Kamal Haasan’s grand return to the big screen with Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, is drawing attention—but not just for cinematic reasons. The spotlight, instead, is on the controversial age gap between the 70-year-old actor and his leading ladies, Trisha Krishnan and Abhirami, both 42. While fans praise the film’s stylish visuals and Haasan’s charisma, others are questioning the film industry’s ongoing gender double standards.
The controversy escalated after scenes from the trailer showcased Haasan in romantic and even intimate moments with his much younger co-stars. The Internet quickly picked up on the age disparity, with many pointing out that his own daughter, Shruti Haasan (39), is practically the same age as the film’s heroines.
“If the Roles Were Reversed…”
“If a 70-year-old actress kissed a 42-year-old actor in a mainstream film, would it still be called ‘magical’?” asks one viral tweet. It’s a question echoing across social media platforms, challenging the male-dominated casting practices in Indian cinema.
Celebrities like Salman Khan have previously brushed off such criticism, once joking, “If the heroine’s father doesn’t have a problem, then why do you?” But public sentiment appears to be shifting, with many now calling for more equal representation in age-appropriate casting—especially for women.
Kamal Haasan’s Legacy vs Cultural Blind Spots
There’s no doubt that Kamal Haasan is a cinematic icon. His influence spans decades and genres. But critics argue that the continued pairing of aging male leads with younger women perpetuates a cultural blind spot: the invisibility of older women in romantic roles.
The film Thug Life, which released across India today (except Karnataka), may be stylish and ambitious, but its messaging has ignited a debate that filmmakers can no longer ignore. While admiration for Haasan’s legacy remains, audiences are increasingly vocal about demanding equity—not just in storylines but in casting choices as well.
