Jobaaj Stories
​Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam and legendary actor Kamal Haasan are set to collaborate once again after a 37-year hiatus since their iconic film 'Nayakan' (1987). Their upcoming project, titled 'Thug Life,' is a Tamil-language gangster action drama scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2025.​
A Long-Awaited Collaboration
The announcement of 'Thug Life' has generated significant excitement among fans and cinephiles, marking the reunion of two stalwarts of Indian cinema. The film was officially announced in November 2022 under the working title 'Kamal Haasan 234,' denoting Haasan's 234th film as a lead actor. The official title, 'Thug Life,' was unveiled a year later, further heightening anticipation for the project.​
Here is the quick glimpse on the teaser:
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
'Thug Life' boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Joju George, Nassar, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Jisshu Sengupta, Sanya Malhotra, Rohit Saraf, and Vaiyapuri. The film marks the Tamil cinema debut of actors Sanya Malhotra and Ali Fazal.
The technical crew features acclaimed professionals such as cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, and music composer A. R. Rahman, who continues his long-standing collaboration with Mani Ratnam.​
Production Journey
Principal photography for 'Thug Life' commenced in January 2024, with shooting locations spanning Chennai, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, New Delhi, and parts of North India. The film's production wrapped up in September 2024, with additional song sequences filmed in North India in November 2024.
The film is jointly produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, bringing together some of the most prominent production houses in the Tamil film industry.​
Anticipation and Expectations
With the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, 'Thug Life' is poised to be one of the most anticipated Tamil films of 2025. The combination of a compelling narrative, a stellar cast, and a seasoned technical crew sets the stage for a cinematic experience that promises to captivate audiences.
