Excitement ran high at PVR Juhu last evening as the trailer of Thug Life, one of the most awaited films of the year, was unveiled in the presence of Indian cinema’s legendary trio — Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and A.R. Rahman. The event brought together the creative forces behind some of the most iconic works in Indian film history, and Thug Life marks another major milestone in their storied collaboration.
The evening was particularly momentous as it reunited Haasan and Ratnam nearly 37 years after their cult classic Nayakan. Naturally, comparisons were drawn between the two crime dramas, especially since Haasan once again portrays a character named Naicker. However, both artists were quick to distinguish Thug Life as a standalone narrative.
“We’re not the same Mani Ratnam or Kamal Haasan we were during Nayakan,” Haasan reflected. “We’ve both evolved, as people and as artists. This story has its own soul. We want audiences to experience it without the baggage of nostalgia.” He added that Thug Life isn’t just about crime and action — “the film isn’t all about action; there’s a lot of emotion too.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mani Ratnam emphasized that at its heart, Thug Life is an emotional drama set within the world of crime.
“With a title like this, of course there’s action,” he said, “but it has to carry the right emotional feel. Action can be lyrical.” Ratnam also revealed that the film’s title was one of many suggested by Kamal Haasan himself, underscoring the actor’s creative contribution beyond performance.
The event also saw the presence of the film’s stellar cast, including Trisha Krishnan, Silambarasan (Simbu), Ashok Selvan, and Abhirami, who shared the stage with the filmmakers to offer insights into their roles and the unique energy of the film.
The trailer — a gritty, intense, and visually arresting piece of cinema — gave audiences their first glimpse into the layered world of Thug Life, heightened by Rahman’s moody, atmospheric score. The response was instant and enthusiastic, with fans and media praising the blend of scale, storytelling, and raw emotion.
With its multilingual release – Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi slated for June 5, 2025, Thug Life is more than a film — it’s a cinematic event. And if last night’s launch is any indication, audiences across the country are in for a powerful, immersive experience that blends genre with depth and artistry.
