INDIAN screen legend Kamal Haasan has revealed that the title of his forthcoming Tamil film ‘Thug Life’ draws inspiration from the late American rapper Tupac Shakur’s reinterpretation of the term, rather than any glorification of crime or violence.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday during the film’s promotional event, the 70-year-old actor and producer explained that ‘Thug Life’ aims to probe deeper questions about morality, power, and the human condition.
“Tupac redefined the term ‘Thug Life’. What was once used to humiliate others (has evolved into something else)… people now say — ‘That’s so thug’ — when someone does something smart,” Kamal said.
He stressed that the film would address “whether their work is ethical, what consequences come from it and whether it’s right to feel proud of that as the film explores different aspects of that life.”
Widely regarded as one of Indian cinema’s most versatile performers, Kamal Haasan said ‘Thug Life’ will examine both the literal lives of those deemed “thugs” and the societal forces that shape their decisions.
Originally conceived as a bilingual project titled ‘Amar Hai’, written by Haasan himself, the film eventually found its way into the hands of acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who has reimagined the script. The project marks their first collaboration in 38 years, since the seminal Tamil classic ‘Nayakan’ (1987).
Asked whether past unrealised ventures might still come to fruition, Kamal acknowledged the complexities involved in mounting large-scale productions, especially given the financial stakes borne by producers.
“As the film industry, which I consider my family, is large, I must take into account the advice of those I respect as brothers, especially when they invest (in my projects) as producers,” he said. “Their financial safety matters, and that is why I cannot attempt to materialise every vision or dream I have.”
On his long-delayed epic ‘Marudhanayagam,’ which was launched in 1997 but shelved due to funding and logistical issues, he said that only about 30 minutes of footage had ever been completed. A revival would, he noted, require a complete creative overhaul.
“Even if we take the Hollywood route, we still need at least one and a half hours more,” he said. “But you can’t compress a film like that as it’s a big one, so we have to shoot it again and make sure it fits with current trends.”
The film, set during the British colonial era, has remained a touchstone in Indian cinematic lore for its ambition and unrealised scale.
Reflecting on his past experiences in Malaysia, Kamal recalled filming in the country with long-time colleague and superstar Rajinikanth.
“We shot here years ago when my friend Rajinikanth and I came and filmed a song, with half of it shot in Singapore and the other half in Malaysia. I’ve been here (Malaysia) so many times that, as much as I have fans, I also have many friends in both Malaysia and Singapore,” he said.
‘Thug Life’, featuring an ensemble cast that includes Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan and Joju George, will be distributed in Malaysia by DMY Creations. The film opens in cinemas tomorrow. - June 4, 2025
