"Violence is responsibility...." Kamal Haasan's comments on violence in cinema go viral ahead of Thug Life's release

Kamal Haasan talks about violence in cinema

With Thug Life upping the anticipation, Kamal Haasan opens about Violence in cinema. Helmed by the acclaimed filmmaker, Mani Ratnam, the highly-anticipated movie is all set to arrive in theatres on June 5, 2025, and the trailer date has been set for May 17.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kamal provided a closer look at the philosophical nature of violence in his films, as opposed to the more stylized action that mega films of international cinema generally indulge in.

“Violence is Responsibility – Not for Fun”

But Kamal Haasan revealed a thought-provoking rule while discussing how violence is depicted in his narratives. Drawing a parallel between his films such as Thug Life and the 1987 blockbuster Nayakan to Jackie Chan’s action comedies, he revealed.

“You don’t dislike violence when you watch Jackie Chan movies, because it’s fun . "But when you see Thug Life or Nayakan, you know where this violence is heading. It is not something to be entertained by, but a duty. How are you handling your strength?”

Haasan said there are a lot of actors who portray violence on the screen but actually hate violence in life and manage to vent out their disgrace against real-world violence through cinema, which at least freezes time and reflects on the violent act, leaving an impact on the audience.

An Actor Takes Stock of His Inner Characters

Venturing into his mind as an actor, Kamal said that he has all his characters in him, including the evil characters. He explained:

“I’ve swallowed all the murderers and blood-curdling screams for a quiet social life. We are a developing species, and I’ve got the reptilian layers inside me.”

Quoting American scientist Carl Sagan, Kamal noted how primitive behaviour is a part of humanity when comparing it with the technique of acting.

“That’s what Carl Sagan talks about how we tend to bite good meat. And when a pink baby appears, you make it like you’re going to bite that. It’s hardwired in us. And in acting, this violence emerges in the same way.”

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Thug Life is Eager for a Big Release

Making matters more interesting, Thug Life makers have confirmed the date of the audio launch as May 24 at Sairam College, Chennai. Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman will be performing live at the event, giving a larger-than-life perspective to the film's promotional journey.

With Kamal Haasan in the lead role and the visionary, Mani Ratnam taking the reins of directing, Thug Life is one of the most awaited films of 2025. Ahead of its trailer release and the awaited audio launch, the film promises much more than mere action; it suggests depth, reflection and cinematic gravitas.