Kamal Haasan’s much-hyped film Thug Life has stirred controversy online as netizens express strong disappointment, labeling it as “the biggest scam in recent times.” When the teaser was first released, it promised a gritty, high-octane gangster drama filled with raw action and philosophical depth, sparking massive excitement among fans of Kamal and director Mani Ratnam. The teaser’s visuals, tone, and background score hinted at a return to the classic crime-thriller genre, leading many to believe they were in for a cinematic treat packed with intensity and brilliance.

However, once the movie hit the screens, audience reactions took a sharp turn. Viewers claimed that the actual film diverged significantly from the teaser’s promise, delivering a far slower narrative with excessive focus on political and ideological messaging. Instead of the gritty gangster epic fans expected, the movie leaned into abstract storytelling and dialogue-heavy sequences, which many found underwhelming and tedious. Some even accused the makers of misleading marketing, saying the teaser was carefully edited to misrepresent the movie's true genre and pace, creating a wave of frustration among early viewers.

Social media platforms have since been flooded with memes and harsh reviews, with hashtags like #ThugLifeScam and #KamalDisappointment trending in certain circles. Fans who had anticipated a cult classic are now voicing their disillusionment, with some saying it tarnished their admiration for both kamal haasan and Mani Ratnam. While a few critics defended the film’s experimental nature and deeper themes, the majority sentiment online leans toward betrayal and dissatisfaction, with the teaser being called a “masterpiece of misdirection.”

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