Jun 05, 2025 12:01 PM
152 Views
Who doesn’t remember the iconic partnership of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam in Nayakan (1987)? Nearly 38 years later, the legendary actor-director duo is back and the film is called Thug Life. Naturally, I was eager to see if this gangster drama could live up to the hype and the legacy. I went to the first day show and couldn’t help but watch in amazement! It was one of the best cinematic experiences in recent years.
The Plot
Thug Life is a gangster action drama that revolves around Sakthivel, played by Kamal Haasan. He is deep into the violent world of crime. He goes through power struggles, tests of loyalty and revenge. After a brutal shootout and betrayal by his own gang, Sakthivel survives and returns two years later as a cold and calculated man looking for revenge. We get to see his dynamic relationship with the new leader of his gang, Amaran (Silambarasan). This is a classic gangster crime plot, with a huge plot twist at the end. The directors have managed to weave a story with visuals setting the tone of the entire movie.
The Performances
Kamal Haasan delivers a fabulous performance. Throughout the entire movie, his character is torn between the backstabbings of the history and defying his present. He's calm, composed, and calculative, unlike other hot- headed culprits. Silambarasan as Amaran brings energy and charm. Trisha Krishnan as Chandra is Amaran’s family and adds emotional depth, especially in her scenes with Kamal Haasan. The supporting cast, including Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, and Nassar, contribute solid performances.
Winning Elements
Apart from the acting, I believe that the directors have done a commendable job! Mani Ratnam’s direction is meticulous, with his signature style evident in the film’s visual storytelling. The cinematography is violent, dark, and gritty. It's a step above what we see in South Indian pictures. At the same time, the emotional scenes are depicted nicely, without going onboard on the action part. The actors acclimatize well. Dispensable to say, the action sequences are arranged by Anbariv and are perfect and look natural. Another major highlight of Thug Life is A.R.Rahman’s soundtracks. The fabulous musician has not only written amazing tracks but carried the emotional depth of the movie with his background scores. They elevate violent scenes!
Overall Impression
Thug Life is a film that carries the weight of its creators’ legacies and the high expectations of fans. Even if you are not a fan of South Indian movies, watch it for Kamal Hasan’s brilliant acting. The storyline is fast-paced, barring a few stretched scenes and big dialogues, which means you will be on the edge of your seat. It is a powerful gangster drama with strong performances and excellent visuals and an emotional core. I believe such movies should be watched in the theatres to get the best experience. Definitely one of the best action movies I have seen recently.
