Latest news with #Nayakan
The Star
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Kamal Haasan is open to filming in M'sia as he arrives in KL to promote new film
Kamal Haasan is happy to present his latest movie 'Thug Life' to his Malaysian fans. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star Indian actor and politician Kamal Haasan is in Kuala Lumpur today (May 31) to promote his latest movie, Thug Life , which is set to hit cinemas on June 5. Speaking to the media at a hotel in KL earlier this afternoon, the 70-year-old described the film as 'a treat' he has prepared for his Malaysian fans. 'We worked hard on this 'child,' which I am now handing over to you,' he said. Thug Life reunites Kamal with director Mani Ratnam after 38 years. Their last collaboration was the 1987 classic Nayakan . Indian media has dubbed Thug Life a 'spiritual sequel' to that film, after Kamal said it was a peace offering to fans who have long awaited their reunion. Co-written by Kamal and Mani, Thug Life is set in the criminal underworld, where brothers Sakthivel and Manickam rule. But things begin to shift when one of them rescues a young boy – triggering insecurity in the other. When an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel, he sets out to destroy the very family he once built. The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan and Joju George. The award-winning actor – whose notable works include Hey Ram , Indian , Vikram and Vishwaroopam – said his character in Thug Life is someone who fights with everything he has. 'That makes him more dangerous than someone with a sword – because he is someone who has nothing to go back to. The battlefield is his home now. He'll see the battle through to the end, live or die,' Kamal said. When asked whether he'd be interested in filming in Malaysia again, Kamal shared that he has shot scenes here in the past and is open to doing so in the future. 'I've come here many times. I have many friends in Malaysia. And I think we share more than just culture and language,' he added. Besides the press conference, Kamal is also scheduled to make a special appearance at a fan meet-and-greet at MyTown Kuala Lumpur later this evening. Kamal Haasan arrives at the press conference to promote 'Thug Life'. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star.
Deccan Herald
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Nayakan to Thug Life: A new chapter for an iconic duo
Thirty-eight years after 'Nayakan', which stormed into theatres and ran for more than 200 days, Kamal and Mani Ratnam are back with another magnum opus: 'Thug Life'. 'Nayakan' was loosely based on the life of gangster Varadaraja Mudaliar, who ruled the slums of Mumbai's Dharavi.
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Karnataka Film Chamber bans Thug Life release, demands apology from Kamal Haasan for his Kannada language remark
Kamal Haasan has recently stirred controversy after his statements during one of Thug Life's promotions backfired. While expressing his love for the Tamil language, the actor remarked that even Kannada was born out of Tamil—a comment that sparked unrest among those who disagreed. Karnataka Film Chamber puts a ban on Thug Life over Kamal Haasan's remark While the senior Tamil star has already clarified his statement made at the event and remarked that it has been blown out of proportion, the matter seems far from dying out. His comment has angered several Kannada language groups and organisations, prompting the Karnataka Film Chamber to ban Thug Life until Kamal Haasan issues an apology. Karnataka's minister for Kannada and culture has stated in a letter to the Film Chamber that these remarks have deeply hurt the Kannada-speaking community. He has urged the authorities to halt the release of Thug Life until a proper apology is issued. Will Thug Life not release in Karnataka? Well, the KFCC has imposed a temporary ban on the release of the Mani Ratnam directorial, demanding an apology from Kamal Haasan on the matter by May 30. The chief of the Karnataka Film Chamber remarked in a press meet, 'We have no sympathy for Kamal Haasan. If he does not issue a public apology today or tomorrow, we will support Kannada activists and will protest fiercely. Under no circumstances will we allow the film's release unless he apologises publicly.' More about Thug Life Coming back to Thug Life, the film also stars Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Abhirami, and more. This marks the second collaboration between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after Nayakan. The film's musical score is composed by AR Rahman. The action thriller will explore a father-son dynamic between the Vikram actor and Silambarasan (Simbu). Trisha Krishnan plays a poignant role in the film, adding a distinctive emotional layer. Thug Life has received a UA certification from the CBFC and has a total runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
India Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
How Kamal Haasan's Rajya Sabha berth may turn his political future
Kamal Haasan is no stranger to the spotlight—or to controversy. Just as he was basking in the glow of Thug Life's audio launch, marking his much-anticipated reunion with director Mani Ratnam after the iconic Nayakan (1987), he stirred a storm in Karnataka with a comment that Kannada was born from Tamil. The remark angered Kannada groups, who threatened to block the film's release in before the dust could settle, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) announced Haasan as one of its Rajya Sabha nominees—part of an electoral understanding forged during the Lok Sabha elections last year. While the nomination was expected, it marks a key moment in Haasan's political journey. He will join senior advocate P. Wilson and writer-activist Salma in the Upper House, a trio that blends legal acumen, cultural presence and diverse launching Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in 2018 and contesting two elections without success, Haasan aligned with the DMK in 2024 for the Lok Sabha election, campaigning across Tamil Nadu. 'In the last assembly election [in 2021], MNM split votes in key constituencies. The DMK saw more value in projecting Kamal Haasan as a star campaigner rather than restricting him to one seat,' observes senior journalist and political commentator A.S. actor Vijay, who is stepping away from cinema to pursue politics, Haasan continues to straddle both worlds. With a Rajya Sabha seat, he now gains a national political platform while being active in the film industry. Whether he will finally bid farewell to cinema as he enters Parliament remains to be seen. As part of the DMK alliance, he is expected to play a prominent role in the 2026 assembly election Observers say Salma's nomination also reflects the DMK's efforts at inclusive representation. As a Muslim woman and noted Tamil writer, she brings both gender and minority voices into Parliament.'The DMK has regularly ensured the presence of women within the party and in representational spaces like the legislature and Parliament,' says Panneerselvan. 'In 2004, both Subbulakshmi Jegadeesan and Radhika Selvi were not just made MPs but also as ministers in the Centre. The party has reserved a deputy general secretary post for a woman.'Wilson's renomination rewards his work as a key legal voice for the DMK, especially on issues such as NEET (national medical entrance) and federal the DMK's list has largely been welcomed, there is some discontent among allies. MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) leader Vaiko, whose term ends, was reportedly hoping for a renomination but has made no public bigger friction lies within the AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) camp. The contest for the two Rajya Sabha seats expected to go to the AIADMK is heating up with several contenders vying for the nominations. DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth recently claimed that the AIADMK had promised her party one seat—a claim denied by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. the AIADMK having revived its alliance with the BJP, sources indicate that the saffron party may push the AIADMK to allocate one Rajya Sabha seat to them in the upcoming by-elections. A section of the BJP is reportedly rooting for its former Tamil Nadu chief, K. Annamalai, to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha. Given Annamalai's well-known tensions with the AIADMK, this move could escalate Haasan, the Rajya Sabha nomination signals a new chapter in a life that has always blurred the lines between cinema and politics. Whether he continues to balance both or shifts more decisively into one realm remains to be seen. But with Parliament now part of his stage, his next act will be watched more closely than to India Today MagazineTune InTrending Reel
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kamal Haasan defines what it means to be a true fan in 'Thug Life' interview
After the legendary 'Nayakan', Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam have joined forces once again for an ambitious project titled 'Thug Life'. The film features an ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Abhirami, and Nassar, playing significant roles. A.R. Rahman is composing the soundtrack, and the movie is all set for a grand theatrical release on June 5. Global locations and strong buzz fuel excitement 'Thug Life' has been shot across multiple international and Indian locations, including Serbia, Ireland, Rajasthan, Delhi, Goa, and Chennai. Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan had already started dubbing for their roles last year. The promotional campaign kicked off with a title reveal video and a teaser announcing the release date, both of which received positive reactions from fans and cinema enthusiasts. The film's first single, Jingucha, written by Kamal Haasan himself, was recently released and has been met with enthusiasm. Promotions in full swing as Kamal Haasan shares his thoughts The film is now in its final promotional phase, with the team actively engaging with media and fans. Kamal Haasan, known for his thoughtful insights, shared his perspective on fandom during a recent promotional interview with Behindwoods. His heartfelt comments reflected the deep respect he holds for legends of the industry and the emotional bond fans continue to have with their idols. Kamal Haasan pays tribute to legends with a touching message Speaking candidly, Kamal Haasan said, 'Let me explain what it means to be a true fan. Even if the person is no longer alive, I will still be their fan. Sivaji Ganesan , K. Balachander , and Nagesh are no more, but I will always celebrate them. I'll raise my hand and whistle whenever I hear their names.' His words struck a chord with many and captured the essence of enduring admiration. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
