Thug Life (2025)
DirectorMani Ratnam
StarringKamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami
Watch onNetflix
Best for: Fans of action crime dramas and Mani Ratnam's filmmaking style.
Where to watch Thug Life online in India
Subscription
NetflixAvailability for India, data by JustWatch. Updated 23 October 2026.
Thug Life story (no spoilers)
Thug Life is a Tamil action crime drama set in a world ruled by crime and betrayal. Mafia kingpin Sakthivel and his brother Manikkam rescue a young boy named Amaran during a violent police shootout and raise him as their own. Years later, an assassination attempt shakes Sakthivel's empire, and suspicion turns inward. Consumed by vengeance, Sakthivel sets out to destroy the very family he once built. The film stars Kamal Haasan as Rangaraya Sakthivel, Silambarasan as Amaran, Trisha Krishnan as Indrani, and Nassar as Manikkam. Directed by Mani Ratnam, with music by A.R. Rahman, the film runs 165 minutes and is certified U/A 16+ in India. It releases in theatres on 4 June 2025 and in India on 5 June 2025, in Hindi and Tamil.
Should you watch Thug Life?
Watch it for
- Kamal Haasan plays Rangaraya Sakthivel, a mafia kingpin whose empire is shaken by betrayal, bringing star power to the crime drama.
- Mani Ratnam directs this action crime drama, marking his return to the genre with a story of family and vengeance.
- A.R. Rahman composes the music for the film, adding his signature sound to the intense narrative.
- The 165-minute runtime allows for a detailed exploration of the crime world and the complex relationships between Sakthivel, Amaran, and Manikkam.
Skip it if
- You may not enjoy the film if you prefer lighter genres, as it is an action crime drama with a U/A 16+ certificate.
- The 165-minute runtime might feel long if you prefer shorter films.
- If you are not a fan of stories centered on mafia and betrayal, this might not be for you.
Thug Life cast
Kamal Haasanas Rangaraya Sakthivel
Silambarasanas Amaran
Trisha Krishnanas Indrani
Abhiramias Jeeva
Ashok Selvanas Jaikumar Royappa
Aishwarya Lekshmias Anna / Chandra
Nassaras Manikkam
Joju Georgeas Kanjirapally Pathros
Ali Fazalas Deepak Yadav
Sanjana Krishnamoorthyas Mangai
Mahesh Manjrekaras Sadanand
Tanikella Bharanias SivaguruThug Life movie details
| Director | Mani Ratnam |
|---|---|
| Writer | Mani Ratnam |
| Music | A.R. Rahman |
| Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran |
| Producer | Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, R. Mahendran, Sivakumar Ananth |
| Release date | 5 June 2025 |
| Runtime | 2h 45m (165 minutes) |
| Original language | Tamil |
| Country of origin | India |
| Languages spoken in the film | Hindi, Tamil |
| Original title | தக் லைஃப் |
| Certificate (India) | U/A 16+ |
| Budget | $35.0 million (approx.) |
Parental guide: is Thug Life family friendly?
This is a general guide based on the U/A 16+ certificate and action crime genre; the film contains strong violence and moderate language. This is a general guide based on genre and certification.
Our verdict
Thug Life brings together Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam for a crime drama that explores loyalty and vengeance. With A.R. Rahman's music and a strong supporting cast, it offers a gritty cinematic experience. However, the long runtime and intense themes may not appeal to everyone.
More movies directed by Mani Ratnam
Ponniyin Selvan: Part II
Ponniyin Selvan: Part I
Guru
Dil Se..
RojaMore Kamal Haasan movies
Kalki 2898-AD
Vikram
Hey Ram
Magalir Mattum
Pushpaka VimanaFrequently asked questions
Where can I watch Thug Life online in India?
Thug Life is available for streaming on Netflix in India.
When is Thug Life releasing in theatres?
Thug Life releases in theatres on 4 June 2025 and in India on 5 June 2025.
Who is in the cast of Thug Life?
The film stars Kamal Haasan as Rangaraya Sakthivel, Silambarasan as Amaran, Trisha Krishnan as Indrani, Abhirami as Jeeva, Ashok Selvan as Jaikumar Royappa, Aishwarya Lekshmi as Anna / Chandra, Nassar as Manikkam, and Joju George as Kanjirapally Pathros.
What is the runtime of Thug Life?
Thug Life has a runtime of 165 minutes.
What is the certificate rating of Thug Life?
Thug Life is certified U/A 16+ in India.
Page last updated 23 October 2026. Facts from TMDB; how we write these pages: editorial policy.