
Thug Life (2025) Movie Filmy4wap 2025
Thug Life marks the much-awaited reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 37 years since their classic Nayakan. This Tamil action-drama releases on June 5, 2025, featuring an impressive cast including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ali Fazal, and Pankaj Tripathi. The film brings together Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies with A.R. Rahman composing the music.
Movie Title: | Thug Life |
Release Date: | 4 Jun 2025 |
Runtime: | 2h 43m |
Director: | Mani Ratnam |
Genres: | Action, Crime, Drama |
Rating: | 5/10 star |
Starring: | Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Kamal Haasan |
Production Company: | Raajkamal Films International, Madras Talkies |
Lead Actor: | Kamal Haasan |

The collaboration has created massive excitement among fans. Their previous work Nayakan won Haasan the National Film Award and was India’s Oscar entry in 1988.
Thug Life Cast
Cast | Character |
---|---|
Joju George | |
Kamal Haasan | Rangaraya Sakthivel |
Ashok Selvan | |
Aishwarya Lekshmi | |
Silambarasan | Amaran |
Nassar | Manickam |
Abhirami | Annalakshmi |
Trisha Krishnan | Indrani |
Mahesh Manjrekar | |
Ali Fazal |



Plot and Story
Thug Life tells the story of Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar, played by Kamal Haasan. He’s a gang leader who adopts Amaran (Silambarasan TR) after saving him during a gang war. Years later, Sakthivel survives an assassination attempt and suspects Amaran’s involvement.
The story explores loyalty, betrayal, and revenge in the criminal underworld. I found the father-son dynamic between the leads particularly compelling, as it adds emotional depth to the typical gangster narrative.
Cast Performance
Kamal Haasan delivers what I consider his most intense performance in recent years. His portrayal of Sakthivel shows both vulnerability and strength. The veteran actor brings gravitas and raw energy that reminds us why he’s a legend.
Silambarasan TR matches Haasan’s intensity brilliantly. His growth as an actor is evident in every scene. Trisha Krishnan provides solid support, while Ali Fazal and Joju George add depth to the ensemble cast.
Direction and Technical Excellence
Mani Ratnam’s direction showcases his mastery of the gangster genre. I was impressed by the stunning cinematography and world-class production design. The film balances commercial elements with artistic integrity perfectly.
The technical aspects demonstrate high production values. The cinematography captures both gritty realism and visual beauty effectively.
Music by A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman’s musical contribution elevates the entire experience. His compositions heighten the drama during key emotional moments. The background score complements the intense narrative without overpowering the dialogue.
I particularly appreciated how the music serves the story rather than just providing standalone songs.
Critical Reception and Box Office
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The film has generated ₹20 crore in global advance bookings with over 77,000 tickets sold before release. Critics praise the production values, performances, and Ratnam’s return to form.
Industry insiders appreciate the mature storytelling approach and technical evolution since Nayakan.
What Works
Kamal Haasan’s powerhouse performance stands out as the film’s biggest strength. His chemistry with Silambarasan TR creates the emotional core. Mani Ratnam’s sophisticated direction brings depth to familiar genre elements.
The high production values and excellent cinematography make every frame visually appealing. A.R. Rahman’s music enhances the overall experience significantly.
Areas for Improvement
The runtime could benefit from tighter editing in certain sequences. Some supporting characters need more development to maximize their impact. A few action sequences feel familiar to genre fans.
The narrative occasionally relies on conventional gangster tropes, though this doesn’t significantly impact the overall experience.
Final Verdict
Thug Life successfully honors the legacy of Nayakan while creating something fresh for today’s audiences. The reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam delivers exceptional storytelling with outstanding performances.
I highly recommend this film for anyone seeking a well-crafted, emotionally engaging cinematic experience. The film balances commercial entertainment with artistic merit brilliantly. For fans of quality Tamil cinema and the gangster genre, this is a must-watch.