Thug Life is nothing like Nayakan, says AR Rahman: ‘This is a completely different beast, very forward-thinking film’

AR Rahman, who is reuniting with Kamal Haasan for the first time since Thenali (2000), opened up about a message he received from the actor, which proved their commitment to the Mani Ratnam film

By: Entertainment Desk
Chennai | April 19, 2025 14:41 IST

AR Rahman on working with Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan in their much-awaited reunion, Thug Life

Film promotions are a fascinating place where the carefully constructed personas of many celebrities slips way and the audience gets a chance to watch their real personalities in action. This happened at the recent audio launch event of the first single of Thug Life, titled Jinguchaa.

At the event, AR Rahman opened up about one of his biggest challenges of working in the Mani Ratnam film, which marks the composer’s reunion with Kamal Haasan. “Every time I was composing for a scene, it felt like Kamal ji was challenging me to match his performance with my music,” said Rahman, who also pointed out that Thug Life isn’t going to be the same as Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan’s previous collaboration, Nayakan.

“This film might mark their reunion, but it won’t be like Nayakan at all. That film was a classic collaboration between Kamal ji, Mani Ratnam, and Mr Ilaiyaraaja. Thug Life is a completely different beast. It is a very forward-thinking film, especially when it comes to its music,” said Rahman. In the same event, Kamal Haasan, while talking about Rahman, said, “We both love cinema, and the biggest thing I’ve learned from both Mani and Rahman is that we should only speak what’s needed and when it is needed.”

ALSO READ: Trisha on reuniting with VTV co-star Silambarasan TR in Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life: ‘You will be seeing some magic’

In fact, Rahman opened up about the one message from Kamal Haasan that gave him quite the detailed insight into his mind. “One day, he called me and said, ‘I need you to be in full form.’ And I understood how driven he is about the work going into his film,” said Rahman, who was swiftly interjected by Kamal Haasan, who said, “It isn’t like Rahman is never not in full form, but I just wanted to let him know that we are all in together in his quest for giving the best, always.”

Backed by Red Giant Movies, Raaj Kamal Film International, and Madras Talkies, Thug Life is set to hit the screens on June 5, and stars a stellar ensemble with actors like Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and Nasser playing pivotal roles.

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