In the wake of the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan, the audio launch of Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life has been postponed. The event was scheduled to take place on May 16 at the Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
An official statement from Kamal Haasan and Raaj Kamal Films International read, “Art can wait. India comes first. In view of the developments at our nation's border and the current state of heightened alert, we have decided to reschedule the audio launch of Thug Life, originally planned for the 16th of May.”
India conducted targeted strikes on terrorist sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of Operation Sindoor, in response to the Pahalgam massacre that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, two weeks prior.
The makers of the film are yet to decide on a new date for the audio launch. “As our soldiers stand firm on the frontlines with unflinching courage in defence of our motherland, I believe it is a time for quiet solidarity, not celebration. A new date will be announced at a later, more appropriate time. At this time, our thoughts are with the brave men and women of our armed forces who stand vigilant, safeguarding our nation. As citizens, it is our duty to respond with restraint and solidarity. Celebration must make way for reflection,” the note further read.
Apart from Kamal Haasan, Thug Life also stars Silambarasan, Trisha, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Abhirami, Nassar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Tanikella Bharani, Vadivukkarasi, Chinni Jayanth, Vaiyapuri, Bagavathi Perumal, Baburaj, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, Arjun Chidambaram, Chetan, and Rajashri Deshpande.
Thug Life marks Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan's reunion after 36 years since their hit outing, Nayakan. The first single, a wedding song, is scheduled to be released at 12.34 pm on Friday.
The technical crew of Thug Life features cinematographer Ravi K Chandran, music director AR Rahman, editor Sreekar Prasad and action directors Anbariv. The film is a co-production between Udhayanidhi's Red Giant Movies, Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Film International, and Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies.
Thug Life is all set to hit theatres on June 5.