Chennai, India – Director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan are set to collaborate once again for the film Thug Life, marking their reunion after nearly three decades. The duo had previously worked together on the 1987 film Nayakan, a crime drama inspired by The Godfather. Ratnam recently explained the reason behind the long wait to collaborate with Haasan again.
In an interview with CNN-News18 Indian Of The Year 2023, Ratnam revealed that he had not worked with Haasan in all these years because he did not have a suitable script. Ratnam acknowledged the immense talent of Haasan and stated, “It’s tough when you have an actor of that capability, someone who has done several things. So unless you have at least something halfway solid to give, you don’t go to him just because you’ve worked together before.”
Ratnam also highlighted that working with big stars like Haasan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajinikanth, and Shah Rukh Khan comes with its own dynamics. However, he emphasized that these stars do not bring any ego to the set when working with him. Ratnam believes that if he is clear about his vision as a director, the actors are more than happy to let him take control.
Thug Life, the upcoming film that brings Ratnam and Haasan together again, was announced by Haasan on Ratnam’s birthday in November 2023. The title announcement video featured Haasan as a lone figure in a misty land, facing five men armed with weapons. The film, which also stars Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Dulquer Salmaan, Abhirami, and Nasser, will have AR Rahman as the music composer.
In summary, after a long hiatus, director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan are joining forces for the film Thug Life. Ratnam explained that the delay in their collaboration was due to the absence of a suitable script. Despite working with big stars, Ratnam believes that ego is not a factor as long as he clearly communicates his vision as a director. Thug Life, featuring Haasan in the lead role, is eagerly anticipated by fans and will also feature an ensemble cast and music by AR Rahman.