pull the bacons out of the fire.

  2. Top critic

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Film review ·

    A strong start yields to a disappointing finish. Right after the intermission, Thug Life takes a plot turn so rushed and so implausible that even a directing maestro like Mani Ratnam and an acting legend like Kamal Haasan, reuniting 38 years after the landmark hit Nayakan, can't make it work.

  4. News18

    Film review

    Thug Life ends up becoming a film that is torn between telling two stories... While Thug Life may not be Nayakan, it never tries to be. What it does offer is a compelling drama anchored by a magnetic lead performance, intelligent writing in parts, and an exploration of power, loyalty, and loss. It stumbles in its second act, but Kamal's performance and Ratnam's streaks of brilliance make it worth the ride.

  6. Hindustan Times

    Film review

    When Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam announced that they would be working together after 37 years, it was natural that expectations sky-rocketed. Using a script called Amar Hai by Kamal Haasan as the base, the two movie legends brought the audience Thug Life which features a large ensemble cast.

  7. India Today

    Film review ·

    ...a gangster drama with emotional beats. While the film had a great set-up pre-interval, it falls into a deep pit in the second half and there is no turning back – even for a legend like Mani Ratnam.

  8. KoiMoi

    Film review

    Kamal Haasan's swag and vivacity are still top-notch at the age of 70 in the film. However, we expected a more refined execution with a superior combo like Haasan and Mani Ratnam. Despite an honest attempt, this one falls flat.

  10. PinkVilla

    Film review ·

    Thug Life is nowhere close to being the next Nayakan, nor does it supersede it. While the movie has certain moments from an action perspective, it lacks the flair that matches its substance, making it one of the weakest films by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam.

  11. The Week

    Film review

    Kamal Haasan's emotionally unfulfilling film suffers from a serious case of identity confusion. In some places, this Mani Ratnam directorial aspires to be 'Nayakan 2.0'; in others, it's split between becoming a 'John Wick', 'Batman Begins' or an 'Indian 1.5'.

  12. Times Of India

    Film review ·

    The rich production values, especially Ravi K Chandran's glossy visuals, the mystery around the fate of Chandra and the inevitable face-off between Sakthivel and Amaran make us stay invested.

  13. Deccan Herald

    Film review

    Despite Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's names, Thug Life collapses under a clichéd plot and lackluster execution.

  14. Indian Express

    Film review

    The Mani Ratnam directorial is plagued by extremely subpar writing that not only fails to make the most of its premise but also falls short in delivering an engaging experience. Filled with uninspired and undercooked moments that lead nowhere, Thug Life ends up as a cinematic endurance test.

  15. KhaleejTimes

    Film review ·

    Thug Life falters the most is the portrayal of its women, bereft of any agency. Were there no women assistant directors to review the script and offer their inputs?

  16. Scroll.in

    Film review ·

    While the new film's plot is as old as the hills, the staging and treatment of character arcs have the ability to surprise, mesmerise even. Thug Life looks fresh, exciting and seductive – the classic Mani Ratnam trick to make even the routine appear like something you have never seen before.

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