Thug Life: A Cinematic Masterpiece by Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan

A Deep Dive into Thug Life

Every scene in Thug Life, the second collaboration between director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan following Nayakan, tells a compelling story. This isn't just a display of artistic flair; it's a visual feast crafted by cinematographer Ravi Chandran, who stands as a co-hero alongside Haasan in this stunning film.

Indeed, Thug Life is exceptional! The screenplay is sharp, and Mani Ratnam's ability to infuse humor into serious moments is nothing short of brilliant. Reflecting on the familiar themes explored by Ratnam, I recall a friend’s insight about film lyrics: “Songs may share themes of love and loss, but it’s the choice of words that creates poetry.”

Ratnam skillfully intertwines themes of family loyalty and betrayal, creating a narrative that resonates with familiar rhythms. He finds beauty in brutality, with action sequences that evoke the style of Coppola, enhanced by a choreographic elegance reminiscent of Bruce Lee.

At its core, Thug Life (a title that hardly captures its essence) explores the theme of patricide. What drives a son, or in this case, a foster son, to conspire against his father?

In a pivotal moment, Sakthivel (brilliantly portrayed by Kamal Haasan) remarks, “This is Delhi. Familial murders have a long history here, dating back to the Moghul Aurangzeb.”

There’s a striking poignancy in the betrayal faced by Haasan’s character from those he trusts. Unbeknownst to him, Sakthivel is betraying his devoted wife (played by Abhirami) through an affair with a bar dancer (Trisha, who delivers a flawless performance). For Sakthivel, this affair is not treachery; it’s a birthright.

In what may be his best performance in a decade, Kamal Haasan embodies a powerful patriarch whose life spirals out of control as betrayal unfolds around him.

After the intermission, the tension escalates as Sakthivel seeks revenge for his betrayals.

But where does he begin? The screenplay, co-written by Mani and Kamal, guides Sakthivel into a series of captivating action scenes, shot with a vigor that epitomizes True Cinema. Cinematographer Ravi Chandran is a crucial partner in realizing Mani Ratnam’s vision, leaving one to wonder how the film would have appeared under a different lens.

Editor A. Sreekar Prasad innovatively cuts between two action sequences, a technique I have not encountered in other films. The familiar violence is depicted with a breathtaking intensity, akin to experiencing the Himalayas after merely climbing smaller hills.

Mani Ratnam offers a taste of the epic, albeit with some bruising moments. A coincidental event towards the end left me puzzled. Why undermine the narrative's destiny with such interruptions?

Thug Life boldly portrays a life steeped in violence. Alongside Kamal Haasan's outstanding performance, Silambarasan captivates as the foster son, while Joju George, Nasser, and Rajshri Deshpande are underutilized.