After months of waiting, fans can finally rejoice Thug Life, Mani Ratnam’s much-anticipated gangster drama starring Kamal Haasan, is arriving on Netflix. Whether you missed its theatrical run or just want to relive the drama, this is your chance to experience one of Tamil cinema’s biggest releases of the year from the comfort of your home.
Why All the Hype Around Thug Life?
When Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam team up, expectations soar. Their last collaboration, Nayakan (1987), is a timeless classic, so Thug Life had big shoes to fill.
The film is a raw, emotional gangster saga with Kamal Haasan playing Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, a feared underworld don whose life takes a turn when he adopts an orphaned boy, Amaran (Silambarasan TR), during a brutal gang war. What follows is a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and vengeance, packed with intense drama and high-octane action.
With a stellar cast—Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and Ali Fazal—and a gripping score by A.R. Rahman, Thug Life was designed to be a pan-Indian blockbuster, releasing in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi.
From Theatres to Netflix: Why August 1?
Thug Life hit cinemas on June 5, 2025, and from the start, Kamal Haasan insisted on an eight-week theatrical window before moving to streaming. Despite mixed box office results, the team stuck to their plan, refusing to cut the theatrical run short—a move Kamal defended as a way to “keep cinema halls alive.”
The film opened with a ₹36.3 crore global debut, but word-of-mouth was divided. Critics praised Kamal’s powerhouse performance and the film’s visual grandeur but felt the story lacked freshness, with some calling the pacing uneven. Still, Netflix secured the digital rights for a whopping ₹149.7 crore, making it one of the biggest OTT deals for a Tamil film.
Why Thug Life on Netflix is a Must-Watch
If you skipped the theatres, here’s why you should catch it on Netflix:
Kamal Haasan at His Best
At 70, Kamal delivers a commanding performance as Sakthivel Naicker—ruthless yet vulnerable, brutal yet emotional. It’s a role only he could pull off with such intensity.
Mani Ratnam’s Signature Craft
Even if the plot feels familiar, Ratnam’s stunning visuals (courtesy of cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran) and well-choreographed action (by Anbariv) make it a visual treat.
A.R. Rahman’s Electrifying Soundtrack
Tracks like “Jinguchaa” and “Sugar Baby” are already fan favorites, while the background score amplifies the film’s tension.
Standout Supporting Cast
Silambarasan brings raw energy as Amaran, Trisha adds emotional depth, and actors like Joju George and Ali Fazal leave a strong impression.
Pan-Indian Appeal
Available in five languages, Thug Life is tailored for a wide audience, making it accessible to viewers across India.
Controversies & Challenges
The film faced hurdles, including a ban in Karnataka after Kamal’s controversial remark about the Kannada language. Mixed reviews also led to a dip in theatre attendance after the first weekend. Some fans felt Ratnam’s storytelling didn’t match his earlier brilliance, while others found the runtime excessive.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?
Yes. Even if Thug Life isn’t Nayakan 2.0, it’s a well-crafted, decent drama with Kamal Haasan in top form. Now that it’s coming to Netflix, it has a second shot at winning over audiences who missed it in theatres or those who want to revisit its highs and lows.
Mark your calendars—August 1 on Netflix