At a press conference held ahead of the highly anticipated release of Thug Life, veteran actor Kamal Haasan lauded director Mani Ratnam, describing him as a “Gnani” (an enlightened soul) of cinema. Haasan, who plays the lead role in the film, praised the creative vision and technical excellence that have gone into the making of the project.
“Mani Ratnam has long earned the distinction of having his name prefixed to a film title—’A Mani Ratnam Film’. That’s not just branding; it’s a seal of cinematic excellence he earned nearly 40 years ago,” Kamal Haasan said. Reflecting on their earlier collaboration on the iconic Nayagan, Haasan added, “The Mani I once saw as a promising young director has now evolved into a true cinematic sage.”
The actor emphasized that Thug Life is a product of global craftsmanship. “Numerous technicians of international caliber have worked on this film. But beyond that, our own Indian technicians showcased such brilliance that even their international counterparts were impressed,” Haasan noted.
He also credited Raaj Kamal Films International, his production house, for living up to the “International” in its name through its association with Thug Life. “This project represents the global standard we envisioned. Mani Ratnam and our technical team have brought that vision to life.”
Expressing gratitude toward his fans, Kamal Haasan added, “I deeply thank the people of Tamil Nadu for their continued solidarity. On many occasions, I have said, ‘Uyire, Urave, Tamizhe’—my life, my relation, and my Tamil—and I say it again with all my heart.”
However, Haasan chose not to address the recent controversy surrounding his remarks about the origins of Kannada, which sparked backlash during a promotional event for Thug Life. Instead, he kept the focus firmly on the film and the collaborative effort behind its making. Thug Life is set for release tomorrow and marks another significant partnership between Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, promising a cinematic experience that blends local depth with global appeal.
