yashhraaj

Thug Life (2025) marks the long-awaited reunion of two titans - Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam - after nearly 35 years since their iconic Nayakan (1987). Directed by Ratnam and co-written with Haasan himself, this Tamil-language gangster action drama is produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies.

Featuring a stellar cast including Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Abhirami, the film also boasts notable performances by Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj. With Ravi K. Chandran's atmospheric cinematography and a signature score from A. R. Rahman, the film is technically rich and visually compelling.

I watched the Hindi dubbed version - the prime reason being the legendary pairing of Haasan and Ratnam after more than three decades. The direction is superb, performances are powerful, and the film certainly carries the weight of its legacy. However, despite a good screenplay, there's an undeniable sense of familiarity - a mix of vintage gangster tropes, Godfather overtones, and a lost-and-found emotional arc. Something feels amiss, as though the film pays homage to older narratives without quite evolving them.

In essence, Thug Life is a one-time watch - particularly for admirers of Haasan and Ratnam. It delivers intensity and nostalgia, but stops short of offering something groundbreaking.

Rating: 7/10 A cinematic reunion worth witnessing - but the spark feels more reminiscent than revolutionary.

Karate Kid: Legends (2025) gracefully brings together generations of martial arts storytelling in a heartfelt reboot that bridges kung fu and karate traditions. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, this action-family film follows Li Fong (Ben Wang), a young kung fu prodigy adjusting to life in New York City while grappling with his past. When a new friend needs his help, Li finds himself drawn into a high-stakes karate competition-one that requires more than just combat skill.

Jackie Chan returns as the wise Mr. Han, and Ralph Macchio reprises his iconic role as Daniel LaRusso, making this cross-legacy mentorship both nostalgic and refreshing. Together, they guide Li in fusing two martial arts philosophies for a thrilling and meaningful finale.

The direction is sharp, the screenplay flows with precision, and the performances-especially by Wang, Chan, and Macchio-are sincere and engaging. Character development is strong, and the film balances emotion with action in a way that feels both classic and contemporary.

Rating: (9/10) A sweet, soulful journey of growth and courage, Legends delivers on action while tugging gently at the heartstrings.

Lilo & Stitch (2025), Disney's live-action reimagining of its beloved 2002 animated classic, brings warmth, humor, and heart in all the right doses. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, this updated version lovingly honors the original while embracing a fresh cinematic energy, bolstered by near-perfect direction, thoughtful cinematography, and emotionally resonant background scores.

Maia Kealoha shines in her debut as Lilo Pelekai, capturing the spirited innocence of the character with natural ease. Chris Sanders returns to voice Stitch, infusing the mischievous alien with the same chaotic charm that endeared him to audiences two decades ago. The supporting cast-including Sydney Elizebeth Agudong and Billy Magnussen-offer solid performances, while cameos by original cast members add a nostalgic sparkle.

The screenplay is smartly written, blending sci-fi whimsy with grounded emotional beats. The film skillfully explores themes of family, belonging, and acceptance-rekindling the kid within and reminding us that ohana means no one gets left behind.

Rating: 5/5 A lovingly crafted update that pays homage to the original while standing confidently on its own. A must-watch for fans old and new.