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Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Indian cinema icon Kamal Haasan says co-star Simbu set for greater heights after first collaboration in ‘Thug Life'
KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — Prominent South Indian actor Kamal Haasan is confident that his co-star Silambarasan — better known as Simbu or STR — is poised for greater prospects after his stellar performance in their upcoming Tamil film, Thug Life. The Nayakan star said his production house, Raaj Kamal Films International, had already signed Simbu for a film but postponed the production to make way for him to join Thug Life. 'Since it was a pivotal role, we could not just let anyone helm it. 'Three people thought of casting Simbu: the director Mani Ratnam, I, and our business partners. Other industry people also agreed that Simbu was a fantastic choice for the role. 'From my experience, actors who land pivotal roles like this are headed towards becoming bigger stars. And, STR has got that opportunity,' he told Malaysian reporters during a press conference at Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, here, yesterday. Thug Life marks the sweet reunion of Kamal and Mani — the two towering figures in modern Tamil cinema — after 38 years since the release of their 1987 cult classic gangster film Nayakan. Kamal Haasan waves at hundreds of Malaysian fans during a meet-and-greet session to promote his upcoming film 'Thug Life at MyTown shopping centre yesterday. — Picture by Sayuti Zanudin Their second collaboration is also set to showcase a high-octane gangster showdown, which sees Kamal and Simbu wrestling for power to rule a lawless criminal underworld. Thug Life is slated for theatrical release on June 5 by DMY Creation. Kamal and Simbu are also sharing the screen for the first time in Thug Life. Kamal said the film was named Thug Life — a term popularised by American rapper Tupac Shakur — to resonate with the Gen Z audience and with the overall plot about the life of thugs. Since Thug Life came about after Mani refined a script originally penned by Kamal many years ago, his fans are harbouring high hopes to see his unrealised projects, such as Marudhanayagam to finally arrive on the silver screens. Kamal also expressed the same optimism. 'So far, we have only shot for 30 minutes. Even if you go by American movie standards, we need to shoot for at least another one and a half hours, or even two hours, since Marudhanayagam is a long film. 'But, I think the factors required for us to revive the project are coming together,' he said. Leading Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan thanked her Malaysian well-wishers and asked them not to miss the Thug Life premiere on June 5. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin. Later, at around 7pm, hundreds of eager fans cheered on as Kamal and leading Tamil actress Trisha Krishnan — the female lead in Thug Life — attended a meet and greet session organised by the film's Malaysian distributor DMY Creations at MyTown Shopping Centre. Recollecting his first visit to Malaysia at the age of 21, Kamal said the overwhelming love from his Malaysian fans inspired him to continue scaling greater heights. 'Even if you didn't like one or two of my films, I trust that Thug Life will compensate for that,' he said. Meanwhile, Trisha thanked her well-wishers in Malaysia, describing their love towards Indian actors and cinema as 'so pure.' 'I hope you all like the role I've done (in Thug Life) because it is a very different role. 'So, please watch it with an open-mind,' she said, welcoming fans to share their feedbacks on her performance via social media. While the letdown was visible among Simbu fans who eagerly waited to see him at the event, the fanfare continued as fans copied his peppy dance moves while grooving to his iconic hit songs. DMY Creation is a major film distribution company in Malaysia, particularly known for distributing Hindi and Tamil films. The company, founded by Datuk Mohamed Yusoff, is also involved in bridging cultures through entertainment, fostering connections between Malaysian and Indian film industries.
Khaleej Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'Thug Life' trailer: Kamal Haasan unleashes action in Mani Ratnam's directorial
The trailer of legendary Indian director Mani Ratnam and icon Kamal Haasan's film Thug Life was unveiled recently, sending fans into raptures. Sporting a rugged look, Haasan surprised his fans with his action-packed avatar in the trailer. The trailer starts with Haasan's voiceover, "You saved my life, you protected me from the Lord of Death. Our two destinies were written as one. You and I are now bound together as one. Till the end." In the clip, Haasan's character is seen sharing family-like relations with Amaran (played by Silambarasan TR). The duo drift apart as at the end of the trailer they're seen locking horns with each other. Thug Life marks the reunion of Haasan and Ratnam after over 35 years. They previously collaboratd on crime drama Nayakan, which was sent to the Oscars and even made it to Time Magazine's list of all-time 100 best films. Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Joju George, Nasser, Mahesh Manjrekar and Ali Fazal are also a part of the movie. The trailer was launched at a grand event in Chennai recently, featuring candid talk sessions with the cast. Haasan and Ratnam opened up about their collaboration after over three decades, while Academy award-winner AR Rahman, the movie's composer, spoke about how the score is as much a character in the film as the protagonist. The film is jointly produced by Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International, Ratnam's Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies. It will release in theatres on June 5.
Malay Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Kollywood stars shine in Penang as Edison Awards honours Simran, Sandy and Venkat Prabhu
GEORGE TOWN, May 19 — Penang's Setia SPICE Arena transformed into a slice of Kollywood – as the Chennai, India-based Tamil language film industry is known as – last Saturday during the 17th Edison Awards, an annual event recognising the industry's legendary and emerging talents. From the moment the red carpet rolled out at 5 pm, fans were treated to a dazzling parade of Kollywood's biggest names, among them being 'Premam' actress Madonna Sebastian; the legendary Kushboo Sundar who has graced over 185 films; acclaimed choreographer Baba Baskar; Santhosh Kumar, better known as Sandy Master; and director Venkat Prabhu. However, the night truly belonged to actress Simran Rishi Bagga, the evergreen heroine of the late 1990s and early 2000s, who received the Golden Empress of Tamil Cinema award. Simran's recent comeback in 'Good, Bad, Ugly' rekindled her on-screen chemistry with the film's lead actor Ajith Kumar. The two have paired in successful movies such as 'Vaali' in 1999, 'Aval Varuvaala' (1998) and 'Unnai Kodu Ennai Tharuven' (2000). At the recent Edison Awards, the 49-year-old actress proved once again why she remains a fan favourite by charming audiences with her grace, selfies with fans and a heartfelt wave on the red carpet. The six-hour event honoured excellence across more than 30 categories, recognising the contributions of Kollywood directors, musicians, choreographers and technicians. Among those who received awards were Sakthi Sree Gopalan, who clinched Best Female Playback Singer for her captivating vocals; Venkat Prabhu, who walked away with Best Director for his film 'GOAT;' and Sandy Master, who won Best Dance Choreographer. Adding his signature humour to the mix was crowd favourite Red Kingsley who took home the Best Comedian award, while Ananth Ram was named Best Debut Director. Meanwhile, 74-year-old veteran actor YG Mahendran was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The event was elevated by dance and music performances, along with a fashion showcase by Malaysian artists, making it a celebration of both Kollywood and local talent. Meanwhile, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who officiated the event, said hosting such a prestigious ceremony aligned perfectly with the Penang2030 vision to diversify the state economy, strengthen creative industries and establish Penang as a leading hub for arts, culture and innovation. He described the event as not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a platform to elevate Penang's global profile as a destination for cultural diplomacy and creative tourism. 'The Edison Awards, I have been told, is a prestigious platform that celebrates both legendary and emerging talents in Tamil cinema. Over the years, it has honoured icons like Vijay, Dhanush, Simbu and Vikram, as well as rising stars like Sivakarthikeyan and Anirudh. 'Now that Kollywood has arrived in Penang, I sincerely hope this is just the beginning. Perhaps next, we can welcome Bollywood to our beautiful island too,' he said in his speech. Also present were Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri S. Sundarajoo. — Bernama
