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

Kamal Haasan in Thug Life

On April 18, 2025, a lavish musical celebration was held at Chennai's Kalaivanar Arangam to formally unveil the first single from the eagerly awaited movie Thug Life, "Jinguchaa." Film industry titans Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and A.R. Rahman presided over the event, which featured an impressive array of talent. Cast members Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, and Ashok Selvan also participated.

The launch not only marked the release of a song but also set the tone for what promises to be a monumental cinematic experience.

During the launch, acclaimed director Mani Ratnam lauded Kamal Haasan for his unmatched versatility and commitment to the craft. “He has this unique talent of striking a balance between mainstream cinema and boundary-breaking storytelling,” he said.

He went on to praise Kamal’s influence on set, noting, “When Kamal sir is part of a film, 50% of the director’s burden is lifted. He not only perfects his own role but elevates those around him—actors and crew alike. It makes everything feel incredibly real.”

Concluding his remarks, Ratnam humbly thanked the entire team and partners, saying, “Thank you everyone for putting up with me—and a heartfelt thanks to all our collaborators.”

In a dynamic dance sequence, Jinguchaa unites Silambarasan TR and Kamal Haasan amidst the colourful chaos of a wedding celebration. Composed by the renowned A.R. Rahman, the song blends modern musical elements with rustic folk rhythms. The song, whose lyrics were written by Kamal Haasan himself, is full of playful energy and provides a vibrant look into the world of the movie.

The audio rights for Thug Life have been acquired by Saregama, and Netflix has been announced as the official streaming partner. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on 5 June 2025.

Also Read: Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, AR Rahman, and team launch 'Jinguchaa' — The wedding anthem from Thug Life

With a strong ensemble that includes Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and others, Kamal Haasan plays the lead role of Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, laying the groundwork for a movie that successfully combines scale and emotion as well as spectacle.

Notably, after 38 years apart, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam reunite in Thug Life. The 1987 cult classic Nayakan, which is still recognised as one of Indian cinema's greatest works, was their final joint venture. Their fourth collaboration, Thug Life, will revive a creative collaboration that has influenced generations of cinematic storytelling.

(Reported by Sarika Sharma)