The trailer for Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s much-anticipated film Thug Life has ignited major buzz online. Fans are praising Kamal’s impressive screen presence, with particular appreciation for Ratnam’s effective use of de-aging technology — a nod to Kamal’s iconic Naayagan days. Despite its understated tone, the trailer has already created enough excitement to ensure a strong opening at the box office.
However, some moments in the trailer have stirred controversy. Intimate scenes featuring Kamal Haasan with actresses Trisha and Abhirami drew criticism on social media, primarily due to the significant age gap. Critics argued that such portrayals normalize older male stars romancing much younger women on screen — a trend that’s faced increasing scrutiny.
Interestingly, both Trisha and Abhirami have shared screen space with Kamal in the past and maintain a good rapport with the veteran actor. Still, the issue mirrors a recent controversy involving Ravi Teja’s film Mr. Bachchan, where his pairing with a young actress also sparked backlash.
Adding to the noise, Kamal’s offhand comment about Trisha’s Tamil fluency during promotional events caught attention in the Telugu-speaking regions, further fueling criticism.
While some netizens are targeting Mani Ratnam for allegedly ignoring the optics of the age gap, others feel the outrage is premature and judgment should be reserved until the full film is released. Given the hints in the trailer that Kamal’s character spans a lifelong arc, context may ultimately silence detractors once Thug Life hits theaters.
