Latest news with #Thalapathi
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Mani Ratnam fans get nostalgic for Nayakan, Thalapathi, Guru after lukewarm response to Thug Life
There was a time when Mani Ratnam defined the cultural zeitgeist of Tamil cinema – maybe even south Indian cinema at large. Even in an age of memes and GIFs, he remains relevant when shots of his old films are used in lieu of conversations. I mean, the image of Surya (Rajinikanth) looking heartbroken as the sun sets and his lover Subbulaxmi (Sobhana) walks away from him or the look Karthik (Madhavan) gives Shakthi (Shalini Ajith Kumar) as he locks eyes with her from a passing train are seared into any cine lover's mind. Which is why it's even more heartbreaking for fans when a filmmaker like Mani's craft is called into question. After a day of analysing the seemingly many ways in which his latest release, Thug Life, failed to impress, fans sat down for some introspection. Have they grown out of liking Mani's style, or did the filmmaker not live up to his own legend? If their posts on X (formerly Twitter) are anything to go by, the latter seems more than likely to be true. Pictures and clips from his old films like Nayakan and Thalapathi flood social media. After watching Thug Life, one fan on X posted their favourite scenes from Mani and Kamal Haasan's previous film together, Nayakan (1987), to remind everyone what both were capable of. They wrote, 'Look how beautifully Maniratnam crafted his own Godfather in Bombay. This cinematic masterpiece could never be recreated and will remains as the best gangster drama ever made in Indian Cinema. NAYAKAN - THE OG SAMBAVAM from Iconic duo.' Another posted key scenes that summed up Kamal's character, Shaktivel Naicker, aka Velu in the film, writing, 'Forever NAYAKAN. Absolute cinema! Peak Mani Ratnam.' Another hilariously posted a scene where Prabhu stops himself from slapping Rajinikanth, writing, 'Me trying to do maniratnam slander but suddenly remembering he was the one who made nayakan, thalapathy, iruvar, kannathil muthamittal, alaipayuthey. #ThugLife.' A fan posted a scene where Surya explains the plight of the poor to Arjun (Arvind Swamy) in Thalapathi (1991), writing, 'One film celebrated the day it released. One film celebrated on its rerelease. Thalapathi — Mani Ratnam's timeless classic made to last forever.' Some fans even got nostalgic for films Mani made in the early 2000s, like Kannathil Muthamittal (2002) and Guru (2007). 'What happened to this GOAT MANIRATNAM nowadays,' wrote one fan on X with sad emojis, posting a scene featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. Another analysed, 'In Kannathil Muthamittal climax when the lead characters have conversation. Setting has that cloudy look. In the end it starts raining. From that to this. What a downfall.' Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj. It marks Mani and Kamal's reunion for the first time after Nayakan. Hindustan Times' review summed up the film: 'Thug Life becomes a tiring watch after a while and it certainly fails to recreate the Nayakan magic on screen.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Will Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam Reunite? The 'Thug Life' director breaks the silence on the possibility
Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam , who is gearing up for the release of Thug Life with Kamal Haasan , recently addressed the long-standing curiosity about a potential reunion with superstar Rajinikanth . Their iconic collaboration on ' Thalapathi ' (1991) remains a cinematic benchmark. Speaking to News18, Mani Ratnam kept the door open for a future team-up but didn't make any promises. 'I think you should ask Rajini sir,' he said, smiling. 'You never know. After 'Thug Life,' I'm planning a break. I have four scripts floating in my head, but none are locked yet. If they don't work out, that might be it,' he added, leaving fans with hope and intrigue. A nostalgic look at 'Thalapathi' For those who came in late, 'Thalapathi' was a celebrated reimagining of the Karna-Duryodhana bond from the Mahabharata, featuring Rajinikanth as Surya, an orphan with a golden heart raised in the slums. His bond with gangster Deva (played by Mammootty) becomes the emotional backbone of the story, further complicated by the arrival of a principled district collector who shares a hidden bloodline with Surya. The film also marked the debut of Arvind Swamy and featured Ilaiyaraaja's unforgettable score. 'Thug Life' promises a gritty comeback for Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan Currently, Mani Ratnam is in the spotlight for 'Thug Life,' his much-awaited gangster drama starring Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and a star-studded ensemble. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pfinztal: GEERS sucht 700 Testhörer für Hörgeräte ohne Zuzahlung GEERS Undo The film revolves around Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker (Haasan), an aging don who grooms his foster son Amaran to succeed him—only to be betrayed. Presumed dead, Sakthivel rises once again, seeking vengeance and redemption. See More: 'Thug Life' early review: Kamal Haasan & Mani Ratnam's film is a 'cult classic' with goosebumps inducing scenes Rajinikanth gears up for 'Coolie' Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also set to return to theatres with 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj , slated for release on August 14, 2025. With both legends active and delivering ambitious projects, fans remain hopeful that another Rajinikanth–Mani Ratnam classic might just be a matter of time. 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 .
Pink Villa
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Is Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam reunion on cards? Here's what Thug Life director has to say
Rajinikanth and director Mani Ratnam had previously collaborated on the iconic film Thalapathi, which was released in 1991. Now, the filmmaker has spilled the tea on this and whether fans can expect a reunion from them. In an interaction with News18, the director said, 'I think you should ask Rajini sir. You should see… we never know. After Thug Life, I plan to take a break. I have four scripts in mind, but none of them are fully fleshed out yet. If nothing comes out of them, then that's the end of it.' For those unaware, the superstar and visionary director had previously worked together in Thalapathi. The film was based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata and the friendship shared between Karna and Duryodhana. It portrays Surya, an orphan who dwells in the slums and is known for his benevolent nature. After he scuffles with a goon, he gets acknowledged by a mighty gangster called Deva, and later they become friends. As things start to come under the joint guidance of Surya and Deva, things take a turn when a righteous district collector comes into play who also happens to be a kin of Surya. The rest of the film focuses on how Surya attempts to reconnect with his roots and how his friendship with Deva develops amid these events. Aside from the superstar, the movie also had actors Mammootty and Arvind Swamy as co-leads. Coming to Mani Ratnam 's upcoming venture, the director is slated to hit the big screen with a film starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR, titled Thug Life. The gangster actioner tells the tale of Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, an aging Yakuza-like gangster who has raised his foster son, Amaran, to take over his place in the mafia. However, when Sakthivel is presumed dead, all suspicions lead to his adopted son. Now, with vengeance in mind, the former makes a return from his grave, eager to settle the scores for once and for all. Apart from Haasan and STR, the film has Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and more in key roles. On the other hand, Rajinikanth will be hitting the big screens on August 14, 2025, with the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial Coolie.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Millions of fans across Asia wait with much anticipation for India's super combo of Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam's new blockbuster 'Thug Life'
Back in 1987, the then rising superstar of Indian cinema Kamal Haasan and an upcoming director Mani Ratnam got together and gave the cinema fans an unforgettable magnus opus named 'Nayakan'. An amazing blockbuster that is still talked about till today and the very movie that started the gangster anti-hero genre that has been copied thousand of times by many other combos throughout India and in all kind of languages too. Even the great Rajnikanth's 'Thalapathi', another legendary movie in 1991, was also after 'Nayakan'. And for the record 'Thalapathi' too was directed by Mani Ratnam. In short 'Nayakan' was the mother of all gangster movies in India. It just broke so many records and ground and powered the duo Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam to the legends they are today. And at the same time, top actors all wanted to be featured in this genre at least once in their lifetime and that goes to all top stars including the likes of Ajith, 90s hearth-throb Karthik, brothers Surya and Karthick, action star Vijay and even the new crop of stars. Many foreign writers in Europe and in US, have even compared the movie to Marlon Brando's 'Godfather' itself a movie that started the gangster-kind of genre in Hollywood. Some have put this movie in the standard of the incredible 1970's Tamil movie 'Pasi', itself that won many international awards. But 'Nayakan' was 38 years ago. And many wondered why this super combo never got together again for another classic. It just did not happen. Both, however, are legend of Indian and Tamil cinema. Both have ventured into many languages in India and were celebrated and successful in their ventures. All these questions have been now put to rest. The superduo is back and this time it is also another gangster offering 'Thug Life' which in many pays ode of respect to that 'Nayakan' venture. Indian media has dubbed 'Thug Life' a 'spiritual sequel' to that film, after Kamal Haasan 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. Interestingly the film also stars Silambarasan, an actor who has been dubbed by fans 'Little Superstar' and also a veteran of many classic films. One of his latest film 'Maanadu' was itself an genre-bending time-travelling blockbuster movie that won many fans and plaudits. The other stars of the movie are the ever impressive Trisha Krishnan, one of the movie queens of India, and Joju George, who also had a good run in the recent Surya's neo-noir thriller Retro. The two towering figures in modern cinema are back together again and the duo are promising their fans a feast that will not be forgotten in the near future. For the record, June 2 is also a special for movie fans, as today is also Mani Ratnam's birthday. Kamal Haasan in his message to Mani Ratnam said: "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. May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema." Both the stars also believe 'Thug Life' will break new grounds in Indian cinema but they also paid much respect to their beloved fans. "Ultimately it comes down to the fans. I have so much support from them over the many decades that I have been involved in the cinema world. We can only give our best and with the hopes they will give us the support. With much hope I hope the fans will enjoy this venture which me and Mani (Ratnam) has given us so much of love," said Kamal Haasan during his visit to Kuala Lumpur on May 31. By far, so far the trend support for the movie during the promo has been super excellent. The soundtrack is emotionally rich and musically unforgettable. High production value and visual grandeur has been revealed in teasers, trailer and early stills, 'Thug Life' promises top-notch visuals, stylish cinematography, and grand set designs, ensuring a cinematic spectacle on the big screen. In a recent interview with India's News24, Mani said" "When I first met KH, when I was getting into this industry, he was a very big star and had a twenty-year lead. But he was open to meeting people like me and just chatting about films, stories and music. He always had his doors open for newcomers. "When we did Nayakan, he trusted me even though I was very early in my career and it was a very exciting experience. That has not changed with Thug Life. He is a dream to work with. He brings so much to the table when he comes on to the set. It is not just his performance. But much more. He brings in a sense of authenticity to the scenes. "We had met quite a few times and discussed several projects. But somehow they did not materialise. Either he was in the midst of other projects, or I was tied up. The loss was mine. "But finally it has happened. I knew it with 'Thug Life'. And I hope it will be an incredible outing for fans and critics alike. This is our love present for our fans and friends," added Mani in the interview. Meanwhile, Kamal Hassan during his stay in Malaysia had said that it will always be a challenge to live up to the duo's past success of 'Nayakan' and on top of that, Kamal added said their shared goal was always to push boundaries. 'The demography has expanded, and we, as technicians, I as an actor, and he (Mani) as a director, have evolved over time. Our first challenge was always to surpass 'Nayakan's' stupendous success. And also to prove our evolution, the starting point must be that it has to be better than 'Nayakan'," said Kamal Hassan during a press meet in KL on May 31. "We believe we have upped the game with 'Thug Life'. It is our work love and respect for our work, our industry and the fans. We hope fans will like it as much for the effort we have put in. It is now in their hands to judge our work." "I always say this time and again. The fans are the judges ... the final judges. It is their love and dedication to us artiste in a whole that has made us into what we are today. The determine us the future we will have and I do hope they will love us much again as we present you this movie," added the award-winning actor – whose notable works include 'Hey Ram, Indian, Vikram and Vishwaroopam' and also the ever-classic 'Salangai Oli'. On another note, he is confident that his co-star Silambarasan — better known as Simbu or STR — is poised for greater success after his stellar performance in the new movie. Kamal Haasan added 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. 'Three corners thought of casting Simbu: Myself, director Mani Ratnam 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. And I expect him to be a bigger star-runner after this movie," said Kamal Haasan. And with the big day approaching ever nearer for the movie's premier, fans will be just itching to get into the seat with the hopes of catching another magnum-opus littered with top actors and actresses from the most famous Indian duo.
India.com
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Meet actor who owns Rs 3,300 crore business empire, was left paralysed, lost his stardom, quit films, beats Vijay, Ajith, Dhanush, Suriya, he is…
Whenever it comes to South heroes, Rajinikanth, Chiranjeevi, Vijay Sethupathi and Allu Arjun are talked about. But today we will tell you about that South star who started working in films from a young age. But as soon as he became a top hero, he took a break from acting. After this, such an accident happened to him that he was bedridden for years. But then the luck of this star shone so much that he became the owner of a business worth crores. Mani Ratnam saw 21-year-old Arvind Swamy, who belonged to a business family, in an advertisement. After this, he was called for an audition. After which he appeared on screen for the first time in Rajinikanth and Mammootty's film Thalapathi. But the film Roja released in 1992 and Bombay released in 1995 gave such a boost to Arvind's career that he became a star overnight. Arvind's stardom increased further when he appeared with Kajol in the National Award winning film 'Minsara Kanavu'. Apart from this, he entered the Hindi stream with the film 'Saat Rang Ke Sapne'. Due to Arvind's increasing stardom, people started considering him as the successor of two great South actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. But after giving many hit films, Arvind suddenly decided to distance himself from films. He was only 30 years old at that time. There are reports that Arvind is suffering from depression. This is also because the sudden downfall in his career in the 90s had broken Arvind from inside. Therefore, in 2000, he decided to distance himself from acting which shocked everyone. This year he had such a dangerous accident. Due to this accident, Arvind's leg became partially paralysed. He even became dependent on others to get up and sit. But he did not give up. Before the accident, Arvind had founded Talent Maximus India. According to many portals, the revenue of Talent Maximus in 2022 was 3300 crores. The special thing is that even after being paralyzed, Arvind remained active in all these companies. After this, after recovering, he again turned to films in the year 2013. After Mani Ratnam's 'Kadal', he played the role of MG Ramachandran in the Bollywood film 'Thalaivi' released in the year 2021. He was recently seen in the movie Meiyazhagan. This film was highly praised.
