Can Kamal Haasan’s Power Save Thug Life from Its Own Fall?

June 5, 2025: Can a strong start save a faltering finish? Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life begins with promise — but somewhere along the road of betrayal, ambition, and blood ties, the film loses its way.

Set in the gritty underworld of New Delhi, Thug Life follows Rangaraya Sakthivel (Kamal Haasan), a seasoned gangster who raises a young boy, Amar (Silambarasan), like his own after a tragic encounter. As years pass, both evolve into powerful figures — until a twist in power, ego, and trust sends their world spiraling.

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The first half is riveting. The emotional weight of Sakthivel and Amar’s bond is palpable, supported by Mani Ratnam’s nuanced character arcs — from Manikkam’s envy to Pathros’ conflicted loyalty. Each scene is filled with subtle cues, hinting at inevitable betrayals and power struggles. The visuals, framed masterfully by Ravi K Chandran, and AR Rahman’s thrilling background score elevate every confrontation.

But after intermission, the pace nosedives.

As Sakthivel returns from prison, the film stumbles into predictable territory. The promise of layered conflict gives way to formulaic scenes and weak dialogue. Even the emotional tension between Sakthivel and Amar feels watered down. Trisha’s character, Indrani, is introduced with weighty expectations, but ultimately underwhelms.

Despite Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan’s powerful performances, Thug Life’s second half feels like a missed opportunity. While the visuals and sound design maintain international flair, the storytelling loses focus — weighed down by verbosity and clichés.

In the end, Thug Life is a gangster epic that flares up with intensity, only to fade in its final act. A tale of loyalty, love, and legacy, it reminds us that even legends can stumble when the screenplay lacks conviction.