Exclusive - Mani Ratnam on reuniting with Kamal Haasan for Thug Life: 'When Kamal sir appears in a film, half of the director's load is relieved'

Mani Ratnam with Kamal Haasan

Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam was in Delhi along with veteran actor and friend Kamal Haasan for the promotions of his upcoming movie 'Thug Life.' It marks his reunion with Kamal Haasan after 38 years. The two had worked together in the hit movie Nayakan in 1987.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Mani Ratnam talked about the evolving landscape of cinema, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and working with Kamal Haasan on Thug Life.

Mani Ratnam said artificial intelligence cannot be neglected and 'it is going to be a part of you.'

"AI will become a part of you. I mean, whether you are in the film industry or not, it will be a part of our future. So, and it can be used effectively," Mani Ratnam told us.

Mani Ratnam said adapting AI is important to stay relevant in the market by adjusting to technological changes.

When talking about the financial sides and the pressure of box office numbers, Mani Ratnam said it is important to combine economic sustainability with artistic satisfaction.

"Money helps me to make the next film, but I think I should also be happy about the film that I'm doing and I should feel that I'm taking a step forward and not backward."

'Thug Life': A Reunion with Kamal Haasan

Mani Ratnam spoke about collaborating with Kamal Haasan 38 years after their landmark film Nayakan. When asked about their coming together for an actioner, he said, "It's just a new film; therefore, the relationships are completely different. But I believe working with him was a really rewarding experience the first time, and it continues to be so."

He was all praise for Kamal Haasan and his adaptability and dedication to the craft. Mani Ratnam said, "When Kamal sir appears in a film, half of the director's load is relieved. He not only excels in his own part but also lifts those around him—both performers and staff."

This time, like in many of his movies in the past, Mani Ratnam has picked Delhi as an important site for Thug Life. To this he says, "I shot this film in Delhi, which is a location I like. I believe it works very well for the type of drama, the play, that we have in the film."

The noted director, who has made hit films like Roja, Bombay, and Thiruda Thiruda, felt that the city's setting provided credibility to the story.

Mani Ratnam persistently explores new narrative frontiers by embracing new technology and forming partnerships.

Excerpts from the exclusive conversation: 

Pressure of box office numbers? 

Mani Ratnam: I knew it was coming. Money control had to ask about money. I think it's a business which has got a lot of capital investment. So, to ignore the economics will be ridiculous. No, if you do ignore it consistently, you will not get a film to make. So, it has to first recoup and make money. It also has to be something which you're proud of. I'm not in it just to make money.

Money helps me to make the next film, but I think I should be also happy about the film that I'm doing and I should feel that I'm taking a step forward and not backward. So, I think that is what the balance you try to hit.

Adapting to Artificial Intelligence Mani Ratnam: I think this year there was a controversy (Academy Awards) and them coming today, at least putting it out into getting it a little more open about it. I think some years back, if you remember, films that were made for OTT were not considered, in Cannes, in some of the other award shows. Now it's being considered. So, it is an evolving scenario and AI is going to be a part of you. I mean, whether you're in film industry or not, it's going to be part of our tomorrow. So, and it can be used well. So, the thing is that, you know, to be able to adapt to it, otherwise you will get left behind. So, it will be a part of us

On  cost and recovery

Mani Ratnam: Now, when you think of an idea, you know that it's going to cost this much and you know that it has the potential to do that, you know. That is what you look at. You can do a film in a very small budget and it could make three times the amount of money. It may not touch Rs 100 crores, but it would have done three times.

On reuniting with Kamal Haasan after 38 years

Mani Ratnam: There's no difference. It's just a different film and therefore different dynamics altogether. But I think it was a very fruitful experience working with him the first time and it's still the same. It gives you pleasure, it gives you satisfaction and it makes my job easier. That's what it does.

Shooting Thug Life in Delhi

Mani Ratnam: I shot this film in Delhi and it's a place I like. I think it fits very well for the kind of drama, the play that we have in the film. And it kind of gives a world in which this kind of a drama can be set very believably.

Thug Life will release in theaters worldwide on June 5, 2025.