The much-anticipated Tamil film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and headlined by Kamal Haasan, finally hit theatres with massive buzz. This movie brought together a powerhouse cast and marked the reunion of Kamal and Mani Ratnam after decades. With its grandeur, layered storytelling, and star-studded ensemble, Thug Life made headlines across India.
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Thug Life is not just another gangster film. It is a cinematic experiment that blends mass appeal with artistic vision. While it may not appeal to everyone, it is a bold project that deserves appreciation for its ambition.
From strong performances by Kamal Haasan, Trisha, and Simbu, to Mani Ratnam’s signature direction, Thug Life is a must-watch for fans of Tamil cinema. Whether it becomes a box office blockbuster or not, it has certainly made a mark in Indian film history.
Release and Initial Buzz
Thug Life release date was June 5, 2025, and fans were eagerly waiting for its debut. The movie was simultaneously released in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, targeting a pan-India audience. From the very first day, social media was flooded with reviews and box office reports.
Box Office Collection
According to early estimates, Thug Life box office collection on its opening day stood at approximately ₹17 crores in India. The film performed better in Tamil Nadu, while the response in the Hindi belt was moderate. In its first weekend, the film grossed around ₹38 crores in India and ₹77 crores globally.
Though these numbers are promising, considering the Thug Life budget, which is reportedly around ₹250-300 crores, the film needs a strong theatrical run, along with good satellite and OTT deals, to break even.
Star Cast and Crew
One of the biggest highlights of Thug Life movie is its ensemble cast. Apart from Kamal Haasan, the film stars:
- Silambarasan TR (Simbu)
- Trisha Krishnan
- Ali Fazal
- Aishwarya Lekshmi
- Ashok Selvan
- Joju George
- Rohit Saraf
Music is composed by the legendary A.R. Rahman, and the cinematography is by Ravi Varman. The combination of Mani Ratnam’s direction, Kamal Haasan’s acting, and Rahman’s music created high expectations.
Thug Life Movie Review
The Thug Life reviews from critics and audiences are mixed to positive. Critics praised the film’s visuals, background score, and the performances of Kamal and Simbu. However, the complex narrative and pacing were criticized by some viewers.
According to a Thug Life movie review published by a popular entertainment site, the film is “a gritty gangster drama that attempts to blend mass entertainment with artistic storytelling but sometimes falters in pace.”
On IMDb, the Thug Life rating stands at 7.5/10 based on early votes, indicating a generally favorable reception.
Overview: Box Office vs. Budget
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget | ₹180–300 cr (₹250–300 cr reported) |
| Opening Day (India) | ₹15.5–17 cr net |
| 4-Day India Total | ₹36.9 cr |
| Day 5 | crossed ₹40 cr |
| Worldwide Weekend Total | ₹77.7 cr |
Mani Ratnam’s Direction
Known for classics like Roja, Bombay, and Ponniyin Selvan, Mani Ratnam once again showcases his mastery in weaving intricate human stories against a larger-than-life backdrop. With ThugLife, he dives deep into themes of power, betrayal, and redemption.
His reunion with Kamal Haasan after Nayakan generated excitement, and though the film isn’t flawless, it certainly carries Mani Ratnam’s cinematic signature.
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Trisha’s Role
Trisha, who has worked with both Kamal and Mani Ratnam in the past, delivers a powerful performance. Her role, though not lengthy, adds emotional depth to the narrative. Trisha fans have appreciated her character and chemistry with Kamal.
Piracy Threat & TamilRockers
Despite the theatrical release, Thug Life tamil movie download links started surfacing online on sites like Tamilrockers, 123telugu, and others. This illegal distribution is a major concern for the industry, especially for a film with a high budget.
The team urged fans to support the film in theatres and avoid pirated versions. Piracy not only affects revenue but also undermines the efforts of the entire cast and crew.
Controversy in Karnataka
Thug Life faced trouble in Karnataka, where some political groups demanded a ban on the movie due to comments allegedly made by Kamal Haasan. The issue reached the High Court of Karnataka, and eventually, screenings were restricted in certain parts. Even Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was drawn into the controversy, which affected the film’s box office in the region.
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