Kamal Haasan is back on the big screen, and this time, he’s teaming up once again with legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam for a cinematic event that has everyone talking. Their latest collaboration, Thug Life, is not just another gangster drama—it’s a high-stakes, multi-layered saga that reunites two titans of Indian cinema nearly four decades after their iconic film Nayakan.
For the first time since 1987’s Nayakan, a film regarded as a turning point in Indian cinematic history, Thug Life reunites Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam. Fans and moviegoers are celebrating their reunion, and the teaser, which was released on May 17, just made things more exciting.
Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickar, a feared mobster who was believed to be long dead, resurfaces in Thug Life, a gritty underworld drama, only to find that he must face not only his rivals but also his estranged son. Kamal Haasan’s rich, commanding voice sets a solemn yet passionate tone in the trailer’s opening moments, hinting at a tale full of strength, loyalty, treachery, and redemption.
All about the cast details
The film Thug Life brings together a remarkable ensemble cast that spans across generations and industries, reflecting the project’s grand vision and pan-Indian appeal. At the forefront is Kamal Haasan, portraying the central character Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickar, a feared gangster with a powerful legacy. Joining him is Silambarasan TR (STR), introduced in the trailer as the “majestic lion”—Haasan’s on-screen successor—whose role promises both intensity and emotional complexity.
The cast also includes celebrated actors such as Trisha Krishnan, Sanya Malhotra, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, and Aishwarya Lekshmi, each bringing their unique screen presence to the narrative. From the South Indian film industry to Bollywood, the film brings talents from across industries together with the likes of Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf, and Vaiyapuri.
Thug Life is co-written by Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, a creative partnership that raises expectations given their legendary status in Indian cinema. The film’s music is composed by the Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman, reuniting with Ratnam for another potentially iconic soundtrack. Produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, Thug Life is positioned not just as a mass entertainer, but as a cinematic experience that balances powerful storytelling with high artistic merit.
Thug Life is set to release in theatres on June 5, 2025, and will be available in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, reflecting its pan-Indian scale. The trailer was launched in all three languages during a grand event in Chennai, followed by a music launch on May 24.
Online excitement erupted when the trailer was released. The film’s powerful dialogue, dramatic acting, and cinematic flair have all received high appreciation from viewers. Widespread attention was generated by a startling look at a de-aged Kamal Haasan, which highlighted the film’s excellent visual effects.
The debut of Silambarasan TR was also praised, with many referring to Thug Life as a possible national breakthrough for him. Fan replies were dominated by adjectives like “majestic,” “electrifying,” and “blockbuster-in-the-making,” as excitement for the release grew.
Despite the soaring excitement, Thug Life has been mired in controversy following Kamal Haasan’s remarks about the Kannada language. At the film’s audio launch in Chennai, Haasan claimed that “Kannada is born out of Tamil,” a comment that sparked outrage among several pro-Kannada groups.
The backlash led to the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) banning the film’s release in Karnataka, citing the actor’s refusal to issue a public apology. The KFCC’s decision followed a 24-hour ultimatum that Haasan chose not to comply with.
In response, Kamal Haasan has moved the Karnataka High Court, seeking permission for the film’s release in the state and urging law enforcement agencies to provide security for screenings. His production house filed a petition requesting that government bodies not obstruct the film’s distribution.
Haasan stood by his words, stating, “If I’m wrong, I’ll apologise. If I’m not, I won’t. This is my lifestyle—please don’t tamper with it.” He further asserted that threats or bans will not deter him from expressing his views.
See Also: PHOTOS: Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, Mani Ratnam And More At Thug Life’s Mumbai Event