‘Thug Life’ Review: Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s Long-Awaited Reunion Falls Frustratingly Short of Its Potential

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Following the break, the storyline of Thug Life abruptly shifts at a pace and with an unbelievability that even the masterful director Mani Ratnam and acting titan Kamal Haasan, reteaming 38 years after their groundbreaking film Nayakan, struggle to pull off effectively. From this point onward, the movie begins to lose its way. Emotion becomes secondary to action sequences, while hastily delivered explanations for what we witness are provided through expository dialogue or voiceovers. Reason and coherence seem to vanish from the screen.

The main figure encounters peril, yet inexplicably chooses to travel solo on an isolated highway in the subsequent scene. Despite his immense influence and henchmen at his disposal, he meets his fate. The assailants dispatched to eliminate him carry machetes rather than firearms in this unusual skirmish. Moreover, there’s a seemingly contrived family gathering that seems as if the director manipulated the characters like chess pieces on a board.

What’s particularly aggravating about the situation is that until then, Thug Life was quite intriguing.

Drawing inspiration from Haasan’s narrative, Ratnam crafts a deeply relatable story about father-son dynamics. In “Nayakan”, Haasan portrayed Velu Naicker, a foster son who transformed into a criminal. Contrastingly, in “Thug Life”, Haasan embodies Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar, a foster father who believes he was destined to be a lawbreaker. Both characters commit murder at young ages and find comfort in women who once worked as prostitutes. However, unlike Velu, Rangaraya is less encumbered by moral scruples. He’s a man who revels in the authority he wields.

This gripping gangster succession drama is captivating due to its complex characters. They effortlessly blend moments of brutality with expressions of love, laughter, and conflict. These individuals exhibit bursts of anger, jealousy, and insecurity. In a poignant scene, Rangaraya, his adoptive son Amaran (Silambarasan TR), and his elder brother Manickam (Nassar) engage in a heated argument over a business partnership with a rival. During this disagreement, each character refers to Rangaraya as ‘brother’, but he snaps back, refusing to be addressed as such. This could easily pass for a family squabble, if not for the fact that these men are cold-blooded killers.

The relationship between Rangaraya and his wife, Jeeva (Abhirami), carries a well-worn warmth. Their connection is unbreakable, despite his straying ways. When she’s hurt by his actions, he compares his infidelity to a disease, like diabetes or hypertension. It’s a weak justification, brushing off her pain, and many actors might struggle to convincingly portray such insensitivity. However, Haasan executes it so smoothly that we, along with her, can find forgiveness.

The actor frequently displays moments of strength and elegance. Keep an eye out for a scene where he humbly acknowledges his mistake and seeks forgiveness, as Rangaraya seldom finds himself in such situations. Or consider the way he dances in “Jinguchaa,” a song that Kamal Haasan penned the lyrics for. It’s truly captivating to observe.

As a passionate admirer, I must say that the other captivating figure is Silambarasan. He presents an engaging sparring match for Haasan. In numerous scenes, they exude a whirlwind of emotions – affection, animosity, pain. However, post-intermission, Amaran’s emotional journey seems to falter, making it challenging to maintain interest in his struggles.

As a devoted fan, I must say that A.R. Rahman’s lush, powerful soundtrack truly enhances the movie experience, with “Anju Vanna Poove” (or ‘flower with five colors’) tugging at heartstrings throughout. Additionally, cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran infuses each frame with both elegance and intensity, particularly during the striking black-and-white sequence that delves into the past.

Though there’s plenty to celebrate, my gaming experience with “Thug Life” fell short, mainly due to the shaky writing. The storyline failed to elevate its characters, particularly the women like Jeeva or Rangaraya’s mistress, Indrani (played by Trisha). She had immense potential, yet her character development felt underwhelming. A scene where Indrani sat on the steps of her house, her eyes reflecting a heart-wrenching understanding of her position in this world, left me wanting more depth for her character. I yearned for a more substantial journey for her and a deeper exploration of the fleeting, businesslike relationship she shared with these men.

Is it worth watching “Thug Life”? Absolutely, as numerous talented artists are involved. However, be aware that while there are brief, intense moments, these flashes don’t build up to a sustained brilliance.

And leave Nayakan behind. Perhaps no one, not even Ratnam and Haasan, can match that poetry.

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2025-06-12 22:55