The cinematic world is buzzing with excitement as the official trailer for Thug Life was unveiled on May 17, 2025. Marking a monumental reunion between the legendary actor Kamal Haasan and acclaimed director Mani Ratnam—38 years after their cult classic Nayakan (1987)—this gangster saga promises a gripping and emotionally charged cinematic experience.
Kamal Haasan takes on the role of Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickar, a feared gangster long believed to be dead. The trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into a narrative filled with raw emotions, loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, as Naickar resurfaces to challenge the underworld and confront his estranged son, setting the stage for a powerful and intense showdown. In true Mani Ratnam style, the storytelling is layered with complex emotions, stylized visuals, and riveting drama.
Clocking in at just under three minutes, the trailer presents a sweeping, time-hopping storyline that explores the evolution of their characters’ intertwined destinies. Kamal Haasan’s character takes a young boy under his wing and nurtures him in the ruthless underworld. Years later, the boy—played by Silambarasan TR—emerges as a formidable figure, evolving from protégé to a near-son figure, only for ambition and power struggles to ignite cracks in their bond. The trailer hints at a slow-burning, emotionally charged conflict that leads to an explosive climax.
Thug Life boasts a stellar pan-Indian cast that includes powerhouse performers such as Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Sanya Malhotra, Joju George, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, Ashok Selvan, Rohit Saraf, Vaiyapuri, and Abhirami. This ensemble enriches the film’s narrative depth and broadens its appeal across regions and languages, reinforcing its ambitious pan-Indian vision.
Adding to the film’s allure is the evocative soundtrack by the legendary A.R. Rahman, who shares a long creative history with both Haasan and Ratnam. Rahman’s musical genius is set to be showcased at the grand audio launch on May 24 at Sairam College in Chennai, promising an unforgettable live performance. The first single, Jinguchaa, penned by Kamal Haasan himself, has already created a significant buzz among fans and critics alike.
Behind the camera, the film features Ravi K. Chandran’s exceptional cinematography and the sharp editing of Sreekar Prasad, both frequent collaborators with Mani Ratnam. The action sequences are choreographed by the renowned duo Anbariv, ensuring that the film’s high-octane moments match its emotional intensity.
Produced jointly by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, Thug Life is slated for a grand worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2025. The film will be available in multiple languages, aiming to captivate audiences across India and beyond.
With its blend of stellar performances, evocative storytelling, and a hauntingly beautiful score, Thug Life is poised to become one of the most talked-about films of 2025—reigniting the magic of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s legendary collaboration for a new generation of cinema lovers.
