Millions of fans across Asia wait with much anticipation for India's super combo of Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam's new blockbuster 'Thug Life'

The Star

02-06-2025

Back in 1987, the then rising superstar of Indian cinema Kamal Haasan and an upcoming director Mani Ratnam got together and gave the cinema fans an unforgettable magnus opus named 'Nayakan'.
An amazing blockbuster that is still talked about till today and the very movie that started the gangster anti-hero genre that has been copied thousand of times by many other combos throughout India and in all kind of languages too. Even the great Rajnikanth's 'Thalapathi', another legendary movie in 1991, was also after 'Nayakan'. And for the record 'Thalapathi' too was directed by Mani Ratnam.
In short 'Nayakan' was the mother of all gangster movies in India. It just broke so many records and ground and powered the duo Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam to the legends they are today. And at the same time, top actors all wanted to be featured in this genre at least once in their lifetime and that goes to all top stars including the likes of Ajith, 90s hearth-throb Karthik, brothers Surya and Karthick, action star Vijay and even the new crop of stars.
Many foreign writers in Europe and in US, have even compared the movie to Marlon Brando's 'Godfather' itself a movie that started the gangster-kind of genre in Hollywood. Some have put this movie in the standard of the incredible 1970's Tamil movie 'Pasi', itself that won many international awards.
But 'Nayakan' was 38 years ago. And many wondered why this super combo never got together again for another classic. It just did not happen.
Both, however, are legend of Indian and Tamil cinema. Both have ventured into many languages in India and were celebrated and successful in their ventures.
All these questions have been now put to rest. The superduo is back and this time it is also another gangster offering 'Thug Life' which in many pays ode of respect to that 'Nayakan' venture.
Indian media has dubbed 'Thug Life' a 'spiritual sequel' to that film, after Kamal Haasan said it was a peace offering to fans who have long awaited their reunion.
Co-written by Kamal and Mani, Thug Life is set in the criminal underworld, where brothers Sakthivel and Manickam rule.
But things begin to shift when one of them rescues a young boy – triggering insecurity in the other. When an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel, he sets out to destroy the very family he once built.
Interestingly the film also stars Silambarasan, an actor who has been dubbed by fans 'Little Superstar' and also a veteran of many classic films. One of his latest film 'Maanadu' was itself an genre-bending time-travelling blockbuster movie that won many fans and plaudits.
The other stars of the movie are the ever impressive Trisha Krishnan, one of the movie queens of India, and Joju George, who also had a good run in the recent Surya's neo-noir thriller Retro.
The two towering figures in modern cinema are back together again and the duo are promising their fans a feast that will not be forgotten in the near future.
For the record, June 2 is also a special for movie fans, as today is also Mani Ratnam's birthday.
Kamal Haasan in his message to Mani Ratnam said: "From 'Nayakan to Thug Life', we've journeyed through time together — as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength — a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul deeply attuned to the language of film like few others. May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema."
Both the stars also believe 'Thug Life' will break new grounds in Indian cinema but they also paid much respect to their beloved fans.
"Ultimately it comes down to the fans. I have so much support from them over the many decades that I have been involved in the cinema world. We can only give our best and with the hopes they will give us the support. With much hope I hope the fans will enjoy this venture which me and Mani (Ratnam) has given us so much of love," said Kamal Haasan during his visit to Kuala Lumpur on May 31.
By far, so far the trend support for the movie during the promo has been super excellent. The soundtrack is emotionally rich and musically unforgettable. High production value and visual grandeur has been revealed in teasers, trailer and early stills, 'Thug Life' promises top-notch visuals, stylish cinematography, and grand set designs, ensuring a cinematic spectacle on the big screen.
In a recent interview with India's News24, Mani said" "When I first met KH, when I was getting into this industry, he was a very big star and had a twenty-year lead. But he was open to meeting people like me and just chatting about films, stories and music. He always had his doors open for newcomers.
"When we did Nayakan, he trusted me even though I was very early in my career and it was a very exciting experience. That has not changed with Thug Life. He is a dream to work with. He brings so much to the table when he comes on to the set. It is not just his performance. But much more. He brings in a sense of authenticity to the scenes.
"We had met quite a few times and discussed several projects. But somehow they did not materialise. Either he was in the midst of other projects, or I was tied up. The loss was mine.
"But finally it has happened. I knew it with 'Thug Life'. And I hope it will be an incredible outing for fans and critics alike. This is our love present for our fans and friends," added Mani in the interview.
Meanwhile, Kamal Hassan during his stay in Malaysia had said that it will always be a challenge to live up to the duo's past success of 'Nayakan' and on top of that, Kamal added said their shared goal was always to push boundaries.
'The demography has expanded, and we, as technicians, I as an actor, and he (Mani) as a director, have evolved over time. Our first challenge was always to surpass 'Nayakan's' stupendous success. And also to prove our evolution, the starting point must be that it has to be better than 'Nayakan'," said Kamal Hassan during a press meet in KL on May 31.
"We believe we have upped the game with 'Thug Life'. It is our work love and respect for our work, our industry and the fans. We hope fans will like it as much for the effort we have put in. It is now in their hands to judge our work."
"I always say this time and again. The fans are the judges ... the final judges. It is their love and dedication to us artiste in a whole that has made us into what we are today. The determine us the future we will have and I do hope they will love us much again as we present you this movie," added the award-winning actor – whose notable works include 'Hey Ram, Indian, Vikram and Vishwaroopam' and also the ever-classic 'Salangai Oli'.
On another note, he is confident that his co-star Silambarasan — better known as Simbu or STR — is poised for greater success after his stellar performance in the new movie.
Kamal Haasan added his production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, had already signed Simbu for a film but postponed the production to make way for him to join 'Thug Life.
'Three corners thought of casting Simbu: Myself, director Mani Ratnam and our business partners. Other industry people also agreed that Simbu was a fantastic choice for the role.
'From my experience, actors who land pivotal roles like this are headed towards becoming bigger stars. And, STR has got that opportunity. And I expect him to be a bigger star-runner after this movie," said Kamal Haasan.
And with the big day approaching ever nearer for the movie's premier, fans will be just itching to get into the seat with the hopes of catching another magnum-opus littered with top actors and actresses from the most famous Indian duo.