Thug Life | |
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Directed by | Mani Ratnam |
Written by | Mani Ratnam Kamal Haasan |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Cinematography | Ravi K. Chandran |
Edited by | A. Sreekar Prasad |
Music by | A. R. Rahman |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | see below |
Country | India |
Language | Tamil |
Thug Life is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote the script with Kamal Haasan. It is jointly produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies and Red Giant Movies. The film stars Haasan, alongside Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Ashok Selvan, Pankaj Tripathi, Nassar, Abhirami Gopikumar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jisshu Sengupta, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf and Vaiyapuri. It signifies the reunion of Haasan and Ratnam, after their previous film Nayakan (1987).
The film was officially announced in November 2022 under the tentative title Kamal Haasan 234, as it is Haasan's 234th film as a lead actor, and the official title was revealed a year later. Principal photography commenced in January 2024 in Chennai along with a sporadic schedule in New Delhi, which was again followed by another schedule held at the former location, and wrapped that September. The film has music composed by A. R. Rahman, cinematography handled by Ravi K. Chandran and editing by A. Sreekar Prasad.
Thug Life is rumored to be released worldwide in theatres on 10 April 2025, on the occasion of Tamil New Year, Vishu, and Ugadi weekend.
In late 2002, Kamal Haasan unveiled plans for a film project titled Moo, which he intended to co-direct alongside filmmakers Mani Ratnam and Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. The screenplay was to explore the intricacies of the Rashomon effect, presenting audiences with three distinct interpretations of a single incident. However, Ratnam opted out of the project, citing his commitments to Aayutha Ezhuthu (2004), which used a similar narrative device. Undeterred by Ratnam's departure, Haasan proceeded with the concept, resulting in the creation of Virumaandi (2004). This film, centred on the interrogation of two prison inmates, retained the thematic essence of Moo. [1] Following a decade, in late 2012, Hollywood producer Barrie M. Osborne had approached to make Moo into an English film. The actor announced the project in February 2013, but it was later shelved. [2]
Haasan, who did a voice-over for Ponniyin Selvan: I in 2022, announced on 6 November that he would work with Ratnam again for a project after the Ponniyin Selvan film series. [3] The project was funded by their and Udhayanidhi Stalin's companies, Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies and Red Giant Movies, [4] which also co-produced Haasan's Indian 2 (2024). [5] Tentatively titled Kamal Haasan 234, it marks a full-fledged reunion of the actor and director after 35 years since the release of their cult film Nayakan (1987). [6] Haasan stated that they were taking time on the development and pre-production because him and Ratnam want to make the film as strong as Nayakan. [7] Stunt choreography duo Anbariv stated in October 2023 that the film would be an action film, [8] with it a few days later being touted as a gangster action drama film. [9] [10] The film's official title, Thug Life, was announced on 6 November 2023. [11]
Ratnam stated that the reason for why it took so long to collaborate, was that they did not find a suitable script for Haasan for years until they recently found one, [12] which he co-wrote along with Haasan. [13] After Ponniyin Selvan: II released in 2023, Ratnam left to Kodaikanal to write the final script. It took four months for the writing and the pre-production. [14] A muhurat puja was held on 27 October 2023 at the headquarters of Raaj Kamal Films International in Chennai. [15] By then, the team began shooting for the promotional teaser, [16] which released on the eve of Haasan's birthday, and completed filming within three days. [17]
In mid-September 2023, Ravi K. Chandran was announced as cinematographer, marking his fourth film with Ratnam after Kannathil Muthamittal (2002), Aayutha Ezhuthu and Yuva (2004) and second with Haasan after the unfinished film Marudhanayagam . [18] A. R. Rahman would score the music, in his eighteenth consecutive film with the director. [19] He further retained his norm technicians including editor A. Sreekar Prasad, stunt choreography duo Anbariv and publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa. Amritha Ram would style Haasan along with his regular costume designers Eka Lakhani and Ambady Ranjith. [15] [20] Chintu Mohapatra and S. Barani were appointed as the executive producers of the film by the production house. [21]
Haasan would sport several looks, with one of them resembling his short hairstyle from Sathyaa (1988). [22] The name of his character, Rangaraya Sakthivel Naicker, is a reference to his role as Sakthivel Naicker from Nayakan. [23] Silambarasan was cast in an important role, [24] in his second collaboration with Haasan, as the latter is the producer of STR 48, and second with Ratnam after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam (2018). [25] [26] Trisha Krishnan was also cast in an important role, in her third respective collaboration with Haasan and Ratnam after Manmadan Ambu (2010), Thoongaa Vanam (2015), Aayutha Ezhuthu and the Ponniyin Selvan film series. [27] [28] Abhirami Gopikumar also joined the film in an important role, [29] while Nassar was also cast in an important role. [30] Abhirami stated that she would paired opposite Haasan, reuniting with him after Virumaandi. [31]
Jayam Ravi, [32] Dulquer Salmaan, [33] Gautham Karthik, [34] Joju George, [35] and Aishwarya Lekshmi would play prominent roles. [36] Salmaan and Ravi were announced on 6 November 2023, [37] while Gautham, Joju and Lekshmi were in late-January 2024. [38] [39] Sanya Malhotra would also make her Tamil debut with the film.[ citation needed ] Salmaan, however, was reported to have opted out in March, due to scheduling conflicts, [40] which was followed by reports of Ravi opting out too. [41] The actors, in addition to Gautham's, departure were confirmed in May when their names were omitted from a post by the production house. [42] Silambarasan was brought onboard to replace Salmaan, while Ashok Selvan was confirmed to have been brought onboard to replace Ravi. [43] Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi and Vaiyapuri were present at the film's preliminary shooting, confirming their presence. [44] [45] In June 2024, it was announced that Rohit Saraf joined the film. [46]
Principal photography began with the first schedule on 24 January 2024 at a college in Shenoy Nagar. [47] [48] On 30 January, director Sudha Kongara, along with director Bejoy Nambiar, visited the sets and posted stills on X. [49] Haasan filmed a portion with Abhirami and Joju before he left to the United States to participate in the post-production works for Indian 2.[ citation needed ] Ratnam began location hunts for the second schedule in early February at European countries, including Serbia. [50] Trisha revealed through her Instagram account on 21 February that she had joined the sets. [51] Initially, for the third schedule, the makers would travel to Siberia; [52] however, due to Haasan's political commitments and not being able to allot days, the schedule was postponed from starting. [53] In late April, Silambarasan and the makers headed to Rajasthan to film the promotional teaser for the actor, which released on 8 May. [54]
After completing the works there, on 21 April, they commenced the second schedule in New Delhi. [55] A sequence featuring Haasan, Silambarasan and around 200 background artists was reportedly shot behind the Red Fort on 23 April.[ citation needed ] Both the actors, along with Nassar, Abhirami and Vaiyapuri began filming a portion on 6 May at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, [56] which went on for three hours from 6 am to 9 am, to avoid mid-day summer heat. After completing the filming there, they moved to Old Delhi to shoot a certain indoor sequence. [57] A picture featuring the actors at the temple was leaked to social media the same day, [58] forcing the makers to release an official announcement of Silambarasan two days later. [59] The team shot at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Tughlaqabad Fort, Pataudi Palace and Old Delhi in this schedule.[ citation needed ] Malhotra was confirmed to have shot some scenes at the temple. [60]
The third schedule begun on 21 May at Chennai. [61] During this schedule, a reported love sequence featuring Silambarasan and Trisha was reported to have been filmed till 5 am.[ citation needed ] Two song sequences, with one reportedly being a dappankuthu featuring Haasan and Silambarasan and another being choreographed by Brindha and featuring Trisha were shot during the schedule, with the latter having a four-day rehearsal. [62] [63] In early June, production moved to Pondicherry Airport for an action sequence. On 6 June, Haasan, who took a short break after the song sequence, resumed filming his portions with the action sequence, along with Silambarasan and Ashok Selvan. [64] An incident with Joju occurred when the actor did a stunt, which was jumping from a helicopter, where he tripped and fell, leading to a fractured left foot. [65] Principal photography wrapped on 24 September 2024. [66]
On 29 July 2024, Hassan and Silambarasan began dubbing for their portions in the film. [67]
Thug Life | ||||
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Soundtrack album by | ||||
Released | 2024 | |||
Recorded | 2023-present | |||
Studio | Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios, Chennai | |||
Genre | Feature film soundtrack | |||
Language | Tamil | |||
Producer | A. R. Rahman | |||
A. R. Rahman chronology | ||||
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The songs and background score are composed by A. R. Rahman, in his third collaboration with Haasan after Indian (1996) and Thenali (2000); eighteenth with Ratnam. [68] "Thug Life Theme" is the song that was featured on the 3-minute promotional video, that released on the eve of Haasan's birthday. [13] Another song features lyrics written by the veteran actor. [69] Haasan stated the lyrics were written within an hour, and the song was produced in just a couple of hours. [70]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Thug Life Theme" (Instrumental) | Choir | Nakul Abhyankar, Amina Rafiq, Deepthi Suresh, Rakshita Suresh, Alexandra Joy | 2:55 |
Thug Life is rumored to be released in theatres on 10 April 2025. [71]
AP International and Home Screen Entertainment acquired the overseas distribution rights of the film. [72]
The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Netflix for ₹149.7 crore (US$18 million). [73]
In May 2024, shortly after Silambarasan's participation in the film was confirmed, producer Ishari K. Ganesh demanded his removal, alleging there was an active "red card" issued by the Tamil Film Producers Council to the actor that prohibits him from accepting new projects. [74] However, Silambarasan denied having received a red card. [75]
Parthasarathy Srinivasan, known professionally as Kamal Haasan, is an Indian actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, choreographer, playback singer, lyricist, television presenter, social activist and politician who works in Tamil cinema. Besides Tamil films, he has also appeared in some Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada and Bengali films. Considered as one of the greatest and most respected actors in Indian cinema, Haasan is also known for introducing many new innovations to the Indian film industry. He has won numerous accolades, including four National Film Awards, nine Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, four Nandi Awards, one Rashtrapati Award, two Filmfare Awards and eighteen Filmfare Awards South. He was awarded the Kalaimamani Award in 1984, the Padma Shri in 1990, the Padma Bhushan in 2014 and the Order of Arts and Letters (Chevalier) in 2016.
Gopalaratnam Subramaniam, known professionally as Mani Ratnam, is an Indian film director, film producer and screenwriter who predominantly works in Tamil cinema and few Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films. He is one of India's most acclaimed and commercially successful filmmakers. Ratnam has won seven National Film Awards, four Filmfare Awards, six Filmfare Awards South, and numerous awards at various film festivals across the world. In 2002, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Shri, acknowledging his contributions to film.
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Silambarasan Thesingu Rajendar, popularly known as Simbu or by his initials as STR, is an Indian actor and playback singer who primarily works in Tamil cinema. He is the eldest son of director T. Rajendar. He began his acting career by playing roles as a child artist in films directed by his father, before his first lead role in his father's Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002). He is a recipient of two Edison Awards and three SIIMA Awards.
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Divya Gopikumar, professionally known as Abhirami is an Indian actress and reality show judge. She has acted predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam films and few credits in Telugu and Kannada films. Abhirami went on to establish herself as an leading actress in the 2000s across the Malayalam and Tamil language industries.
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Silambarasan is an Indian actor, director, singer and television celebrity who works in Tamil cinema. He began his career playing minor roles as a child artist in films produced by his father, T. Rajendar. His debut, as a lead actor, was in Kadhal Azhivathillai (2002), which was produced and directed by his father.
Siva Ananth is an Indian film writer, producer, lyricist, director and actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema. Siva made his directorial debut with the Telugu film Chukkallo Chandrudu (2006). He later pursued career as a screenwriter, lyricist, executive producer and actor.
Mani Ratnam is an Indian filmmaker who works predominantly in Tamil cinema. Regarded as one of the greatest Indian filmmakers, he is credited with redefining the "range and depth of Tamil cinema". As of 2019, he has directed 28 films, and produced over 15 under his production company Madras Talkies.
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Ponniyin Selvan: I is a 2022 Indian Tamil-language epic action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote it with Elango Kumaravel and B. Jeyamohan. Produced by Ratnam and Subaskaran Allirajah under Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, it is the first of two cinematic parts based on Kalki Krishnamurthy's 1955 novel, Ponniyin Selvan. The film stars an ensemble cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, R. Parthiban, Rahman, Lal and Vikram Prabhu. The music was composed by A. R. Rahman, with cinematography by Ravi Varman, editing by A. Sreekar Prasad, and production design by Thota Tharani. Ponniyin Selvan: I dramatises the early life of Chola prince Arunmozhi Varman, who would become the renowned emperor Rajaraja I (947–1014). In the film, Vandiyathevan sets out to cross the Chola land to deliver a message from the crown prince Aditha Karikalan. Meanwhile, Kundavai attempts to establish political peace as vassals and petty chieftains plot against the throne.
Ponniyin Selvan: I is the soundtrack album for 2022 Indian Tamil-language epic period drama film of the same name directed by Mani Ratnam which features an ensemble cast of Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Vikram Prabhu, Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Rahman and R. Parthiban. The film’s soundtrack and score were composed by Ratnam's norm composer A. R. Rahman, marking the duo's 30th year collaborating.
Ponniyin Selvan: II is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language epic historical action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote it with Elango Kumaravel and B. Jeyamohan. The film is produced by Mani Ratnam and Subaskaran Allirajah under Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions. The second of two cinematic parts based on the 1954 novel Ponniyin Selvan by Kalki Krishnamurthy, it serves as a direct sequel to Ponniyin Selvan: I (2022). The film stars an ensemble cast including Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Trisha, Jayaram, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, Sobhita Dhulipala, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Vikram Prabhu, Prakash Raj, Rahman and R. Parthiban. It continues to follow the prince Arulmozhi Varman and his family as they deal with threats to the Chola Empire.
Ponniyin Selvan: I and Ponniyin Selvan: II are Indian Tamil-language epic historical action drama films directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote them with Elango Kumaravel and B. Jeyamohan. Produced by Ratnam and Subaskaran Allirajah under Madras Talkies and Lyca Productions, they are the cinematic adaptations of Kalki Krishnamurthy's 1955 novel, Ponniyin Selvan.