New Delhi:
In a special interview with NDTV, cinematic legends Kamal Haasan, AR Rahman, and Silambaron TR presented a glimpse in their much awaited film. thug LifeDirected by iconic Mani Ratnam.
The film marks a historical reunion between Haasan and Ratnam-Anevale since its creed classic 38 years later. NaikanBut thug LifeAs is the Hassan signal, there is no simple action film. “The audience will not remember it only as an action film,” he said, for deep thematic undertakings.
Why this reunion took decades, Haasan reflected: “We started cooperating 50 years ago … It is a constant cooperation. Even while we were not making films together, we were independently making our dreams of our dreams of the same intellectual family.”
For music mestro R Rahman, the thug life is nothing short of an artistic event. Describing cooperation with Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan as “epic”, Rahman said that he contacted the project with an international lens.
“Mani Ratnam considers cinema as art. There are no cultural boundaries.” Soundtrack, Rahman, said, it is designed for immersive and unexpected-washed creative boundaries.
#Ndtvexclusive: Kamal Haasan and AR Rahman on NDTV
Prior to the release of multi-starrer pan-Indian action film Thug Life, Radhika Ramaswamy of NDTV (@Radhika1705)) Speaks to famous actor Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan), Music Mestro R Rahman (@Arrahman), And sometimes versatile… pic.twitter.com/n5au9c0gsu
– NDTV (@NDTV) May 24, 2025
Silambarson TR (Simbu), who first share screen space with Haasan, called the experience “continuous learning process”.
He said, “Working with legends such as Mani Sir, Kamal Sir and Rahman sir is a masterclass in itself,” he said, balanced his roles as artists and students on the set.
According to Haasan, the main message of the film is a philosophical reflection on crime: “Crime does not pay, but whoever pays it.”
Rahman and Kamal Haasan also offered insight into the change of industry. Rahman sees his career as a continuous learning process. He said, “I am paid to learn. What to expand my knowledge,” he said, while his approach crosses the traditional boundaries, and he sees music as a constant expanded universe of creativity.
The conversation also highlighted the ongoing debate about the future of cinema. While OTT platforms have received significant traction, the actor and music director unanimously celebrated the magic of dramatic experiences. “Congress is important,” Haasan commented, referring to the collective magic of the film. Rahman resonated this feeling, given how Kovid -19 lockdown underlined the value of shared experiences.
“It taught us the joy of coming together, which is why live shows are getting rid of again,” he said.
On the influence of modern technologies and low-focus spains, Haasan offered a grounded tech: “As long as the artists stay right for their crafts and reach for their work without blessings, they will also grow in an AI-managed world.”
Simbu added a younger generation outlook, accepting that the audience can scroll more, the thug life is designed to catch their gaze.
“We have made a film that will keep you away from your phone,” he said.
Set for a global release on 5 June, the thug life promises to be more than just a film-it is a bold creative cooperation among some of the most influential voices of Indian cinema. The film is designed to leave a permanent mark, with an entertaining story, visual scale, and music already creating waves.
