Thug Life Hits Theatres Tomorrow: Everything You Need To Know About Mani Ratnam & Kamal Haasan’s Reunion (Image: Instagram/Thuglifemovie)
After 36 long years, two of Indian cinema’s most iconic talents, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, are back together with the highly anticipated action-drama Thug Life, set to hit theatres worldwide on June 5, 2025. This is considered a cinematic event that has fans and critics brimming with excitement.
Their last outing, Nayakan (1987), is still regarded as one of the greatest films in Indian film history. Now, with Thug Life, they attempt to recapture that magic in a modern, high-stakes gangster saga.
Also, read| ‘Fair Demand’: Mani Ratnam Supports Deepika Padukone On 8-Hour Shift Amid Spirit Row
Kamal Haasan plays Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakkar, a powerful and enigmatic figure who dominates the narrative and has already sparked immense buzz online.
Directed by Mani Ratnam and co-written by Kamal Haasan himself, Thug Life is a pan-Indian gangster drama shot across Chennai, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, New Delhi, and parts of North India.
The film will be released in multiple languages and high-end formats, including IMAX and EPIQ, promising a truly immersive theatrical experience.
The film brings together a powerhouse of acting talents: Silambarasan TR (STR), Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Nassar, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sanya Malhotra, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, Baburaj and others.
Oscar-winning composer A R Rahman reunites with Mani Ratnam for this film, continuing their legendary partnership. The soundtrack is already making waves with haunting background scores and pulsating themes that elevate the drama.
The member of the Overseas Censor Board, Umair Sandhu, caught the film’s Hindi-dubbed version during a censor screening in Mumbai and was full of praise.
Calling Thug Life a “cult classic thriller,” he highlighted the electric chemistry between Kamal Haasan and STR, referring to their scenes as “goosebump-inducing.” He also lauded the film’s gripping action sequences and gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
First Review #Thuglife ! It’s a Cult Classic Thriller with terrific performances by #KamalHaasan & #STR. Power Packed Story & Action Stunts. #ARRehman & #ManiRatnam Deadly combo is Back with Bang !! Go for it !
3.5⭐️/5⭐️ pic.twitter.com/npI7JVUlNz
— Umair Sandhu (@UmairSandu) June 2, 2025
Also Read | KFCC Bans ‘Thug Life’ Release In Karnataka; Demands Apology From Kamal Haasan
Amidst the celebrations, controversy has flared in Karnataka due to Kamal Haasan’s comments on the Tamil origins of the Kannada language.
Several Kannada groups have demanded an apology and staged protests against the film’s release. Although Kamal’s MNM party stood firmly in support of him, the legal bid to ensure release in Karnataka failed. As a result, the film’s release in the state has been postponed until June 10.
