Chennai (Tamil Nadu), June 5: The air was electric at Rohini Theatre on Thursday as fans welcomed the release of Kamal Haasan’s much-awaited film ‘Thug Life’ with unparalleled enthusiasm. Banners waved, chants echoed, and spontaneous dances broke out outside cinema halls, marking a thunderous celebration of the film’s premiere.
The film, directed by Mani Ratnam, has been generating buzz for months — not just for its gripping premise, but also for the reunion of two cinematic legends: Haasan and Ratnam, after 38 years.
Kamal Haasan on Collaboration and Creativity
In a press interaction held the day before the release, Haasan opened up about his experience working on Thug Life and his long-standing camaraderie with Ratnam.
“It is true that working with him (Mani Ratnam) was a pleasure for me. I would like to thank Tamil Nadu and its people for their unwavering support,” Haasan said, expressing heartfelt gratitude.
Describing the collaborative process, he added:
“Every film is a challenge, especially when you add another director like Mani Ratnam and a story that is so interesting. I gave him an idea, and most of the time, I was getting vegetables and helping him make it more tasty… That I call a true collaboration. We both are children of cinema.”
Star Power, Stellar Craftsmanship
Asked what sets Thug Life apart, Haasan credited the film’s robust creative team:
“Good actors, good makeup artists, costume designers, fantastic director, and great music. I love to join the crowd and cheer a great music director like A. R. Rahman. He has done an excellent job.”
Indeed, Thug Life boasts a powerhouse ensemble including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf — raising anticipation for what promises to be a cinematic treat.
A Humble Reflection
In a candid moment, Haasan reflected on his childhood and the journey that led him to stardom.
“I was a happy child. I was a parrot, not a cage, but they taught me, and I repeated. It’s only after 7, when I joined the theatre, that I realised how many intelligent children were around me. I’ve been lucky to have become a star.”
The Film that Rekindled a Legacy
Thug Life marks a return to roots for both Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam — a full-circle moment that blends nostalgia, legacy, and reinvention. As the film opens to rousing applause in Tamil Nadu and beyond (barring Karnataka due to a recent controversy), fans and critics alike eagerly await to see if this collaboration strikes cinematic gold once again.
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