Director Karthik Subbaraj, best known for his recent film Retro starring Suriya, recently shared his appreciation for Thug Life—the much-anticipated gangster drama featuring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR, directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam.
Taking to social media, Subbaraj praised the film’s “vintage Mani Ratnam” feel, lauded Kamal Haasan’s performance, admired Simbu’s screen presence, and acknowledged the work of composer AR Rahman and cinematographer Ravi K Chandran. He described the film as a masterclass in acting and direction.
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However, Subbaraj’s positive take wasn’t received well by everyone. Many netizens, especially those disappointed by Thug Life’s release on June 5, 2025, pushed back strongly.
The film has drawn mixed to negative reviews from audiences and critics alike, with common complaints about its predictable storyline, weak narration, and emotional detachment. While certain performances and technical strengths were acknowledged, the overall reception has been lukewarm.
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Social media reactions to Subbaraj’s post were critical, with some users sarcastically suggesting that he might have watched a completely different version of the film. Others accused him of offering a generic or biased opinion.
The criticism was compounded by the reception of Subbaraj’s own film Retro, which also failed to meet expectations. Some commenters pointed out that his recent work may not lend much weight to his cinematic judgment.
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The situation underscores the level of scrutiny public figures face when sharing their opinions online, especially within the film industry. Despite the backlash, Subbaraj’s comments remain one of the few notable positive endorsements of Thug Life amidst a sea of disappointment.
