Veteran actor Kamal Haasan and acclaimed director Mani Ratnam have reunited after nearly four decades for the highly anticipated gangster drama Thug Life. The film’s trailer was unveiled on 17 May at a grand event in Chennai, generating significant buzz among cinema enthusiasts. Thug Life is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 5 June 2025, in multiple languages including Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada.
A Reunion After 38 Years
This collaboration marks the first time Haasan and Ratnam have worked together since the 1987 classic Nayakan, a film that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Fans have eagerly awaited their reunion, and the trailer suggests a film rich in intensity, legacy, and visual spectacle.
Plot Overview
In Thug Life, Kamal Haasan portrays Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar, a feared underworld figure believed to be dead. The narrative unfolds as Nayakar resurfaces, only to find himself at odds with his adopted son, Amaran, played by Silambarasan TR. The film delves into themes of loyalty, power, and destiny, with the trailer showcasing an intense face-off between the two leads.
Stellar Cast and Crew
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including:
- Kamal Haasan as Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar
- Silambarasan TR as Amaran, Nayakar’s adopted son
- Trisha Krishnan as Nayakar’s mistress
- Abhirami as Nayakar’s wife
- Ashok Selvan as ACP Prathap
- Sanya Malhotra, Joju George, Nassar, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, and others in pivotal roles.
The film’s technical crew includes:
- Director: Mani Ratnam
- Music Composer: A.R. Rahman
- Cinematographer: Ravi K. Chandran
- Editor: A. Sreekar Prasad
Production and Release
Thug Life is jointly produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies. The film’s first single, “Jinguchaa,” composed by A.R. Rahman, has already been released and received positively by audiences.
The film is set to release in theatres worldwide on 5 June 2025. Following its theatrical run, Thug Life will be available for streaming on Netflix.
Anticipation and Reception
The trailer has been met with widespread acclaim, with fans praising the powerful visuals, intense performances, and compelling narrative. The unexpected face-off between Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR has particularly resonated with audiences, heightening anticipation for the film’s release.
With its stellar cast, accomplished crew, and the reunion of two cinematic legends, Thug Life is poised to be a significant event in Indian cinema.