Nearly four decades after their iconic collaboration on 'Nayakan', the celebrated duo of Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam have reunited for the gangster drama 'Thug Life', which stormed into theatres on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The film, Kamal Haasan's first release after 'Indian 2', generated immense anticipation, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where its release was met with massive crowds, long queues, celebratory dances, and packed early screenings. The Tamil Nadu government even approved five special screenings on release day, underscoring the film's high-profile status.

Social media, especially the platform X (formerly Twitter), was quickly flooded with reactions from netizens. Initial buzz celebrated the revival of the legendary Haasan-Ratnam partnership, with many hailing it as a cinematic treat. Kamal Haasan's performance was widely recognized for its intensity and commanding presence. However, it was Silambarasan TR (STR) who many viewers felt stole the spotlight in the film's first half, with his screen presence described as electrifying and his scenes as a visual spectacle. The interval block, in particular, was highly praised. Trisha Krishnan's performance was also noted by some as a 'bold attempt'. Mani Ratnam's direction was lauded by some as 'classy'.

Despite the initial excitement and strong points, 'Thug Life' received mixed feedback. A significant portion of moviegoers and some critics expressed disappointment, primarily with the film's second half. Common criticisms included issues with pacing, a dragging narrative with repetitive monologues, and a perceived lack of Mani Ratnam’s usual creative brilliance. Some found the story predictable and felt the film, despite a promising start and a strong premise, struggled to sustain momentum and failed to evoke strong emotions. Reports of viewers getting a 'headache' also surfaced. However, other netizens disagreed with the negativity, praising the film's 'stunning visuals' and the 'PURE ADRENALINE' of the first half, asserting that Kamal Haasan owned every frame.

'Thug Life', produced by Kamal Haasan, revolves around an influential figure who is forced to confront the family he nurtured. The film is characterized by a rich blend of action, emotion, and political drama, hallmarks of both Haasan's and Ratnam's storytelling. It features a stellar ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan TR (Simbu), Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Sanya Malhotra, Ali Fazal, and Rohit Saraf. Kamal Haasan emphasized that the film was a collective effort, crediting the entire team for adding depth to the narrative.

A significant controversy arose surrounding the film's release in Karnataka. During the audio launch, Kamal Haasan made a remark linking the origins of the Kannada language to Tamil, which sparked considerable backlash in Karnataka. Calls for an apology grew, and the Karnataka High Court reportedly advised the actor to address the matter formally. While Haasan refrained from a direct apology, he clarified his stance in a letter to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. This controversy led to the postponement of 'Thug Life's' release in Karnataka, much to the disappointment of fans there.

Another universally acclaimed aspect of 'Thug Life' is A.R. Rahman’s music. The score has been described as providing a soul-stirring backdrop to the drama, seamlessly complementing the film’s emotional highs and intense moments, earning widespread praise from critics and audiences alike. Despite the mixed critical reception, 'Thug Life' is reported to have taken a strong start at the box office, with initial estimates suggesting a collection of around Rs 45 crore in India on its first day. While potentially polarizing, the film has undeniably made a mark on the cinematic landscape.