Indian actor Kamal Haasan, 70, not slowing down especially in honing his craft

The Star

5 days ago

Renowned Indian actor Kamal Haasan, who was in Kuala Lumpur to promote his latest flick Thug Life , had just been asked by the Malaysian media if he's discovered anything new while making the film, and whether those discoveries were good or bad.
The 70-year-old, who made his acting debut before he even turned six years old, smiled at the question before surmising that no one should strive to learn something bad.
'Only learn good things,' continued Kamal, whose real name is Parthasarathy Srinivasan.
'At a certain age, it is hard to distinguish what is good and what is bad. Thankfully, I've reached an age where I can tell the difference.'
For him, every experience is valuable as 'even the bad experiences are a good thing as we learn from them'.
'In anything I do, including filmmaking, I learn from my mistakes. And the most important lesson is: don't repeat the same mistakes.'
His words, regarded as gospel by some fans in India, set the tone for the rest of the 30-minute press conference.
Kamal, also a politician, remained grounded even as he was showered with praise, graciously sharing nuggets of wisdom while revealing his con­tinued ambition for meaningful work.
'I might seem larger on screen, but when I stand among you, we're all the same height,' he said with a smile.
Kamal Haasan meets the Malaysian press. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star.
Kamal, who got an honorary doctorate for his contribution to cinema in 2019, has earned a reputation for being a risk-taker and a forward thinker.
When it was unheard of for a macho Indian leading man to play a woman onscreen, he embraced the challenge in Avvai Shanmughi (1996), donning a wig and saree to play an elderly lady.
In Aalavandhan (2001), he used Japanese manga-style animation to depict violent scenes – an idea that reportedly inspired Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino for his Kill Bill movies.
Kamal's 2013 film Vishwaroopam was the first Indian movie to use Auro 3D sound technology.
'New technology is something we all use. That's the reason why people are upgrading their old phones to new ones every year,' explained the three-time recipient of India's National Film Awards' Best Actor trophy for Moondram Pirai , Nayakan and Indian .
'I myself am not a technology creator, I just use new technology so credit should be given to those who come up with the new technology.'
In Avvai Shanmughi (1996), the actor wore a wig and saree to play an elderly lady. Photo: Handout
The father of two daughters said that he's always looking into new technology for use in films as fans are asking for new innovations and new experiences every time they go to cinema to watch a film.
'Technology keeps evolving. What was once a big deal – like a 150-megapixel camera – is now in your pocket.'
To stay updated, Kamal even enrolled in a short artificial intelligence course at an institute in the United States last September.
'Many people use AI without realising it – like when searching on your phone.
'AI is just another step into the future. I believe it can be a powerful tool for the film industry.'
Despite his enthusiasm for AI, Kamal dismissed any suggestion of using it to remake his old films.
'What's the point of doing something I've already done?' he said. 'I'd rather work on something new – and as fans, I think you would want that too.'
The Hey Ram actor compared choosing new projects to shopping: 'When you shop, you look for a new design or colour to add to your wardrobe.
'It's the same logic I use when making a new film.'
Indian music director, singer AR Rahman (left), film director Mani Ratnam (centre) and actor Kamal Haasan (right) pose as they attend a press conference for their upcoming Indian Hindi-Tamil-language gangster action-drama film 'Thug Life' in Mumbai on May 20, 2025. Photo: AFP
Perhaps his aversion to revisiting past projects is the reason why it took Kamal 38 years to reunite with his Nayakan (1987) director, Mani Ratnam.
Although fans have long clamoured for their reunion since the release of the iconic gangster drama Nayakan, it's only now – decades later – that Kamal and Mani have come together again for Thug Life , which the Indian media has dubbed a 'spiritual sequel' to the classic.
In this one, Kamal doesn't only act but is also a co-writer and a producer.
Set in the criminal underworld, Thug Life follows Sakthivel (Kamal) a gangster in New Delhi with a group of trusted men.
Following an unwanted incident, Sakthivel takes in orphaned Amar and raises him as his own son.
After spending two years in prison, Sakthivel returns to find that his trusted men now follow Amar, the man he once named as his successor.
Feeling betrayed and driven by the loss of a loved one, Sakthivel embarks on a ruthless path of revenge – determined to destroy anyone who stands in his way.
The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami and Joju George. The music is composed by Oscar winner AR Rahman.
Reflecting on working with Mani again after three decades, Kamal said: 'Our friendship has only grown stronger. People say friendship fades after you become family – but not for us.'
What has changed, Kamal added, is that both he and Mani have evolved.
'Director Mani Ratnam has refined his craft and is delivering quality films, and you'll see that in Thug Life.'
He continued: 'I'm just a fan of cinema at heart. I became a producer to back films I believe in. This film is a reflection of that.'
On the set of Nayakan with Mani Ratnam (centre). Photo: Handout
While the Thevar Magan actor has an affinity for playing men who won't back down, the same can be said of Kamal himself.
Just a week before Thug Life 's release in India, he sparked controversy by saying at an event that the Kannada language used by the majority in the Indian state of Karnataka 'was born out of Tamil'. This remark triggered a political storm.
Karnataka leaders reportedly reacted by banning the film's release in the state.
Kamal refused to apologise. In response, his production company pulled the film from the state entirely – knowingly forfeiting box-office revenue.
So when asked by Malaysian media about playing a man pushed to the edge in Thug Life , Kamal responded: 'I don't need to act as a man pushed to the edge – I am that man.
'I've been there many times. I don't need to explain when or how – but if you look closely, you'll see. I've been through it all.
'And when I fight back, I do it with honesty, dedication and truth. That's something no one can touch. No one can punish me for that.'
Thug Life is showing at cinemas nationwide.