Kamal Haasan on reuniting with Mani Ratnam for Thug Life after 38 years: The mistake was with us

Kamal Hassan talks about working in Thug Life

Legendary actor Kamal Haasan paused during a lavish musical launch in Chennai for the first single of Thug Life to consider his long-standing relationship with director Mani Ratnam, their shared cinematic aspirations, and the creative energy that still fuels their collaboration.

“But let me tell you, nothing has changed between Mani sir and me. When we met, whatever we spoke of—parked motorcycles on Eldams Road—we used to sit on them and talk about those things. We have done about 25% of what we spoke of. One is Nayagan and the other one is Thug Life. We have a long way to go. Because we didn’t get to realise all our dreams in any film. I am sure that will be the case in the future films that we do. We dream so big and then we are constricted to fit our market and our budget. So certain ideas—we have to bow before the public.”

Haasan was candid about the delay in reuniting with Ratnam. “And let me tell you, the reason we didn't get together all this time—the mistake is with us. The reason why we are together now is because of you. Because in the world of cinema business, most of them are only concerned if the movie title would gain profit on the books. And the calculation is a probability. It might gain profit. It might lead to a loss. But the ultimate judgement is given by the audience, for which the producers, exhibitors, distributors, and everyone else would stand. And that's how new, budding artists evolve. That's how STR has also evolved and is rocking—his father, me, and Rajini…”

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Reflecting on Mani Ratnam’s work ethic, he shared, “He has had this habit since the days of Nayagan. He will come at 5.00 for the 6 o’clock shoot. If he had thought about it all night, he would have come without an alarm… When I see all that, I remember Balachander sir. He knows how big a compliment that is.”

On the warmth of his Thug Life co-stars, Haasan revealed, “These two heroines have never said ‘I love you’ to me in this film… the only person who says ‘I love you’ to me is Jojo. He says, ‘I love you, sir.’ He says ‘Good morning’ after that only.”

He fondly remembered the early spark he saw in his co-star Ashok Selvan, saying, “I used to have a doubt—when to bow down and when not to bow down. That was the beginning of my doubt... If you understand that, you are a good actor.”

Finally, he described his deep artistic alignment with A.R. Rahman: “Together, we saw a cinema. And then we went to the cinema museum... For us, it is only what we do... What I learned from them is—I should talk a little less. Apart from that, I am thinking like that—I am not able to do it.”

Legendary actor Kamal Haasan and visionary director Mani Ratnam are reuniting for Thug Life, rekindling one of Indian cinema's most cherished partnerships after an incredible 38-year break.

Also Read: Mani Ratnam praises Kamal Haasan's acting in Thug Life:  50% burden on the director is relieved

The cult classic Nayakan (1987), regarded as one of the best films in Indian cinema history, was their final collaboration. Fans and moviegoers alike will be excited as the pair returns to the big screen with Thug Life, their fourth collaboration.

It is anticipated that this reunion will combine Haasan's commanding on-screen persona with Ratnam's skilful storytelling, offering a cinematic experience that honours their heritage while introducing something daring and fresh.

(Reported by Sarika Sharma)