After 38 years, the iconic duo of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam are reuniting for the highly anticipated film, ‘Thug Life’. The excitement surrounding this collaboration is palpable, marking a significant moment in Indian cinema. Their previous venture, ‘Nayakan’ (1987), remains a cult classic, and fans are eager to see if ‘Thug Life’ can recreate that magic.
In recent interviews, Kamal Haasan has shared insights into the making of ‘Thug Life’, his relationship with Mani Ratnam, and his views on the evolving landscape of cinema. He emphasized that their collaboration has been continuous, even when they weren't making films together. They were both independently pursuing their dream projects, remaining "part of the same intellectual family."
Haasan also spoke about the impact of modern technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), on the film industry. He believes that performers who stay true to their craft and approach their work without arrogance will continue to thrive, even in an AI-driven world. He himself has been exploring AI, recently visiting Perplexity AI headquarters in the US to learn more.
Mani Ratnam's approach to cinema as an art form was also highlighted, with A.R. Rahman describing their collaboration as "epic." Rahman, who is composing the music for ‘Thug Life’, mentioned that he is approaching the project with an international perspective.
The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj, adding to the anticipation. Haasan has expressed his admiration for the new generation of actors and his eagerness to work with them.
When asked about whether ‘Thug Life’ would be similar to ‘Nayakan’, Kamal Haasan stated that it should be completely different. He emphasized the importance of not carrying baggage from the past and approaching each film as a new experience. He mentioned that he has completely forgotten about ‘Nayakan’ and is treating ‘Thug Life’ as a brand-new project.
The collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam extends beyond just this film. Their bond has deepened over the years, especially after Mani Ratnam married Kamal Haasan's niece, Suhasini. This personal connection adds another layer to their professional relationship, making their reunion even more special.
‘Thug Life’ is slated for release on June 5, 2025, and the promotional activities are in full swing. Posters of the film have been spotted across Tamil Nadu, signalling the grand return of this iconic duo. The teaser, trailer, and audio tracks have already been released online, further fueling the excitement.
As the release date approaches, fans are eagerly drawing comparisons between ‘Thug Life’ and ‘Nayakan’. While it remains to be seen if ‘Thug Life’ can recreate the magic of their previous collaboration, the anticipation and buzz surrounding the film are undeniable.
