Thug Life on Netflix: Is Kamal Haasan’s character Rangaraya based on a real-life gangster?

After a successful stint at the box office, Thug Life was released on Netflix, and now it has been buzzing among fans. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the crime thriller explores themes of rebellion, justice, and identity in a dark, stylized narrative. Veteran actor Kamal Haasan plays a hardened gangster who raises a boy whose life was destroyed in a violent shootout. Since the movie revolves around a gangster, the question arises whether Kamal Haasan’s character Rangaraya is inspired by real-life gangster. Continue reading below to know the answer- 

In Thug Life, Kamal Haasan plays a powerful underworld figure who operates with a strict code of loyalty, survival, and dominance. The emotional depth and raw portrayal have led some to believe the character is modeled on a real gangster from India’s underworld history, someone like Varadarajan Mudaliar, Haji Mastan, or Dawood Ibrahim.

Despite the speculation, there is no official confirmation that Kamal Haasan’s character is based on any specific real-life gangster. The film’s script and characters are entirely original creations, meant to reflect universal themes of power, betrayal, and survival,  not historical accuracy.

The film’s realistic backdrop, Kamal Haasan’s deeply immersive performance, and the raw emotional connection between the gangster and the boy he raises contribute to the illusion of reality. It’s a crafted narrative meant to mimic the truth. 

Therefore, it can be said that Kamal Haasan’s character in Thug Life is not based on any real gangster.