Thug Life Review: This Mani Ratnam Cinema is high on visuals but feels low at its most crucial aspect

India.com

2 days ago

This Mani Ratnam action-thriller is set in world plagued with power struggles and shifting alliances. The plot revolves around tough and intelligent protagonist who navigates society in which trust is fragile and betrayal is never far away. The film highlights the difficult relationships born with life of crime, where family bonds frequently clash with a need for control. As the main character navigates web of falsehoods and loyalties, the drama flick explores issues such as forgiveness, identity, and the desire to remain in power that is filled with each twist, secrets emerge, leaving viewers to doubt everything. Plot:
The story focuses on the character Rangaraya Sakthivel (played by Kamal Haasan), a notorious man with the power to destroy anyone's life, yet he is a kind-hearted person who wants to avoid bloodshed and save others from their miseries. During the first sequence, a shootout happens, which turns out to be someone's huge loss, but for Sakthivel, it becomes guilt and hope at the same time.
In the upcoming years, someone who became his hope becomes the one who is worthy to hold all the power of Rangaraya Sakthivel, whose name is Amar (played by Silambarasan TR). But there's a catch here. As we say, the bigger the empire, the more vultures will be wandering around, and the same happens here. It later becomes quest and lust to hold the power and become the next Rangaraya Sakthivel of this empire, and to make this possible, the tale of bloodshed, courage, greed, jealousy, and revenge begins. Performances:
At the age of 70, Kamal Haasan still showcases why he is known as Andavar (God) in the industry. The action scenes and the screen presence of the actor never fall flat as he completely shines in each scene. Silambarasan TR has done a phenomenal job in playing the character of Amar, especially the negative shade that he has portrayed is truly amazing and classic. Joju George as Sakthivel's henchman is mind-blowing, as after seeing him on the big screen, you can guess why Kamal Haasan especially praised Joju for his impeccable contribution as a performer in the Malayalam industry.
Ali Fazal has impressed us all. However, his screen time is less than other actors in the film, but he still manages to pull off the character. Ashok Selvan has done the portrayal of a cop, which is a complete treat to watch, especially for those who have watched him in 2023's Por Thozil as a rookie cop; here, he has evolved in his unapologetic avatar. Other supporting characters include Nassar, Tannikela Bharani, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sanjana Krishnamoorthy, Mahesh Manjrekar, Rajshri Deshpande, and Rohit Saraf, who did their parts in an extremely satisfying manner. What Works in Thug Life?
The cinematography and editing of this film are the biggest factors due to which it looks compelling. The cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran and editor A. Sreekar Prasad have done a marvellous job in terms of pulling the colour grading for sand and snow sequences, which clearly shows why the film has a budget of Rs 300 crores, especially when all the wizards of art collaborate. The music composed by music maestro A. R. Rahman is another important factor, especially when every character has their separate background scores.
The action sequences and choreography are truly amazing as they will completely blow you off. The entry sequence of STR is one of the most beautiful aspects covered by Anbariv Masters that will make you cheer for them. There is one fight sequence after the interval that has been beautifully shot and synced as well, along with the climax fight scenes between Kamal Haasan and STR that have been filmed on the rooftop, and during that sequence, the game synchronization with the fascinating cinematography blows your mind. What Doesn't Work in Thug Life?
As we all know, the biggest impact that can be created in a film is due to a storyline which keeps you hooked with its impact and the character development, but here it just felt the opposite, and because of this, Thug Life becomes so predictable that it starts lacking potential, and by the interval, your expectations might roll down. We all know that after 38 years, the two stalwarts collaborated, especially after their cult classic Nayakan , but with Thug Life and its predictable plot, it did not manage to uphold its legacy. Some sequences may give you the idea of Ram Gopal Varma's classics and some neo-noir drama films, which usually focus on the life and end of the gangster.
What lacks is the screentime of female actresses in the movie. It's shocking for us to see Trisha Krishnan and Abhirami utilised in such an underwhelming manner. The two great actresses from the Tamil industry did not get their fair share in a Mani Ratnam film, which is undigestible. He is the one who has given us iconic characters from Iruvar, Guru, Ayutha Ezhuthu, Dil Se, Roja, Bombay, Ponniyin Selvan franchise, and many others. Is it because of the screenplay demand or because of the heavy stardom of Kamal Haasan? Because it looked like just a mere conversation with two of them, who have just been kept for the protagonist's sake, who is trying to pull the generational gap boundaries.
Although there is one sequence where Abhirami showcases her potential on-screen in the second half after losing her memory, if we take an example of her character in Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, the screen time was less, but the impact of her role was more. Same goes for Trisha, the chemistry between her and Kamal Haasan looks good after Thoonga Ragam, but not compelling. However, in STR's case, they looked good together, especially those who have seen Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa , they can clearly understand the depth between these two characters. Verdict
In our opinion, Thug Life turns out to be a high-on-visual ride which has its moments in between but cannot be labelled as Mani Ratnam's all-time classic due to its predictable plot and underutilised female characters — just to keep the film high as a gangster drama that turns out to be a fan's desperation.
Overall, if you are a Kamal Haasan and STR fan, then this one is surely for you, but those who watch films with their hearts and minds — please don't keep your expectations high.
Rating: 2 Star