Trisha calls Thug Life sets ‘a safe space', says Kamal Haasan is her mentor: ‘I feel like I grew up with Mani Ratnam'

Trisha Krishnan found it extremely comfortable to work on the sets of Thug Life, thanks to her past associations with co-stars Silambarasan aka Simbu, Kamal Haasan, and director Mani Ratnam. While she previously worked with Kamal Haasan in Manmadhan Ambu and Thoonga Vanam, she has also shared the screen with Simbu in the romantic dramas Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa and Alai. Trisha has been a frequent collaborator with Mani Ratnam as well, having worked with him in Aayutha Ezhuthu and the two-part epic Ponniyin Selvan.
In a recent interaction with India Today, Trisha shared that her prior collaborations with the cast made her feel right at home on the Thug Life sets. 'I have known Simbu and Kamal sir for several years now, and it was quite easy for me. In my film career, Kamal sir has been a mentor to me. Simbu and I have done two films, and we have known each other for a long time. When I entered the film set, it felt like a safe space for me. I have built a comfort level with everyone, even with Mani sir,' she said.
Talking about how Mani Ratnam mentored her and how their frequent collaboration have helped her understand him better, she said, 'It's the comfort that I have with Mani sir and others on the set. Doing Ponniyin Selvan after doing Aayutha Ezhuthu helped me understand Mani sir more. I feel like I grew up with him. I was trained by the best. Working with someone repeatedly helps you form a bond or understand each other better. He now knows what and how to extract from me. I have the comfort with him. You are both in sync than you have before.'
Thug Life marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan with Kamal Haasan after a gap of 38 years. They last worked together in Nayakan (1987). The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, and Aishwarya Lekshmi in pivotal roles.

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Indian Express

an hour ago

• Indian Express

Knowledge Nugget: Thug Life controversy — How is freedom of speech and films certification relevant for UPSC Exam

Take a look at the essential events, concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: In light of the Thug Life movie controversy and the the Supreme Court's recent ruling, it is important to understand what the Constitution of India says on freedom of speech and expression, as fundamental rights form an important part of the UPSC syllabus, and previously, questions have been asked on various rights. Also, it is crucial to understand how films are certified in India and what the role of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is in film certification.) On June 17, the Supreme Court came down heavily on the 'extra-judicial ban' on the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka — it underlined that any film that has received a CBFC certificate must be screened. The Mani Ratnam-directed movie opened on June 5 across India except in Karnataka, where its release was stalled following outrage over lead actor Kamal Haasan's remark that Kannada was born from Tamil. In this context, let's understand what exactly the constitutional position is on free speech and how films are certified in India. The Supreme Court has characterised a 'ban' on the Tamil film Thug Life in Karnataka as an infringement on the filmmakers' constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of speech and expression. It directed the state government to uphold the 'rule of law' and ensure the film's smooth release. In directing the release of Thug Life in Karnataka, the Supreme Court has underlined that upholding freedom of speech means protecting and extending the space for a diversity of views. As it pointed out, 'It's not just the screening of a film, it's much bigger than this.'- Express View: On Thug Life and freedom of speech, listen to the Supreme Court 1. Article 19(1)(a) in Part III of the Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression. It is a right invoked against the state. Some fundamental rights such as those prohibiting untouchability, trafficking and bonded labour are explicitly against both the state and other individuals. 2. It is available only to citizens and not to foreigners. Article 19 (1) provides 'Protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech etc.' It says, 'All citizens shall have the right: (a) to freedom of speech and expression; (b) to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) to form associations or unions; (d) to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; and (f) omitted (g) to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business (Note: Originally, Article 19 (1) (f) and article 31 contained the right to property, i.e. to acquire, hold and dispose of property subject to the right of State to compulsory acquisition for public purposes by authority of law. However, right to property ceased to be a fundamental right when the Constitution (44th Amendment) Act, 1978 omitted sub-clause(f) of Article 19 (1) and Article 31 from the Constitution.) 3. The freedom provided in Article 19 (1) is not absolute or unfettered. It is followed by Article 19(2), which lists exceptions or 'reasonable restrictions' on free speech under following heads: → Security of the State, → Friendly relations with foreign States → Public Order, → Decency and Morality, → Contempt of Court, → Defamation, → Incitement to an Offence, → Sovereignty and Integrity of India. 1. In India, all films must have a Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) certificate if they are to be released theatrically, telecast on television, or displayed publicly in any way. 2. The CBFC certifies films under four categories: 📌U: Unrestricted public exhibition (Suitable for all age groups) 📌U/A (UA 7+, UA 13 + and UA 16 +): Parental guidance for children 📌A: Restricted to adults(Suitable for 18 years and above) 📌S: Restricted to a specialised group of people, such as engineers, doctors or scientists. Why is film certification necessary? 3. The film certification process is governed by The Cinematograph Act, 1952, The Cinematograph (certification) Rules, 1983, and the guidelines issued by the Central government under section 5B of the Act, which says that- 'A film shall not be certified for public exhibition, if, in the opinion of the authority competent to grant the certificate, the film or any part of it is against the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the States, friendly relations with foreign State, public order, decency or morality or involves defamation or contempt of court or is likely to incite the commission of any offence'. 4. Certification of films is carried out by the CBFC through an Examining Committee, appointed by the Regional Officer, which submits its recommendations after viewing the film. 5. The decision is based on the committee's majority or unanimous opinion. A split or divided opinion, or a contentious matter, may be referred to a Revising Committee or decided by the CBFC Chairperson. 6. The CBFC can also deny certification a film. On several occasions when a filmmaker or producer has not been satisfied with the CBFC's certification, or with a denial, they appealed to the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT), which overturned the CBFC decisions. However, since the dissolution of the FCAT in 2021, such appeals can be made directly to the High Courts. 1. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. It regulates the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952. 2. Films can be publicly exhibited in India only after they have been certified by the CBFC. 3. According to the official site of CBFC, 'The Board consists of non-official members and a Chairman (all of whom are appointed by Central Government) and functions with headquarters at Mumbai.' 4. CBFC has nine Regional offices, one each at Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Cuttack and Guwahati. The Regional Offices are assisted in the examination of films by Advisory Panels. The members of the panels are nominated by Central Government by drawing people from different walks of life for a period of 2 years. 📌 Article 19(1) of the Constitution says that all persons shall have 'freedom of speech and expression'. However, Article 19(2) of the Constitution lays down provisions for imposing reasonable restrictions on the exercise of this right. 📌 The Cinematograph Act, 1952. 📌 The Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. 📌 The Guidelines issued by the Government under Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act. 📌 The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 r.w. The Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 (Programmes and Advertising Codes therein). 📌 The Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) , 2003 & Rules 2004. 📌 The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 📌 Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. 📌 The Drug and Magic Remedies Act. 📌 The Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. 📌 The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act 1986. 📌 The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012, Etc. 1. The government recently notified age-based categories certification of films to promote age-appropriate viewing, particularly for the parental guidance group. 2. In a gazette notification, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting amended the rules notified in December 1991 laying down principles for sanctioning films for public exhibition. 3. The rules allow the Central Board of Film Certification to allow certification of films for unrestricted public exhibition with an endorsement in accordance with the nature. 4. 'Content suitable for a child aged seven years and above and under the age of seven years with parental guidance shall be classified as 'U/A 7+' rating… child aged thirteen years and above and under the age of thirteen years with parental guidance classified as 'U/A 13+'… child aged sixteen years and above and under the age of sixteen years… as 'U/A 16+' rating,' the notification read. (1) The provisions under Article 19 of the Constitution of India are: 1. to assemble peaceably and with arms 2. to form unions 3. to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India 4. to carry on any occupation Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 2 and 4 only (2) Consider the following statements: 1. The Central Board of Film Certification is a statutory body. 2. There is no CBFC certification for T.V programs and serials. Which of the statements given above is/are not correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (Sources: Constitution of India, Express View: On Thug Life and freedom of speech, listen to the Supreme Court, Certification of films, Explained: The role, significance of film certification tribunal, now abolished, Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More

News18

21 hours ago

• News18

Prosenjit Chatterjee On Sitaare Zameen Par's Theatre-Only Release: 'Aamir Can Take Risks'

Last Updated: Aamir Khan's decision to delay the OTT release of Sitaare Zameen Par is praised by Prosenjit Chatterjee, who believes Aamir understands audience sensibilities. Aamir Khan's film, Sitaare Zameen Par, a spiritual successor to his beloved 2007 film Taare Zameen Par, finally released on June 20, 2025. The film, inspired by the Spanish hit Champions (2018), has been receiving rave reviews. The Bollywood superstar has decided that his latest film will never be released on any streaming platform. It will have a theatre-only release. Now, Prosenjit Chatterjee has lauded Aamir Khan for his approach to filmmaking. In a conversation with India Today, the veteran actor remarked that Aamir 'can take the risk" because he 'understands the pulse and sensibilities of the audiences." However, he also noted, 'nothing will change." Prosenjit said, 'He can take the risk. He has been serving the industry for many years, and he understands the pulse and sensibilities of the audiences." However, Prosenjit believes that Aamir's bold move is unlikely to bring about any real change. 'To save the theatrical business and cinema, he (Aamir Khan) is a person who can think this way or take this kind of risk. Nothing will change, a film will come on OTT and then on satellite television. That's how it works, that's how we reach our Indian audiences. But let's see how this goes (Sitaare Zameen Par's only-cinema model), and I hope it works," added Prosenjit. In an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha earlier, Aamir Khan had shared his thoughts on how the fast shift to OTT after the pandemic has affected theatre business. He explained that releasing films too soon online takes away from the cinema experience, and he strongly believes that good films deserve to be seen on the big screen. In a candid conversation, Aamir Khan reflected on how the rise of OTT platforms has impacted the theatrical experience. 'I don't know any business where you offer your product, and if someone doesn't buy it, you tell them—don't worry, I'll drop it at your house for free in eight weeks," Aamir said, adding, 'It doesn't make sense to me. That's the reason many films aren't doing well in theatres." He described the current situation as a 'famine and feast" model where either a few films do extremely well or most don't work at all. He believes the early OTT release trend has weakened the theatrical culture and, therefore, made a conscious choice to keep his upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par exclusive to theatres. 'I believe in theatres. I believe in my audience. If you make a good film, people will come to watch it on the big screen." Sitaare Zameen Par is a sports comedy drama film directed by R. S. Prasanna, and produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit. Aroush Datta, Gopi Krishna Varma, Samvit Desai, Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali, Ashish Pendse, Rishi Shahani, Rishabh Jain, Naman Mishra and Simran Mangeshkar will make their Hindi cinema debut with the film. First Published:

India.com

a day ago

• India.com

Pakistani Actress Ayesha Khan's Body Found Nearly A Week After Her Death: Reports

Veteran Pakistani actress Ayesha Khan was found dead in her Karachi apartment a week after her death. New Delhi: Celebrated for her iconic roles in classic dramas, Pakistani television actress Ayesha Khan was found dead in her apartment in Karachi on Wednesday, as per a report by India Today. She was 76. The report also states that Ayesha's neighbours noticed a foul odour lingering from her residence, prompting them to alert authorities. Upon investigation, local police confirmed that the veteran actor had passed away nearly a week prior to being discovered. Her remains have since been moved for a post-mortem examination. Born on November 22, 1948, Ayesha Khan was a household name in Pakistan and had a significant impact on South Asian television. Her illustrious career spanned several decades, during which she starred in many iconic dramas such as Afshan, Aroosa, Mehndi, and Naqab. Khan also appeared in several Pakistani films, including Bol Meri Machli, and made a notable appearance in the Indian film Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, showcasing her cross-border appeal. Despite her fame and accomplishments, the circumstances of her death have sparked a wave of public concern over the neglect of elderly artists. Social media platforms were flooded with tributes and expressions of sorrow, but also with criticism directed toward her family. One post read: "Clearly she was lonely and neglected…Apparently she has 2 children and she'd passed away a week ago, shame on her children for not checking up on their mother regularly." Clearly she was lonely and neglected…Apparently she has 2 children and she'd passed away a week ago, shame on her children for not checking up on their mother regularly. — Huma (@Huma07297070) June 20, 2025 Ayesha Khan was a mother of two, a son and a daughter, but reports indicate that she had been living alone for some time. There has been no public comment yet from her family.