
Fans Left Underwhelmed: Mani Ratnam's Thug Life Receives Mixed Reviews (Image: X/thuglifemovie)
Since Thug Life just dropped in theatres today, let’s take a look at how fans are reacting across the internet. This is after 36 long years, two of Indian cinema’s most iconic talents, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, being back together with this highly anticipated action-drama.
One moviegoer wrote on X that Thug Life didn’t live up to the hype, calling it all style and no depth. He even went on to say that Kanguva was way better in terms of storytelling and visuals and that Indian 2 delivered more impact and emotion. Despite the star power of Kamal Haasan, STR, and Trisha, he felt the film fell short and didn’t leave a good impression.
#RetroReview – Kanguva was better than this #ThugLifeReview – Indian2 was better than this#ThugLife #KamalHaasan #STR #Trisha pic.twitter.com/aznlG6kkZl
— செல்வி பவித்ரா (@VLinsta) June 5, 2025
Another film enthusiast didn’t hold back, criticising Mani Ratnam’s direction in Thug Life. He said the veteran filmmaker might be relying too heavily on his past glory, calling the writing lazy and the emotions lifeless.
Also Read | KFCC Bans ‘Thug Life’ Release In Karnataka; Demands Apology From Kamal Haasan
According to him, while the visuals were rich as expected, the storytelling felt repetitive and uninspired — the same patterns from Mani Ratnam’s older films. He even went as far as to say it might be time for Mani sir to step away, claiming the creative spark just isn’t there anymore.
He wrote: ” Old man seriously needs a belt treatment. Enough with the lazy writing, lifeless emotions, and the same dragging, repetitive crap from his old films. Visually rich but creatively bankrupt. Time to retire, Mani saar. You’ve lost it.”
Old man #ManiRatnam seriously needs a belt treatment. Enough with the lazy writing, lifeless emotions, and the same dragging, repetitive crap from his old films. Visually rich but creatively bankrupt. Time to retire, Mani saar. You’ve lost it.#ThugLifeReview#thugLifeDisaster pic.twitter.com/XCjyi8IOKt
— Guru (@Mystic_Man12) June 5, 2025
A moviegoer wrote on X: ” The movie is just too good. Guys, don’t believe negative reviews They are paid reviewers from other regions just go and watch with family It gives goosebumps in theatres #KamalHasan king always king.”
#ThugLifeBlockbuster #Thuglifereview
The movie is just too good I
.Guys don’t believe negative reviews They are paid reviewers from other regions just go and watch with family It gives goosebumps in theatres🔥 #KamalHasan king always king🔥❤️ pic.twitter.com/0otWc1i5Ci— Engineer Hariharan. J (@JHariharanBE) June 5, 2025
Another viewer shared their disappointment with Thug Life, pointing out that the love portions between Kamal Haasan and Trisha felt dull and lacked chemistry. While they praised STR and Abirami for their neat performances and appreciated the songs and the stunning Delhi landscape visuals, they felt the story overall was weak.
Also, read| ‘Fair Demand’: Mani Ratnam Supports Deepika Padukone On 8-Hour Shift Amid Spirit Row
According to them, the film had no emotional depth, no real twists, and suffered from a slow, unexciting narrative — ultimately calling it a major disappointment.
#ThugLifeReview (2025) :
KH-Trisha love portions r Dull. STR, Abirami Neat. Songs gud. Delhi landscape visuals super. Weak Story, No emotions, No twists; Unexciting & Draggy Narratin. DISAPPOINTMENT!
Cinema,Politics& Family ~ FAILED!
⭐️⭐️/10 #ThugLife #ThugLifeDisaster pic.twitter.com/kT6y1NxWoa
— Bullet ® (@ZenxTamils) June 5, 2025