The recently released trailer for Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, has ignited a significant debate on social media. The controversy centers around romantic scenes featuring 70-year-old actor Kamal Haasan with his co-stars Abhirami and Trisha
The trailer for Thug Life, released on May 17, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of reactions, blending excitement for Kamal Haasan’s reunion with director Mani Ratnam with controversy over romantic scenes featuring the 70-year-old icon with younger co-stars Trisha Krishnan and Abhirami, both 42. The action-packed gangster drama, set for a June 5, 2025 release, showcases stunning visuals and a stellar cast, but intimate moments—including a lip-lock with Abhirami and a flirtatious exchange with Trisha—have sparked backlash online, particularly on Reddit, due to the nearly 30-year age gap. This debate highlights broader questions about age-appropriate casting and romantic portrayals in Indian cinema, even as the film’s gripping narrative continues to generate buzz.
Controversy Over Age-Gap Intimacy
The Thug Life trailer features Haasan as a seasoned gangster, with a romantic scene where he shares a kiss with Abhirami, who plays his wife, and a playful moment with Trisha, where he quips, “Madam, I’m your only Adam.” These scenes triggered heated discussions on social media, with Reddit users posting screenshots and captions like, “Noo god please no.” Comments highlighted the age disparity, with one user noting, “Trisha is just three years older than Shruti Haasan, btw,” and another sarcastically remarking, “Only 30 years apart. Practically soulmates!” Some criticized the lip-lock with Abhirami as “weird” and questioned its relevance, fueling debates about the portrayal of such dynamics.
Defenders Highlight Narrative Context
Despite the criticism, some fans defended the scenes, emphasizing their role in the story. One Reddit user argued, “There’s nothing wrong with the pairing, as the plot clearly depicts an older gangster with a younger woman. The film likely portrays their age gap as smaller.” Others stressed the professionalism of the actors, with a comment stating, “It’s just acting. If the story demands it, there’s nothing wrong. Don’t act like children.” Supporters also pointed out that Trisha and Abhirami, both established stars, made informed choices to take on these roles, urging viewers to focus on the film’s broader narrative rather than isolated moments.
A Gritty Saga and Star-Studded Reunion
Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, marks a significant collaboration with Haasan, their first since the 1987 classic Nayakan. The trailer promises a sprawling gangster epic spanning decades, with Haasan mentoring a young boy who grows into a formidable ally, played by Silambarasan. The story explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the passage of time in the criminal underworld. Featuring a powerhouse cast including Sanya Malhotra, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, and Rohit Saraf, with music by AR Rahman, the film is poised to be a cinematic milestone. However, the controversy over its romantic scenes continues to overshadow its anticipation, sparking wider conversations about age dynamics in cinema.
