Trisha calls Thug Life sets ‘a safe space', says Kamal Haasan is her mentor: ‘I feel like I grew up with Mani Ratnam'

Indian Express

22-05-2025

Trisha Krishnan found it extremely comfortable to work on the sets of Thug Life, thanks to her past associations with co-stars Silambarasan aka Simbu, Kamal Haasan, and director Mani Ratnam. While she previously worked with Kamal Haasan in Manmadhan Ambu and Thoonga Vanam, she has also shared the screen with Simbu in the romantic dramas Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and Alai. Trisha has been a frequent collaborator with Mani Ratnam as well, having worked with him in Aayutha Ezhuthu and the two-part epic Ponniyin Selvan.
In a recent interaction with India Today, Trisha shared that her prior collaborations with the cast made her feel right at home on the Thug Life sets. 'I have known Simbu and Kamal sir for several years now, and it was quite easy for me. In my film career, Kamal sir has been a mentor to me. Simbu and I have done two films, and we have known each other for a long time. When I entered the film set, it felt like a safe space for me. I have built a comfort level with everyone, even with Mani sir,' she said.
Talking about how Mani Ratnam mentored her and how their frequent collaboration have helped her understand him better, she said, 'It's the comfort that I have with Mani sir and others on the set. Doing Ponniyin Selvan after doing Aayutha Ezhuthu helped me understand Mani sir more. I feel like I grew up with him. I was trained by the best. Working with someone repeatedly helps you form a bond or understand each other better. He now knows what and how to extract from me. I have the comfort with him. You are both in sync than you have before.'
Thug Life marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan with Kamal Haasan after a gap of 38 years. They last worked together in Nayakan (1987). The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, and Aishwarya Lekshmi in pivotal roles.