Latest news with #RaajKamalFilmInternational
The Hindu
2 days 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
2 days 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.
Pink Villa
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
STR50: A period epic with a twist—is Simbu going feminine?
Silambarasan TR 's STR50 has been in the spotlight for some time, with the actor also turning producer. Now, he has shared details about his upcoming project, revealing that he will be playing a feminine character. In a conversation with director-actor KS Ravikumar at Behindwoods TV, the Maanaadu star said, 'I am playing a feminine character in the film, similar to what Kamal sir and Ajith sir have done before. I had already discussed it with Kamal sir earlier. As actors, we always hope to do something different constantly.' For those unaware, Silambarasan TR's period epic with director Desingh Periasamy was originally announced as STR48. The film was to be produced by Kamal Haasan under his banner Raaj Kamal Film International (RKFI) but faced significant delays. In the same conversation, Kamal Haasan revealed he had to step away from the project due to his commitment to Thug Life and the need to free up Simbu's schedule for a Mani Ratnam directorial. Now, STR will take on the role of producer for the film, with Yuvan Shankar Raja composing the music. Talking about Thug Life, the upcoming gangster action period film stars Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan as father and son. Directed by Mani Ratnam, the story follows Rangaraaya Sakthivel, a gangster who, with his brother, rescues and raises a young boy named Amaran. Later, the aging gangster is presumed dead but returns amid suspicions that Amaran wanted him out of the mafia. Fueled by rage, Rangaraaya Sakthivel aims to settle the score, sparking a deadly game between the two. Starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan, the film also features an ensemble cast including Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, and more in key roles. This project marks the reunion of Haasan and Mani Ratnam since their first collaboration, Nayakan (1987), with both co-writing the screenplay. Looking ahead, Silambarasan is set to star in his next film, tentatively titled STR49, with Dragon fame Kayadu Lohar as the female lead.
