Despite the hype surrounding Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s long-awaited reunion, Thug Life is receiving mixed-to-negative early reactions.
Viewers are calling the film slow, predictable, and emotionally flat, with several criticizing the "never-ending monologues" and lack of engaging moments.
While performances by Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR have been praised, many feel the storyline fails to deliver.
Even A.R. Rahman's music and Mani Ratnam’s direction couldn't save the film from being labeled a letdown.
Early Social Media Reactions:
@MoviesAbout12 wrote on X: "#ThugLife — Mani Sir, what were you thinking? Worse than #Indian2. Kamal Haasan is visibly aged and delivers his weakest performance. Silambarasan is wasted in a role with no scope, and Trisha is reduced to a dummy presence. Slow, boring, and a chore to sit through. 1.25/5."
@Cinemakadaibench posted: "Mani Ratnam fails to recreate even 10% of the brilliance of Nayakan. The storyline is predictable, the pacing sluggish, and the performances flat. A huge cast but no impact—definitely disappointing."
@chandler999999 shared: "Uninteresting, routine, emotionless, and aimless—yet undeniably musical and stylish. #ThugLife"
@NaanPadamParpen wrote: "Mani Ratnam’s direction still holds class and Rahman’s score is solid. Performances from Kamal, STR, Abhirami, Trisha, Joju, and others are strong. But the story is predictable and the screenplay falls flat. No engaging moments. Massive expectations, total disappointment."
@anandhumanoj666 posted: "#ThugLife had potential but ends up dragging. Kamal Haasan delivers a powerful performance, but his never-ending monologues become tiring. Simbu handles his part well, but even that can’t save the dull, flat second half. The Mani Ratnam spark is sorely missing. Below average – 2.5/5."
A user from the U.S. commented: "Predictable and routine story with nothing new to offer. Camera work is commendable, and some background score portions work. But the intimate scenes between Kamal and Trisha felt unnecessary."
@RaghuTweetzX added: "Totally predictable plot—it plays out exactly like the trailer. Kamal and Simbu get ample moments to shine and they do well. However, Mani Ratnam opts for a flat narrative instead of high-octane, surprise-filled sequences. The first half sets up a power struggle between the two leads. Hoping the second half delivers more twists."
