Not Karnataka, Kamal & Mani Owe Apology to TN First

What was supposed to be a grand cinematic experience has turned into one of biggest letdowns in recent years.

Thug Life, the long-awaited reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 38 years, hit theatres across India and globally—except Karnataka—on Friday.

But early reviews are in, and the verdict is loud and clear: this is not the comeback fans were hoping for. The film is nothing short of a nightmare.

Ahead of the release, Kamal Haasan stood his ground on the Kannada language controversy, refusing to issue any apology.

Ironically, a day later, the film’s content itself has sparked outrage—this time from fans and critics alike.

Set against a familiar gangster backdrop, Thug Life struggles to offer anything new. The film is bogged down by shallow emotional arcs, sluggish pacing, actors overacting, and never ending run time.

Despite an ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Trisha, and Nassar, the drama lacks depth and fails to connect.

What was marketed as an epic tale of betrayal and redemption ends up as a cliché-ridden, emotionless slog. Even Simbu’s much-hyped entry fizzles out with no payoff. The visual spectacle and technical polish can’t hide the lack of soul.

Social media is now in full roast mode. “Forget apologizing to Karnataka — Kamal and Mani Ratnam should issue a public apology to every Tamil moviegoer who spent money and three hours of life they’ll never get back,” one furious viewer wrote.

Another said, “We waited 38 years for this?”

For a film that carried the weight of Nayakan’s legacy, Thug Life feels like a betrayal — not of characters in the film, but of the audience who believed this legendary duo could make magic again.