“Working with Kamal Haasan Lightens a Director’s Burden by 50%”: Mani Ratnam Gets Candid at Thug Life Event

Legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam had nothing but admiration and gratitude when speaking about working with Kamal Haasan on their highly anticipated collaboration, Thug Life. During Jinguchaa song launch recent press event, Ratnam shared how having the veteran actor on board makes the filmmaking process significantly more enriching—and, surprisingly, lighter for a director.

 

“Thank you, sir,” Ratnam began with sincere appreciation. “It’s not just that he’s a brilliant actor—the whole world knows that. It’s the fact that he still loves cinema deeply and continues to walk the fine line between mainstream cinema and boundary-breaking storytelling.”

 

The director recalled a recent moment during the dubbing session that left an impression on him. “We were in the editing suite, and he called us out just to describe this sound he had experienced in the US,” Ratnam said, amused and amazed. “That kind of curiosity and passion? It happens every day with him on set.”

 

Ratnam went on to highlight how Kamal Haasan doesn’t just elevate his own performance, but also raises the bar for everyone around him. “When he’s acting in a film, 50% of the burden on the director is instantly lifted. He takes care of so many things—not just himself, but the actors around him. He makes everything believable, organic… it never feels like he’s delivering lines from a script—it feels lived in.”

 

Closing his speech, the director expressed his gratitude to the entire cast and crew. “Thank you, sir, for that. And thanks to all the actors, to Ravi [cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran] for putting up with me, and to all our partners. Thank you very much.”

 

With Thug Life poised to be one of the most anticipated films of the year, it’s clear that the collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan is one born out of deep mutual respect—and that’s exactly the kind of magic fans are excited to witness on screen.