Acclaimed director Mani Ratnam recently spoke about his upcoming film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan in the lead role, during a promotional interview. Expressing his joy in collaborating with Kamal Haasan after many years, Mani Ratnam shared insights about the film and the current state of the industry.
When questioned about box office collections, Mani Ratnam emphasized the importance of crafting stories that touch the audience’s hearts rather than just chasing huge numbers. He remarked, “In South India, especially Kollywood, there are many legends like Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan, and Mani Ratnam himself. So why aren’t we making films that cross the ₹1000 crore mark?” He continued, “Is it more important to make movies that rake in massive collections, or movies that truly connect with the viewers? Think about it. In the past, films would captivate audiences from start to finish. But now, only certain elements of films seem to appeal to viewers. Earlier, when a film released, audiences would focus on its content and execution. Today, everything is viewed from a commercial standpoint. I hope this does not compromise the quality of films in the future. I have no interest in making films solely for box office numbers.”
Thug Life marks the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after their 1987 classic Nayakan. The film also stars Trisha as the female lead, with Abhirami and Simbu playing key roles. This gangster action drama is scheduled for release on June 5. The recently released trailer has garnered significant attention, while some scenes featuring Kamal Haasan and Trisha have gone viral on social media.