'Fault Lies With Us': Kamal Haasan Apologises To Fans For Not Collaborating With Mani Ratnam In 36 Years, Calls Thug Life A 'Peace Offering'

Superstar Kamal Haasan addressed the long wait for his reunion with ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam, describing their upcoming film Thug Life as a long-overdue "peace offering" to fans. The duo, who last collaborated 36 years ago on the iconic crime drama Nayakan (1987), are back with a new gangster saga, and Kamal Haasan admitted the delay was their fault.

Speaking at the launch of the film's first song, Jinguchaa, in Chennai, Kamal Haasan said, "We can only say sorry. This film is our peace offering. And the fault lies with us. We kept thinking we could do it, and we didn't. But let this not be a stage for an apology, instead, it's our way of making amends."

Nayakan had cemented the pair's status as cinematic legends, earning multiple National Awards and massive critical acclaim. With Thug Life, the two are diving back into the world of crime, this time with high-octane action and a star-studded ensemble from across Indian cinema.

Kamal Haasan also noted that while decades have passed, his creative bond with Mani Ratnam remains unchanged.

"Nothing has changed between Mani sir and me. We've only completed about 25 per cent of what we dreamt of. One was Nayakan, and the other is Thug Life. We still have a long way to go," he said, hinting at possible future collaborations.

About Thug Life

The film is set in a world shaped by criminals. The periodic gangster action drama is all set to hit the big screens on June 5, 2025.

Thug Life stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan in the lead roles. Bollywood actors like Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf and Sanya Malhotra are also a part of the multi-starrer film.

On Friday (April 18), the makers launch the film's first song, Jinguchaa, at a grand event in Chennai.

Set against the backdrop of a wedding celebration, Jinguchaa features Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan dancing to a track that is quintessential AR Rahman, where earthy folk rhythms meet contemporary flair.

Thug Life was officially announced in November 2022 under the tentative title Kamal Haasan 234, as it is the actor's 234th film as a lead actor, however, this was later changed.