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Hans India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Vishwada Nayaka' ‘Thug Life' unveiled with powerful impact
Universal Hero Kamal Haasan and master filmmaker Mani Ratnam's much-anticipated gangster action drama Thug Life is all set to hit the big screens on June 5. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Silambarasan (Simbu), Ashok Selvan, Trisha Krishnan, and Abhirami, the film boasts music by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman. After impressing audiences with three previously released tracks, the makers have now unveiled the fourth single, Vishwada Nayaka. The song gives a gripping portrayal of Kamal Haasan's enigmatic character, enriched by Rahman's grand orchestration and impactful musical arrangement. Lyricist Anantha Sriram's poignant verses beautifully explore the essence of Kamal Haasan's character, along with key female leads Trisha and Abhirami. Adding a contemporary touch, Prashanth Venkat's energetic rap verse is a standout, while vocals by Alexandra Joy carry the emotional weight of the song. AR Amin's vibrant rap elevates the energy even further. Visually, the track is a treat, showcasing Kamal in multiple striking avatars that underline the film's grandeur. Thug Life is jointly produced by Raj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies. The Telugu version is being released in a grand manner by Shreshth Movies and Sudhakar Reddy. With its music creating a strong buzz and Kamal's charismatic screen presence, the anticipation for Thug Life is reaching new heights.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Kamal Haasan pens birthday note to Mani Ratnam ahead of ‘Thug Life': Your presence has been a source of strength
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan penned a birthday note to director Mani Ratnam, ahead of the release of their highly-anticipated movie Thug Life. The gangster drama, which reunites the two after the iconic Nayakan (1987), is set to hit the screens worldwide on June 05, 2025. 'From Nayakan to Thug Life, we have journeyed through time together, as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema,' the actor wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Mani Ratnam, known for cult-classics such as Roja (1992), Bombay (1995), Iruvar (1997), and Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), turned 69 on June 02, 2025 (Monday). Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, we've journeyed through time together — as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength — a mind I turn to in moments of… — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 2, 2025 Thug Life also stars Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Nasser and Joju George. A R Rahman is the music composer of the movie while Ravi K Chandran is the cinematographer. Kamal Haasan further wrote, 'Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength — a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul deeply attuned to the language of film like few others. May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema.' Thug Life is produced by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Film International and Madras Talkies, helmed by Mani Ratnam. ALSO READ:Thug Life release in limbo in Karnataka, Kamal Haasan must apologise in two days, says film chamber Nayakan, the maiden collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, is included in the Time's list of the All-Time 100 Best Films. The film, apart from being India official entry to Oscars, won the National Film Awards for Best Cinematography (PC Sreeram), Best Actor in a Leading Role (Kamal Haasan) and Best Art Direction (Thota Tharani).
New Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Ali Fazal: It's not every day you get to work alongside legends like Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan
Saying yes to Thug Life was a no-brainer for Ali Fazal, as it meant that he would be collaborating with veterans like Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. As per an official press note, Ali said, "There are some calls you get in your life that you know instantly are meant to change the course of your journey — this was one of them. When you hear the name Mani Ratnam, you don't just think of cinema — you think of legacy; you think of storytelling that's transcendent, timeless, and deeply rooted in human emotion. I didn't have to think for a moment before saying yes to Thug Life." Ali Fazal is undoubtedly thanking his stars and fortune for receiving the opportunity to work in Thug Life. "A Mani Ratnam film isn't something you get offered every day, and certainly not alongside someone as iconic as Kamal Haasan. The fact that this project brings together talent from across the Indian film industries in multiple languages makes it even more special. It's the kind of ambitious, large-scale storytelling I've always wanted to be part of. I feel incredibly honoured and excited to step into this universe.' Thug Life's extended ensemble cast comprises Trisha, Silambarasan, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Nassar, Joju George, Mahesh Manjrekar, Tanikella Bharani, Vadivukkarasi, Chinni Jayanth, Vaiyapuri, Bagavathi Perumal, Baburaj, Rohit Saraf, Arjun Chidambaram, Chetan, and Rajashri Deshpande. Thug Life marks Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan's reunion after 36 years since their hit outing, Nayakan. The technical crew of Thug Life features cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, music director AR Rahman, editor Sreekar Prasad and action directors Anbariv. The film is a co-production between Udhayanidhi's Red Giant Movies, Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Film International, and Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies. Ali Fazal, last seen in Khufiya, also has Anurag Basu's Metro... In Dino and Lahore 1947 in various stages of production.
India.com
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Happy Birthday Mani Ratnam: Kamal Haasan Calls Thug Life Director Source Of Strength
Stating that director Mani Ratnam's presence had been a source of strength to him, actor, producer and politician Kamal Haasan on Monday wished his 'Thug Life' director a very happy birthday. Taking to his X timeline to pen a heartfelt birthday greeting, Kamal Haasan wrote, "Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, we've journeyed through time together — as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength — a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul deeply attuned to the language of film like few others." Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, we've journeyed through time together - as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength - a mind I turn to in moments of_ — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 2, 2025 The actor further wrote, "May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema. Forever your friend, Kamal Haasan." Interestingly, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan have come together for their upcoming film 'Thug Life' after almost 38 years. The film, which has triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs, is scheduled to hit screens on June 5. Apart from Kamal Haasan, the film features Silambarasan, Trisha, Joju George, Ashok Selvan and Abhirami in pivotal roles. Kamal Haasan plays a character called Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickan in this film, which director Mani Ratnam's production house Madras Talkies had described as "an epic tale of power, rebellion, and triumph." The film has music by A R Rahman and cinematography by Ravi K Chandran. It has editing by Mani Ratnam's trusted editor Sreekar Prasad and stunts by the stuntmasters, Anbariv. Kamal Haasan had recently disclosed how confident he was of the film and the fact that audiences would extend their support to him. "Let me tell you how confident I am. Let other producers not think that I am throwing a challenge to them all. That is not the case. I have only sold the satellite and OTT rights of this film. Everything else, we are distributing ourselves. We are distributing without putting Mani sir at risk. "Tell me, how much confidence we must have in this film to do this. We know to do business to an extent. Trusting you, we have made a good film and invested in it. We have ploughed the fields and put fertilizers to the crops. A farmer does not know anything else apart from this. Our farming is cinema farming. To ensure that corporate farming does not happen, I need comrades like Mani Ratnam to support me. If you support this film, I will have the strength to deliver more good films," he disclosed.
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Advance bookings for Kamal Haasan's ‘Thug Life' to begin amid Kannada controversy
The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nasser, Abhirami, and Aishwarya Lekshmi, with a musical score by A. R. Rahman. Jointly produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies, Thug Life will also release in IMAX theatres. Set against the backdrop of India's underworld, the story follows Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickar, a mafia kingpin. After rescuing a young boy named Amaran (played by Simbu) from a police shootout, Sakthivel and his brother raise him as their own. However, when an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel years later, suspicion falls on the now-grown Amaran, prompting Sakthivel to seek revenge. With the film's release just days away, all eyes are on Thug Life and whether it will clear hurdles in Karnataka amid ongoing language-related controversies. Fans are eagerly waiting to witness this powerful tale unfold on the big screen.
