“We are very confident about ‘Thug Life’… The film will definitely impress the audience” – Universal Star Kamal Haasan
The high-octane gangster drama ‘Thug Life’, starring Universal Star Kamal Haasan and directed by legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam, is all set for a grand theatrical release on June 5. Featuring Trisha and Silambarasan (Simbu) in key roles, the promotional content released so far has created a nationwide sensation. The film will have its Telugu release under Sreshth Movies, presented by hero Nithiin’s father N. Sudhakar Reddy. A grand audio launch event was held in Chennai to mark the occasion. Speaking at the event:
Kamal Haasan said:
“Many have journeyed with me throughout this path, and they continue to do so even today. My heart is filled with emotion — tears of joy and of struggle. Generations of people have supported me, and I can only thank them from the bottom of my heart.
I am a huge fan of cinema. When I speak of Thug Life, I must first talk about A.R. Rahman. After Ilaiyaraaja, it was Rahman who uplifted me with his music. Both are South India’s pride, and we cannot define their greatness by age.
It was cinema that connected me and Mani Ratnam. The whistles the audience give us aren’t just for us – they are for cinema itself. I am proud to be working with cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, a technician of Hollywood standards. Anbariv has choreographed some brilliant action sequences.
Speaking of the cast — everyone has a bright future. I can already see Simbu rising to greater heights and becoming a leader for the next generation.
Trisha is not just beautiful on the outside but also inwardly graceful. Abhirami, who played Jeeva, performed brilliantly. Ashok Selvan reminds me of Nassar, about whom no special mention is needed.
People enjoy watching films, but behind the scenes, we face numerous challenges. I’ve crossed many such hurdles only because of my fans. I entered politics for them, not to become CM, MLA, or MP. I wanted to bring meaningful change.
I’m proud that many who have stood by me are now influential in society. Tomorrow, Simbu will lead his people the same way.
I’ve had many conversations with Nassar about how small films can succeed. Joju George, whom I discovered through the movie Rettai, is one of the few actors I feel envious of — in a good way.
After Chandrahassan, my strongest support has been Mahendran. We are self-distributing Thug Life, excluding OTT and satellite rights — that’s how confident we are. The film will definitely impress.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported this journey.”
Actor Simbu said:
“Thanks to the Madras Talkies banner, Suhasini ma’am, Shiva sir, Nithya ma’am, and Mahendran sir from Raj Kamal Films. Also, thanks to Disney and Udhayanidhi Stalin from Red Giant Movies for releasing the film.
This team has supported me immensely. I’ve worked with many action choreographers, but this is my first time with Anbariv Masters – a beautiful experience. Thanks to Ravi K. Chandran sir, and I admire Joju George so much — his screen presence makes me jealous.
Aishwarya Lekshmi – thank you. I’ve worked with Nassar sir in many films, but this one was truly special. Abhirami’s performance will leave a mark. Ashok Selvan is greatly talented and will go far.
I worked with Trisha in Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, and people must’ve been shocked watching the trailer — there are many surprises in the film.
I’ve troubled Rahman sir a lot but will always cherish this journey with him. He gave me my first chance as a singer — I’ve sung nearly 150 songs.
As a child, I cried seeing the Telugu boy playing ‘Anjali’s brother’ in Mani Ratnam’s Anjali — wishing it had been me. My uncle consoled me then.
Later, I did mostly mass masala films and thought I may never get a chance to work with Mani Ratnam. When I was almost blacklisted, producers were afraid to cast me — but I got a call from Madras Talkies.
Despite the fear in the industry, Mani sir believed in me, and I’ll never forget that. I initially refused Thug Life due to some reasons, but then I got the opportunity to act not just under Mani sir, but also alongside Kamal sir.
Kamal sir always says he’s still a student. If he is a student, then there is nothing wrong in learning from the best. I’ve learned so much from him.
Acting with such a legendary actor was possible only because of my parents who supported me since childhood. I thank them sincerely.
No one can replace another. It takes hard work. Kamal sir earned his position through sheer dedication.
Mani sir and Kamal sir trusted me with this role. I promise to grow further and justify that trust.
I said I will make films that make fans proud — Thug Life is only the beginning. On June 5, the film will speak for itself.”
Director Mani Ratnam said:
“If I must start thanking people, I must begin with K. Balachander sir, who brought me into this industry.
Then came Venus Krishnamurthy, Satyajyothi Thyagu, and producer Venkatesh – many contributed to my journey. But today, I must especially thank two people — A.R. Rahman, whose music gave life to this film, and Kamal Haasan sir.
When Kamal sir asked me to direct Nayagan, I had just come through a phase of struggling with producers. Nayagan changed all that. It gave me a break, and I’ll always thank him.
Now again, with Thug Life, he has shown the same trust he did 38 years ago. I believe we’ve done our best. Thank you to the entire team.”
Kannada Superstar Shiva Rajkumar said:
“Just like fans enjoy fan moments, I’m enjoying one too — because I’m a huge fan of Kamal Haasan sir.
I always watch his films on first day, first show. My thanks to Mani Ratnam sir, Rahman sir, Simbu, Trisha, and Abhirami.
My father clapped for the first shot of a Raj Kamal Films movie, and I’ll never forget that journey. Wishing the entire team all the best.”
Actress Trisha said:
“I got to listen to Thug Life’s songs early. As a fan, I’ve waited 37 years to see Kamal sir and Mani sir work together.
I’ve done four films each with Mani sir and Kamal sir. Working in a Rahman musical is a privilege. As an actor, I feel proud — it’s like a dream come true.
Some films feel very special — Thug Life is one such film. Kamal sir may call himself a student, but I’ve learned a lot from him.
The role I played in this film is very different from the one in Ponniyin Selvan.
I’ve reunited with Simbu after Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa. You’ve only seen two minutes in the trailer — after two hours in the theater, you’ll truly understand.
I worked once again with Ravi K. Chandran, and thank you to Ashok Selvan and Abhirami.
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