Thugs (Kumari Mavattathin Thugs) is a crime action drama directed by Choreographer Brindha. Hridhu Haroon, Bobby Simha, RK Suresh, Munishkanth, and Anaswara Rajan play important characters in the film. The film is produced by Riya Shibu under the banner HR pictures in association with Jio Cinemas.
Hridhu Haroon is caught by police when he tries to run away with the money of his owner to Australia. He is put behind bars at Nagercoil Central Jail where he befriends Simha. They plan to break out of the jail with a few other inmates of the prison. The soul of the film lies in the plan and its execution to escape from the jail and Hridhu trying to prove his innocence over the crime of which he is accused.
Brindha manages to pull out performances that the script requires. Hridhu as a debutant is fittingly convincing of a guy who is a mixture of innocence and mastery. Bobby Simha gets to perform in a few scenes and is refreshing to see him underplaying a role backed by a strong script. RK Suresh as a menacing cop is tailor-made for the role. Munishkanth provides comic relief while it is difficult for us to believe some of his efforts to proceed with the plan. For instance, stealing the map of the jail from the jailer's room is not convincingly portrayed. Anaswara Rajan and others act accordingly to the mood of the scene.
On the technical front, the film is safe in the hands of capable artists. Sam CS employs thumping music to elevate the tension of the film. The jailbreak sequence paralleled with a ritual is a treat to watch. Priyesh Gurusamy frames what is necessary for the film. At times we feel the needless camera movement on the screen. Trimming has been done from the original film to suit the Tamil audience.
Being a remake of a Malayalam film, Thug's stays true to its genre. Not many films explore the concept of jailbreak as it is one among those claustrophobic settings which are difficult to pull off. This film has done justice to its content by not deviating from its plan to make a realistic thriller. Measured performances hold the script while the conflicts progress the narrative. Certain action sequences stand out in terms of their choreography.
Realism felt in the script is diluted by the plethora of punches and kicks delivered throughout the film. Almost every scene has this over-the-top punching scene backed by a dialogue that supports the action. The camaraderie between the characters is not expressed in a way that makes the audience involve themselves emotionally with the narrative. Just for a few dialogues that stand out, the rest are mediocre in their notion.
Overall the film is engaging with a racy screenplay that doesn't stop for any usual gimmicks to hook the audience. The film is crafted well but is loosely packed in its translation. A film that depicts the basic human instinct to break free from his shackles is less expressed than its original vigor. Though with its flaws, the film engages you throughout its runtime.