Kamal Haasan Opens Up About His Role in Thug Life

Is Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar a Hero or a Villain?

Kamal Haasan has finally broken his silence on his much-anticipated film Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam. During a recent public appearance, he addressed comparisons between his character in the upcoming movie and his iconic role in the 1987 classic Nayakan. The film, also starring Trisha Krishnan and Silambarasan TR, is set to hit theatres on June 5, 2025.

When asked about his character Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar and whether he is a hero or a villain, Kamal Haasan responded with a thought-provoking answer. “In Nayakan, there was a debate about whether the protagonist was good or bad. Thug Life explores a similar theme. Even after watching the film, you might see the character as a mix of both,” he said.

Q: Rangaraya Sakthivel nayakar Nallavara/Kettavara😀❓

KamalHaasan: I have to again meet ManiRatnam sir. what if he asks me, why you have revealed that😁. In #Thuglife also you won't get answer, The character will be a mix of both Good and Evil 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sNnKi1dbhW

— AmuthaBharathi (@CinemaWithAB) February 21, 2025

Nayakan, Mani Ratnam’s first collaboration with Kamal Haasan, was loosely inspired by the life of underworld don Varadarajan Mudaliar and The Godfather. The film won critical acclaim and remains one of Indian cinema’s greatest gangster films. It starred Saranya, Janagaraj, Delhi Ganesh, and several other talented actors.

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With Thug Life, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam reunite after decades for another intense action drama. The film features an ensemble cast, including Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Abhirami, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and Pankaj Tripathi. As excitement builds, fans eagerly await to see whether Thug Life will recreate the magic of Nayakan and cement Kamal Haasan’s legacy once again.