Is Nayakan and Thug Life similar? Decoding 5 parallels between Mani Ratnam’s films starring Kamal Haasan

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For over three decades, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam have maintained a friendship that transcends their professional relationship as colleagues. Remarkably, despite their long-standing bond, they’ve worked together on just two productions: first, Nayakan, and later, Thug Life.

The sequel to their project was launched approximately 38 years later, yet viewers have noted some consistent characteristics between the two movies, implying they share more than a few similarities despite their differences.

Well, then, check out these five parallels that have been drawn between Nayakan and Thug Life.

Running theme of gangster thrillers

One clear connection between Nayakan and Thug Life lies in their shared genre and setting, both being gangster-centric action thrillers.

In this version, we follow the transformation of a criminal mastermind who started out living in the slums and eventually gained respect as a powerful figure in the bustling city of Bombay, known for its relentless hustle.

As a loyal chronicler, I’ve come across a tale strikingly reminiscent in “Thug Life.” It tells the chilling saga of a notorious figure hailing from Delhi’s underworld, his transformative journey, and his relentless pursuit for retribution against those who wronged him personally.

Similarity of the names of the protagonists

As a lifestyle expert, I find it fascinating how Mani Ratnam skillfully weaves a sense of continuity between his films. Notably, he’s chosen identical character names for the leading roles, both portrayed by the versatile Kamal Haasan. This creative decision adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, inviting viewers to explore potential connections or parallels between these characters.

For the Tamil actor who portrayed Nayakan, he took on the name Sakthivel Naicker, a moniker familiar to many as Velu.

In terms of living a life associated with “Thug,” Kamal Haasan’s character chooses to keep his original name of Sakthivel but also takes on an additional name, Rangaraaya.

Critique of complex family relations

A shared feature between the two Tamil films is their exploration of intricate family dynamics and lingering problems, which are central themes in each production.

In Nayakan, the main character experiences his father’s desertion during his childhood and feels deceived upon his father’s passing, as he never received closure or reconciliation.

Instead, we see a game of vengeance unfolding between Sakthivel and his adoptive son Amaran in Thug Life, as the latter conspired to take Sakthivel’s life and maintain his control over the underworld.

In contrast, Thug Life portrays a story of revenge between Sakthivel and his adopted son Amaran, who had plotted to eliminate Sakthivel and preserve his power in the criminal underworld.

Tassel between good and evil

In essence, Mani Ratnam’s films often challenge viewers by requiring them to discern between authentic goodness and innate evil.

In the two films I’m referring to, Kamal Haasan portrays characters who seem deeply entangled in the criminal underworld, giving off an air of corruption. Yet, beneath this hardened facade, there lies a tender heart scarred by a painful past, a detail that is frequently missed.

Consequently, it proves challenging to classify them as either virtuous or vile, or if their actions stem from moral imperfections.

References to past trauma

A common thread in both movies involves the protagonist’s struggles with their past traumas. Transforming from a regular citizen into a ruler of the criminal underworld is not an effortless process.

One experiences estrangement and detachment from any father-like figure, while the other endures betrayal and hypocrisy that undermines their faith in all goodness.

Or, more casually:
One feels disconnected from any father-figure, whereas the other experiences deception and phoniness, making it hard to trust anything good.

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2025-06-08 17:37