Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam’s ambitious gangster epic Thug Life, released on June 5, opened to high expectations but was met with mixed reviews and underwhelming box office returns. While many cited screenplay flaws as the reason for disappointment, noted composer and television personality James Vasanthan has offered a strikingly different take—one that has now gone viral.
In a detailed and heartfelt post on social media, Vasanthan shared his admiration for the film, which stars Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha, Joju George, Nassar, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, and others. Calling it “a very good, in fact an excellent film,” he questioned the harsh criticism the film has received from a section of viewers.
“I watched Thug Life last night. I was stunned. It’s a fantastic film. But I truly don’t understand why some have reviewed it so negatively,” he wrote. “It has all the ingredients of a great underworld gangster movie, delivered in perfect proportion.”
Vasanthan compared the film’s tone, execution, and craft to that of a Hollywood gangster drama and remarked that if it had been made in English with Western actors, people would have praised it without hesitation. “Even if we didn’t emotionally connect with it, we’d have at least pretended to appreciate it,” he quipped, noting the double standards some audiences hold.
He went on to praise various aspects of the film in detail, noting that Thug Life is built on a deep, layered story with a tightly written and engaging screenplay. He described the film’s locations as breathtaking and visually stunning, brought to life through Ravi K. Chandran’s world-class cinematography that elevated the narrative. A.R. Rahman’s atmospheric background score, according to Vasanthan, added emotional depth and international flair to the film’s tone. He also commended the casting, saying each actor was perfectly chosen for their role and delivered performances marked by restraint and authenticity. Additionally, he lauded the film’s outstanding sound design and crisp editing, which, he said, made the viewing experience seamless and immersive from start to finish.
“Every department excelled. Not a single scene felt dragging. That’s rare!” he added. “Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan, A.R. Rahman, and Ravi K. Chandran are truly gifts to Indian cinema.”
Vasanthan also reflected on the film’s emotional choices and character arcs, particularly the fates of Kamal and Silambarasan’s characters, imagining how alternate endings might have left viewers with different emotional takeaways. “The film’s quality is independent of who lives or dies. What matters is that it made us think and feel.”
Taking a stand against social media-fueled negativity, Vasanthan urged audiences not to get swept up in the trend of bashing films without understanding their intent or depth. “This is a cheap era where art and politics get tangled in social media mobs. Don’t fall into that trap,” he warned.
He also drew comparisons to other once-overlooked films that gained appreciation years later. “People may not understand Thug Life today. But like Aayutha Ezhuthu, which wasn’t celebrated in its time but is now widely watched online, Thug Life too will earn its due with time.”
Fans reacted with mixed responses to his statement. Some agreed with his sentiments, while others debated the relevance of certain characters—particularly questioning Trisha’s role in the film. A few defended the film’s long-term value, suggesting that it will be better appreciated in the future once viewers mature past shallow expectations.
Thug Life marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam decades after Nayakan. The film generated immense hype ahead of release, especially after a high-profile audio launch that included the viral “Muthamazhai” song by Chinmayi and Kamal’s candid remarks on linguistic identity.
Despite this, the film failed to live up to commercial expectations. Many who walked into theatres anticipating another Nayakan felt let down. But James Vasanthan’s vocal appreciation of the film offers a powerful counter-narrative—one that celebrates Thug Life for its bold storytelling and global-standard filmmaking.