- Are Nayakan and Thug Life Similar?
Are Nayakan and Thug Life Similar?
Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam share a strong friendship that has lasted for decades. However, they’ve worked together in just two films so far — Nayakan (1987) and the recently released Thug Life (2025). Interestingly, fans have noticed that both movies share several similarities, despite being made 38 years apart. Here’s a simple breakdown of the five main elements they have in common.
1. Gangster-Centric Stories
Both Nayakan and Thug Life explore the world of gangsters. In Nayakan, Kamal plays a slum boy who grows into a powerful underworld don in Mumbai. Similarly, in Thug Life, his character rises within Delhi’s mafia scene, driven by revenge and survival. The themes of crime, power, and justice connect both stories strongly.
2. Character Name Parallels
Another unique similarity lies in the names of the lead characters. In Nayakan, Kamal plays “Sakthivel Naicker,” also known as “Velu.” In Thug Life, he again takes on the name “Sakthivel,” with the full name being Rangaraaya Sakthivel. This appears to be a subtle connection created by the director to link both films.
3. Family Drama and Betrayal
Both films focus heavily on complicated family relationships. In Nayakan, the hero’s life is shaped by his father’s death and the emotional damage that follows. In Thug Life, a betrayal by his adopted son adds a dramatic twist, reflecting similar emotional struggles within families.
4. Struggle Between Right and Wrong
In both stories, the line between good and evil is blurred. Kamal’s characters are gangsters but also deeply human. They fight for survival and justice, making it hard to label them as purely bad or good. Their moral complexity adds depth to the films.
5. Painful Past and Emotional Trauma
The characters in both movies are shaped by past trauma. Nayakan explores a childhood filled with loss, while Thug Life deals with betrayal and trust issues. These emotional scars influence their actions and define their journey into the dark world of crime.
Both Nayakan and Thug Life highlight Mani Ratnam’s storytelling style and Kamal Haasan’s powerful acting. Despite the decades in between, these films mirror each other through themes of family, crime, and personal struggle.
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