🎬 Thug Life Movie Review, Rating & Release LIVE Updates: Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam’s Reunion Kicks Off with Hype and Controversy
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Language: Tamil (Dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam)
Director: Mani Ratnam
Lead Actor: Kamal Haasan
Genre: Action | Drama
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
🕹️ Live Update: First-Day-First-Show Begins Nationwide at 9 AM
After much anticipation, Mani Ratnam’s high-octane action drama Thug Life has finally hit theaters. The film reunites Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after an iconic 37-year gap since Nayakan (1987), making this one of the most significant cinematic reunions in Indian film history.
Thanks to a green light from the Tamil Nadu government, Thug Life opened with special 9 AM shows across the state, matching its simultaneous nationwide premiere — a rare occurrence in Tamil cinema.
💣 Plot Review (No Spoilers)
Thug Life plunges into the world of vengeance, legacy, and betrayal as Kamal Haasan delivers a layered performance as a man pulled back into violence he once left behind. Set against a socio-political backdrop, the film explores what it truly means to live (and die) by the code of the streets.
Mani Ratnam’s direction is poetic yet intense, balancing action choreography with emotional gravitas. The film’s narrative shifts between past and present timelines with a stylized flair reminiscent of Kattradhu Thamizh and Vikram Vedha, but rooted in Mani’s signature storytelling.
🎭 Performances
- Kamal Haasan is magnetic. Age only refines his intensity, especially in the emotionally charged second half.
- Trisha Krishnan adds emotional depth with a restrained yet memorable role.
- Silambarasan TR (Simbu) makes a fiery appearance, leaving a strong impact.
- Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, Joju George, and Ashok Selvan deliver solid performances in supporting roles.
- Ali Fazal shines in a brief but pivotal cameo, adding Hindi cinema crossover appeal.
🎵 Music & Technical Brilliance
- 🎶 Music: A.R. Rahman delivers a haunting and heroic score, blending orchestral grandeur with gritty soundscapes.
- 🎥 Cinematography: Ravi K. Chandran’s visuals are stunning — dusk-lit alleys, rain-drenched fights, and wide-angle urban chaos.
- ✂️ Editing: Sreekar Prasad ensures a tight runtime, though the film’s complex timeline may confuse some viewers.
💸 Box Office & Pre-Release Buzz
Despite towering expectations, Thug Life’s advance booking has been slightly underwhelming:
- 💳 Advance Booking (as of June 5, 7 PM): ₹4.93 crore
- 🎟️ Tickets Sold: 2,90,838 across 10,613 shows
- 💰 Predicted Day 1 Gross (including block seats): ₹12.32 crore
While Thug Life trails behind Kamal’s previous openers (Vikram – ₹15.3 crore, Indian 2 – ₹17.9 crore with block seats), the ban in Karnataka and a delayed promo rollout may have played a part in the slower momentum.
📊 Thug Life Day 1 Box Office Prediction
Industry trackers expect:
- 🔥 India Day 1 Gross: ₹15–18 crore
- 🌎 Worldwide Gross Day 1: ₹20–22 crore
- 📈 Weekend potential: Strong word-of-mouth could lead to ₹60+ crore weekend globally
📝 Critic Verdict: Should You Watch It?
YES. Thug Life is a power-packed film that rewards patient viewers with impactful performances and top-tier action. While the first half builds the emotional groundwork, the second half explodes with vengeance and visual brilliance.
Pros:
- Kamal Haasan’s commanding return
- Mani Ratnam’s stylish direction
- Rahman’s unforgettable score
- Tight editing and impactful visuals
Cons:
- Slightly slow-paced first half
- Some political subplots underdeveloped
- May not appeal to masala-action seekers expecting a Vikram-style blast
⭐ Final Rating: 4/5 Stars
A gripping action-drama layered with legacy and lyrical violence. Kamal + Mani = Cinematic Magic.