Kamal Haasan at Thug Life Kerala event: I would love to do a Malayalam film

On Wednesday, the Kerala leg of the promotions of Mani Ratnam-Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life took place at PVR Forum Mall, Kochi. The gangster drama, which marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after Nayakan (1987) also features Trisha, Silambarasan TR, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, and Nasser. Ahead of the film's planned release on June 5, the makers are currently on a whirlwind tour of promotions all across the nation. 

The Kochi event was graced by Kamal Haasan, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and noted producer and distributor Gokulam Gopalan. Although Silambarasan and Trisha were absent from this event, the other stars made it a memorable event that is expected to set the tone for the hype surrounding the film.

Expressing his gratitude towards being cast in Thug Life, Ashok Selvan said it was a great experience to be mentored by the doyens of Indian cinema — Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam. He also took this opportunity to thank the Malayalam audience for throwing their weight behind his 2023 investigative thriller, Por Thozhil, which made quite the waves in Kerala too. “The Malayalam audience has a very refined taste. They have great respect for good performances and writing,” said Ashok, sharing his hope that the Kerala audience would extend a lot of love towards Thug Life. "It is a film created by true masters of the craft."

Abhirami, who started her acting career in Malayalam cinema, shared that working in Thug Life was a dream come true. “Kamal Sir has been so impactful in my life and career. He gave me Virumandi, and a character that I can always cherish,” said Abhirami, who also spoke about how Kamal Haasan always used the performer in her, albeit in various roles, including a dubbing opportunity in Vishwaroopam. “He has always kept that door open for me," said Abhirami, beaming with pride. The actor also expressed her admiration for Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman, and heaped praises on her co-stars Silambarasan, Trisha, and Joju.

Joju, who has been having a good run in Tamil, especially with the recent Suriya-film Retro, shared Abhirami's sentiments about Thug Life being a dream opportunity. “I wished to see Kamal Sir from a distance, and here I am... working in Thug Life,” said Joju, adding, “Mani sir had invited me to a function for Ponniyin Selvan, but I didn’t get the chance to shake Kamal sir's hand. From there to now, I could talk to him, eat with him, and laugh with him. I was fulfilled after that”. 

Of course, the last to take the stage was Kamal Haasan, who showcased his love for the Kerala audience by speaking in Malayalam throughout the speech. “I am always happy when I come to Kerala, especially Kochi,” he said, with a smile. He playfully added, “You probably think I say the same thing in Tamil Nadu, in Andhra, and even in an Anupama Chopra interview, but no one can change the fact that I started as a hero here.” Reflecting on his deep bond with the State, he shared, “If I retire, it will be in Kerala. A place to relax is surely here. I am a godless man, but still, I love this 'God's own country.' Recalling the early days of his career, he fondly mentioned, “Most of my friends are from Kerala. The late MG Soman was like a brother to me.” 

An emotional Kamal Haasan also said, “Even after all these years, all of you, be it the older generation or the younger generation, still remember me. I am so happy. I believe cinema does not have a language, but I would love to do a Malayalam movie.” Talking about his co-star Abhirami, Kamal said, “You all know how she performed in Virumaandi, and what kind of talent she is. I am happy I cast her in the film. Honestly, she was not clay that I moulded for Virumaandi, but an already sculpted piece that I just put on a showcase.”

He then shared his admiration for Silambarasan, and pointed out that Thug Life is just going to be the stepping stone for his rise in cinema. Reflecting on his own philosophy as an artist, Kamal stated, “My basic qualification is that I am also a part of the audience. So if someone gives a better performance than me, I would be the first person to appreciate it.” He concluded warmly, “I would like to continue this journey with you. I just hope you all have my back, so that I can strive forward on even steeper slopes.”