Thug Life (upcoming film)

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Thug Life
First look poster
Directed byMani Ratnam
Written by
Produced by
Starring
  • Kamal Haasan
CinematographyRavi K. Chandran
Edited byA. Sreekar Prasad
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
companies
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Thug Life is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action drama film directed by Mani Ratnam, who co-wrote the script with Kamal Haasan, and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies and Red Giant Movies. The film stars Haasan in triple roles, leading an ensemble cast that includes Silambarasan, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Nassar, Joju George, Aishwarya Lekshmi and Vaiyapuri. It marks as the reunion between Ratnam and Haasan after their cult film Nayakan (1987).

The film was officially announced in November 2022 under the tentative title KH 234, as it is Haasan's 234th film as the leading actor, and the official title was announced in November 2023. Principal photography commenced in January 2024. It is currently being shot sporadically in several legs, with filming locations including Chennai and New Delhi. The film has music composed by A. R. Rahman, cinematography handled by Ravi K. Chandran and editing by A. Sreekar Prasad.

Cast[edit]

Production[edit]

Development[edit]

Thug Life is the second collaboration of Kamal Haasan with Mani Ratnam after Nayakan (1987).

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 while offering a new perspective on the Rashomon effect.[2]

On 6 November 2022, the eve of Haasan's birthday, the actor announced through his social media pages that he was to join hands with Ratnam for the next latter's directorial.[3][4] The project was revealed to be funded by Haasan and Ratnam's respective production houses, Raaj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies, along with Red Giant Movies, headed by Udhayanidhi Stalin.[5][6] Tentatively titled KH 234, the collaboration of Haasan and Ratnam marks their reunion after the 1987 film Nayakan.[7][8] Ratnam wrote the screenplay of the film along with Haasan.[9] A. R. Rahman was confirmed to compose the film's musical score.[10][11] The technical crew includes editor A. Sreekar Prasad, cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, stunt choreography duo Anbariv, publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa, costume designer Eka Lakhani and stylists Amritha Ram and Ambady Ranjith.[12][13] The official title, Thug Life, was announced on 6 November 2023, the eve of Haasan's birthday.[14][15]

Casting and filming[edit]

Jayam Ravi, Trisha and Dulquer Salmaan were announced as part of the cast on 6 November 2023.[16] Ravi described his role as an extended cameo and Trisha would reportedly receive ₹12 crore (US$1.5 million) as remuneration.[17][18][19] Later that month, Abhirami confirmed being part of the cast, reuniting with Haasan after Virumaandi, with Nassar also being confirmed to play a prominent role.[20][21] On 10 January 2024, Gautham Karthik and Joju George were announced play important roles,[22][23] while Aishwarya Lekshmi was announced the following day.[24] Salmaan opted out from the project in March, due to scheduling conflicts, with Ravi also being reported to do so for the same reason.[25][26] Silambarasan was reported to have been brought as Salmaan's replacement, with him allocating twenty five days in the following month.[27] Salmaan, Ravi and Gautham's departure from the film was confirmed in May when their names were omitted from an update from Raaj Kamal Films International on X (formerly Twitter). At the same time, Ashok Selvan was confirmed was Ravi's replacement.[28][29]

Principal photography began with the first schedule on 24 January 2024 in Chennai.[30] A few days later, director Sudha Kongara, along with Bejoy Nambiar, visited the sets and posted stills on X.[31] The schedule concluded by 31 January.[32] Ratnam began location hunts in early February at European countries, including Serbia.[33] In late April, a schedule in New Delhi had begun.[34] Soon after, Ali Fazal and Pankaj Tripathi were confirmed to be in the film.[35][36] A picture featuring Haasan, Vaiyapuri and Silambarasan was leaked to social media on 6 May,[37] forcing the makers to release an official look at Silambarasan two days later.[38] Filming also took place at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple. By then Sanya Malhotra was confirmed to be in the film and had shot scenes, marking her Tamil debut, while Tripathi was expected to film soon.[39]

Music[edit]

Thug Life
Soundtrack album by
A. R. Rahman
Released2024
Recorded2023–2024
StudioPanchathan Record Inn and AM Studios, Chennai
GenreFilm soundtrack
LanguageTamil
ProducerA. R. Rahman
A. R. Rahman chronology
Raayan
(TBA) 		Thug Life
(TBA) 		Genie
(TBA)

The songs and background score are composed by A. R. Rahman in his third time for a Kamal Haasan film after Indian (1996) and Thenali (2000).[40] "Thug Life Theme" is the song that was featured on the 3-minute promotional video, that released on the eve of Haasan's birthday.[9] Another song has lyrics by Haasan.[41]

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Thug Life Theme"Choir – InstrumentalNakul Abhyankar, Amina Rafiq, Deepthi Suresh, Rakshita Suresh, Alexandra Joy2:55

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Thug Life: Kamal Haasan in 3 roles! Serbia schedule pushed past June, 2024". MovieCrow. 22 March 2024. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  2. ^ "'ஹே ராம்' படத்துக்கு வரவேற்பு பத்தல பத்தல, அதனால தான் 'விருமாண்டி'... நடிகர் கமல்ஹாசன்!" [The reception of 'Hey Ram' is overwhelming, therefore only 'Virumandi'... Actor Kamal Haasan!]. TTN Cinema (in Tamil). 7 August 2022. Archived from the original on 11 August 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam to collaborate after 35 years, film tentatively titled KH 234". The Indian Express. 6 November 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  4. ^ Antony, Meriya (7 November 2022). "KH 234: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam to reunite". onlookersmedia. Archived from the original on 1 February 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  5. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (7 November 2022). "Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam Reunite on 'KH234,' 35 Years After Blockbuster 'Nayakan'". Variety. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  6. ^ "The Nayakan duo is back! Kamal Haasan to feature in a Mani Ratnam film after 35 years". OTTPlay. 6 November 2022. Archived from the original on 4 February 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  7. ^ "KH234 | Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam join hands 35 years after 'Nayakan'". The Hindu. 6 November 2022. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  8. ^ "Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam to reunite for the first time after Nayagan". The New Indian Express. 6 November 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  9. ^ a b Thug Life | KH234 | Title Announcement Video | Kamal Haasan | Mani Ratnam | AR Rahman | RKFI |MT |RG. Raaj Kamal Films International. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "Thug Life: Makers Drop Announcement Video as Kamal Haasan Starrer Goes on Floors". ETV Bharat News. 24 January 2024. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  11. ^ "KH234 officially launched; AR Rahman to compose". Cinema Express. 27 October 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  12. ^ "Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam tease fans ahead of the promo release; 'KH 234' crew announced!". The Times of India. 27 October 2023. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  13. ^ "Stuntmasters AnbAriv say Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam's KH 234 a 'pure actioner': 'It will be of Hollywood standard'". The Indian Express. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 10 November 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  14. ^ "'Thug Life' is the title of Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam's 'KH234'; Trisha, Dulquer Salmaan, Jayam Ravi join cast". The Hindu. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 6 November 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
  15. ^ "KH234 is titled Thug Life: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam team up for another gangster film". The Indian Express. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  16. ^ "It's Official: Dulquer Salmaan, Trisha & Jayam Ravi join the cast of Kamal Haasan's 'KH 234'". The Times of India. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  17. ^ Rajaraman, Kaushik (27 February 2024). "I try to bring in new body language with each of my characters". DT Next. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  18. ^ "'KH 234': Trisha to become the first South Indian actress to get a double-digit salary". The Times of India. 15 September 2023. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  19. ^ "How Much Did Trisha Krishnan Charge For Lokesh Kanagaraj's Leo?". Times Now. 24 October 2023. Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  20. ^ "'Virumandi' actress Abhirami confirms reuniting with Kamal Haasan in Mani Ratnam's directorial 'Thug Life'". The Times of India. 21 November 2023. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  21. ^ "KH 234 Is Thug Life! Kamal Haasan's First Look As Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar From Mani Ratnam's Film Unveiled! Ulaganayagan Delivers Powerful Dialogues and Action Scenes in This Promo Video – WATCH". Latestly. 6 November 2023. Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Joju George and Gautham Karthik join the cast of Mani Ratnam – Kamal Haasan's 'Thug Life'". The Hindu. 10 January 2024. Archived from the original on 10 January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  23. ^ "Joju George And Gautham Karthik Join The Cast of Kamal Haasan's Thug Life". Film Companion. 11 January 2024. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Aishwarya Lekshmi comes onboard Kamal-starrer 'Thug Life'". DT Next. 11 January 2024. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Dulquer Salmaan Steps Out of Kamal Haasan's Thug Life". Film Companion. 5 March 2024. Archived from the original on 5 March 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  26. ^ "After Dulquer, Jayam Ravi exits Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam project 'Thug Life': Reports". Onmanorama. 26 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  27. ^ "Silambarasan TR to replace Dulquer Salmaan in Kamal Haasan's Thug Life". The Times of India. 26 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  28. ^ "Official! Jayam Ravi and Dulquer Salman out; Silambarasan in for 'Thug Life'". The Times of India. 7 May 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  29. ^ "Thug Life: Ashok Selvan Latest Addition To Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam Film's Updated Cast". MovieCrow. 8 May 2024. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  30. ^ "Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam's 'Thug Life' shooting begins: Tale of power, rebellion". India Today. 24 January 2024. Archived from the original on 24 January 2024. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  31. ^ "Director Sudha Kongara Shares Photos From Sets Of Mani Ratnam's Thug Life". News18. 30 January 2024. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  32. ^ Sundar, Anusha (31 January 2024). "It's a wrap for first schedule of Kamal Haasan-starrer Thug Life; Second schedule to commence here soon". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 31 January 2024. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  33. ^ "'Thug Life' next schedule to take place at THIS location; Mani Ratnam begins location hunt". The Times of India. 8 February 2024. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  34. ^ "In pics: The new schedule of 'Thug Life' begins in Delhi; Simbu joins". The Times of India. 22 April 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan, Ali Fazal in New Delhi to shoot for 'Thug Life'". Mid-Day. 29 April 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  36. ^ "Kamal Haasan heads to Delhi to shoot for Mani Ratnam's Thug Life alongside Pankaj Tripathi and Ali Fazal". Hindustan Times. 23 April 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  37. ^ "Leaked pic: Kamal Haasan shoots with Simbu and others for 'Thug Life' in Delhi". India Today. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  38. ^ "Silmbarasan's first look from Kamal Haasan's Thug Life unveiled: Kaalai is back, say fans". The Indian Express. 8 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  39. ^ "Kamal Haasan shoots for Mani Rathnam's 'Thug Life' at Aerocity Delhi". The Times of India. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  40. ^ "I failed to notice AR Rahman in his prime: Kamal Haasan". The Hindu. 13 June 2020. Archived from the original on 21 October 2023. Retrieved 24 January 2024.
  41. ^ "Kamal Haasan turns a lyricist again for 'Thug Life'". The Times of India. 29 April 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.

External links[edit]

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