Thug Life star Kamal Haasan on why he and Mani Ratnam did not collaborate after the 1987 Nayakan - ‘The mistake is...’

Mani Ratnam’s Nayakan, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, is an epic crime drama that narrates the tale of Velu Naicker. Notably, the maverick director and the iconic Kamal Haasan did not collaborate on any project after the 1987 release of Nayakan until they teamed up for the upcoming Thug Life. Nayakan actor Kamal Haasan has now addressed this long delay and why two legends of Tamil cinema did not join hands before. 

Kamal Haasan on reunting with Mani Ratnam after so long

Thug Life is one of the most anticipated films from Tamil cinema as it reunites Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after more than three decades. During an event held to release the first single from Thug Life, the Dasavatharam star spoke about the long delay between Nayakan and the upcoming gangster action-drama. 

Remarking on the long-standing camaraderie between the two legends, Kamal Haasan said that nothing has changed between the two since the 1987 Nayakan.’  

He further said that they were constantly in touch, with conversations about cinema. While stating that their dreams are big, Kamal Haasan conceded that they are often constricted by the budget and other market factors. “The reason we didn’t get together, the mistake is ours. The reason we are now back together is you,” he told the audience during the star-studded event held in Chennai on April 18. 

As you wait for Thug Life release, check out other Kamal Haasan movies such as Guna and Sagara Sangamam on OTTplay Premium

Raavan director Mani Ratnam too remarked about collaborating with Kamal Haasan after so many years. He said that he has always admired Kamal Haasan’s love for cinema, and how he balances mainstream and experimental cinema. 

Thug Life's first single ‘Jinguchaa’ to be launched today

Meanwhile, the first single ‘Jinguchaa’ from Thug Life will be launched during the event on Saturday and released online. Oscar-winning AR Rahman, who is a frequent collaborator of Mani Ratnam, has composed the music, while Kamal Haasan has penned the lyrics. 

The film also features Silambarasan in a key role along with Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, and many other actors.