Thug Life Movie Review– The highly anticipated gangster drama Thug Life, featuring Kamal Haasan and helmed by Mani Ratnam, is already making news—some for its on-screen excellence, and some for controversy. While early reviews acclaim the film as a “cult classic in the making”, Karnataka fans might not be able to watch it—at least not just yet.
Let’s analyze what the critics are telling us about the film and why it’s banned right now in Karnataka.
Thug Life Movie Review – Kamal Haasan's Daring Comeback
It’s been decades, but Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam have joined forces once again for a movie that’s raw, gritty, and unforgettable. From early critic screenings and insider reviews, Thug Life is already being labeled as one of Kamal’s strongest performances in years.
Kamal Haasan is the highlight of the film as Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakkar, a nuanced gangster trapped in a vicious cycle of politics and power.
Mani Ratnam’s direction is razor-sharp, cinematic, and emotionally nuanced.
The music of the film by A.R. Rahman is perfect for its dark and gritty tone.
Breathtaking visuals, symbolic narrative, and a full cast ensemble make it big.
Early Review Highlights:
June 5, 2025 – the day history will repeat itself, in a darker, more dangerous guise. That’s when Thug Life breaks into theatres everywhere in India and the world.
In Tamil Nadu, audiences have a treat waiting for them — exclusive early morning screenings have been formally sanctioned. Get ready for deafening cheers, firecrackers, and house-full pandemonium from 9 AM on Day 1.
“A slow burn that explodes in the second half.”
“Kamal Haasan gives a masterclass in acting.”
“Each frame is composed like art — Mani Ratnam at his finest.”
Rating (early critic consensus): ★★★★☆ (4/5)
The Cast – When Legends Unite
- Kamal Haasan – The legend, the storm, the face of fear
- Silambarasan TR – The rebel force
- Trisha Krishnan – Strong, graceful, and deadly
- Joju George, Ali Fazal, Ashok Selvan, Rohit Saraf, Baburaj, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and more
- And guess what? Sanya Malhotra drops in for a sizzling special appearance.
Budget & Box Office Buzz
With a ₹300 crore budget, Thug Life is one of the most ambitious Indian films ever. The expectations? Nothing less than ₹300 crore+ in box office to break even.
Early bookings in Tamil Nadu are explosive, but here’s the twist — the movie won’t release in Karnataka, due to controversy over Kamal’s political remarks. Still, with the buzz across India and abroad, this won’t slow the beast down.
First Reviews – A Cult Classic in the Making?
Those fortunate few who did catch early screenings are already dubbing Thug Life a “cult classic thriller.”
Haasan’s powerhouse performance is hailed by critics
Mani Ratnam’s direction is taut, electric, and chic
Action sequences are raw, gritty, and relentless
The emotional journey? Surprisingly rich and unforgettable
Why Thug Life Is Banned in Karnataka – The Full Controversy
The controversy began during the audio launch of Thug Life, where Kamal Haasan remarked that the Kannada language originated from Tamil. While he presented this as a cultural observation, it was perceived by many in Karnataka as dismissive of Kannada’s linguistic identity.
What Did Kamal Haasan Say?
During the audio release of the film, Kamal Haasan had made a comment that implied Kannada was derived from Tamil, based on ancient linguistic research. Although not meant to be derogatory, the comment was taken by most in Karnataka as disparaging the Kannada language.
This triggered outrage among:
Political leaders of Kannada
Local film organizations
Regional activists and language preservation organizations
Impact of the Ban
Lack of Thug Life in Karnataka—a large market for Tamil films—would damage the film’s box office collections:
Potential loss of ₹10–₹25 crore from Karnataka alone
Fan demonstrations and polarized views on social media
Continued discussions between Kamal’s camp and Karnataka authoritie.
But the movie has continue to rake in huge hype in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and overseas, where it’s poised to create a record-breaking opening.
Final Word – Ready to Be Blown Away
Thug Life is not a movie — it’s a war cry on screen. It’s Kamal Haasan’s daring comeback to the big screen, blessed by the brilliance of Mani Ratnam and scored by the soul of Rahman.
This is not a film that you view.
This is a film that you experience — in your bones, in your blood, in every yell that resonates throughout the cinema.
