Kamal Haasan’s ‘Thug Life’ Trailer Sparks Age-Gap Debate Across Social Media Ahead Of Its Release
The upcoming Kamal Haasan starrer Thug Life, directed by legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam, is generating buzz for more than just its cinematic grandeur.
Following the release of its trailer on Friday, conversations have surfaced across platforms like X, Reddit, and Instagram.
While audiences widely praised the trailer for its sleek visuals, AR Rahman’s stirring music, and a star-studded cast, a particular scene featuring an intimate moment between Kamal Haasan and Trisha Krishnan has triggered an online discussion around age-gap dynamics in Indian cinema.
The pairing has drawn attention especially among Telugu-speaking online communities, where users are questioning the lack of criticism toward the casting — a response they say differs sharply from reactions to similar age-gap pairings in Telugu films.
Movie: #Thuglife
• #KamalHaasan – Age 73
• #Trisha – Age 38
Kollywood 👌 https://t.co/xCHMC9An3h pic.twitter.com/wKOxQqLiwh— ♡7🚩 (@MAHIRTF07) May 17, 2025
Social media users have pointed out that actors like Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, and Ravi Teja have previously faced backlash from Tamil-speaking audiences for being cast opposite much younger female actors.
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This latest discussion appears to be revisiting the same issue, with a renewed focus on perceived double standards across regional film industries.
One Reddit user commented, “When Telugu heroes are paired with younger actresses, it becomes a meme fest. But when it’s a Tamil legend, everyone’s silent. Why the selective outrage?”
Similar sentiments have echoed on X and other discussion forums, where fans are debating whether admiration for certain stars influences public scrutiny or lack thereof.
This isn’t the first time the topic has surfaced in 2025. Just weeks ago, actor Salman Khan addressed similar questions during the Sikandar press event, when asked about his pairing with Rashmika Mandanna.
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He defended the casting as being suitable for the narrative, a stance that may resonate with Thug Life’s team if the debate continues to gain traction.
Thug Life remains one of the most anticipated films of the year. The film not only marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after nearly two decade, their last collaboration being the cult classic Nayakan but also brings together a powerful ensemble cast, including Silambarasan (Simbu), Abhirami, Sai Manjrekar, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Trisha Krishnan, Sanya Malhotra and Nasser.
Produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, the film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2025.
