Is Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam reunion on cards? Here's what Thug Life director has to say
Rajinikanth and director Mani Ratnam had previously collaborated on the iconic film Thalapathi, which was released in 1991. Now, the filmmaker has spilled the tea on this and whether fans can expect a reunion from them.
In an interaction with News18, the director said, 'I think you should ask Rajini sir. You should see… we never know. After Thug Life, I plan to take a break. I have four scripts in mind, but none of them are fully fleshed out yet. If nothing comes out of them, then that's the end of it.'
For those unaware, the superstar and visionary director had previously worked together in Thalapathi. The film was based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata and the friendship shared between Karna and Duryodhana. It portrays Surya, an orphan who dwells in the slums and is known for his benevolent nature.
After he scuffles with a goon, he gets acknowledged by a mighty gangster called Deva, and later they become friends. As things start to come under the joint guidance of Surya and Deva, things take a turn when a righteous district collector comes into play who also happens to be a kin of Surya.
The rest of the film focuses on how Surya attempts to reconnect with his roots and how his friendship with Deva develops amid these events. Aside from the superstar, the movie also had actors Mammootty and Arvind Swamy as co-leads.
Coming to Mani Ratnam 's upcoming venture, the director is slated to hit the big screen with a film starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan TR, titled Thug Life. The gangster actioner tells the tale of Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, an aging Yakuza-like gangster who has raised his foster son, Amaran, to take over his place in the mafia.
However, when Sakthivel is presumed dead, all suspicions lead to his adopted son. Now, with vengeance in mind, the former makes a return from his grave, eager to settle the scores for once and for all.
Apart from Haasan and STR, the film has Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and more in key roles.
On the other hand, Rajinikanth will be hitting the big screens on August 14, 2025, with the Lokesh Kanagaraj directorial Coolie.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
'I don't ever want to lose Sonam and Dhanush," said Aanand L Rai; Revisiting 'Raanjhanaa' as 'Kuberaa' releases
In 2013, the movie 'Raanjhanaa' was not just a film; it was a cultural mood. Directed by 'Aanand L. Rai,' it introduced ' Dhanush ' to Hindi cinema and gave ' Sonam Kapoor ' one of her most emotionally layered roles. The film has reached its 12-year milestone. Kundan and Zoya The movie was set against the vibrant chaos of Banaras. 'Raanjhanaa' told the story of Kundan, played by Dhanush, a Hindu boy hopelessly in love with Zoya, portrayed by Sonam Kapoor, who was a Muslim girl with dreams far beyond her hometown. Their love was utterly messy, one-sided, and ultimately tragic but at the end felt real. Dhanush's vulnerability and Sonam's quiet strength made the film unforgettable. The film's recent 12-year anniversary was marked by a special screening in Mumbai, attended by Dhanush, director Aanand L. Rai, and other cast members. Though Sonam couldn't attend in person, she joined the celebration online, resharing clips and tributes that overflew social media. Rai's heartfelt words in an old interview with The Indian Express still resonate: 'I don't ever want to lose Sonam and Dhanush'—a statement to the rare chemistry and emotional depth they brought to the screen. From Kundan to Deva in ' Kuberaa ' Now in 2025, Dhanush returns to Hindi cinema with 'Kuberaa,' a socio-political thriller directed by 'Sekhar Kammula.' Released on June 20, the film sees him as Deva, a beggar caught in a chaos of corruption and class war. The film also stars 'Nagarjuna' and 'Rashmika Mandanna,' and is set to stream on OTT in July. While 'Kuberaa' is far from the romantic idealism of 'Raanjhanaa,' both films showcase Dhanush's ability to humanise the marginalised. His journey from Kundan's heartbreak to Deva's rebellion is a dual change in emotional storytelling. Legacy and Continuity What makes 'Raanjhanaa' effective is not just because of its music or visuals; it's the honesty between its leads emotionally. Sonam and Dhanush, though from different worlds of cinema, created a bond that was felt through the screen. As Rai once said, 'They gave me more than performances—they gave me their hearts.' With 'Kuberaa' now capturing headlines and 'Raanjhanaa' still being in the hearts of fans, it's clear that some collaborations are not just cinematic; they are a deep mark on the souls.
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
Karnataka's Murudeshwar temple mandates traditional dress for inner sanctum entry
The Murudeshwar temple in Karnataka's Uttara Kannada district has officially implemented a dress code, following appeals from Hindu organisations. Devotees must now wear traditional attire to access the inner the new rules, men will be required to wear either a panche (traditional dhoti) or full-length formal trousers. Women will be allowed to enter only if dressed in sarees or salwar-churidar. Western-style or casual clothing will not be permitted within the designated sacred areas of the notice board outlining these regulations has been installed at the entrance of the temple to inform visitors of the new policy. Temple authorities said the decision was taken to preserve the sanctity of the site and maintain decorum in line with traditional Hindu customs. The implementation of the dress code comes after local Hindu groups submitted a formal appeal calling for stricter attire guidelines for temple visitors. The management responded by formalising the code and making it a prerequisite for entry into the core areas of worship. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Raftaar slams rapper Tommy Genesis for cultural appropriation in True Blue: ‘Mockery of my religion'
Rapper Raftaar has come forward to slam Indian-origin Canadian rapper Tommy Genesis over her controversial video titled, True Blue. He has accused her of disrespecting Hindu religion. Also read: The Traitors: Raftaar gets eliminated, reasons that he would rather be out with good character Tommy Genesis is facing backlash for her video, where she's seen with blue body paint, gold jewellery, and a red bindi, with many likening her portrayal to a Hindu goddess. Tommy Genesis is facing intense backlash for her video, where she's seen with blue body paint, gold jewellery, and a red bindi, with many likening her portrayal to a Hindu goddess. The video hasn't been well-received by many, including rapper Raftaar, who has publicly criticised Tommy Genesis over it. Raftaar took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday to speak out against the music video, which he found offensive. He asked people to report Tommy Genesis' music video on YouTube. He has reported the video on YouTube. He also shared a screenshot of the report with a direct message: 'Report This'. In the screenshot, Raftaar has mentioned, 'This is a mockery of my religion. This shouldn't exist' as the reason for flagging the video. Raftaar encouraged his followers to report the video, saying "Report This" in his message, in an effort to get it taken down from the platform. The rapper is yet to react to the backlash. Raftaar encouraged his followers to report the video. Tommy Genesis gets slammed Indian-origin rapper Tommy Genesis is facing backlash for her music video True Blue, where she seems to be dressed as a Hindu Goddess. In the video, she is seen using a cross as a prop while making inappropriate gestures such as licking the cross. The video has sparked outrage and offended both communities, with many feeling that it disrespects their culture. The video was released on June 20. In the video, Tommy is seen sporting blue body paint, wearing gold jewellery, and a red bindi. Her real name is Genesis Yasmine Mohanraj, and her roots trace back to India. 'This creator must be cancelled because wtf is this , stop using our religion for your cheap publicity. Take art classes , do something creative,' read one comment, with another writing, 'What's happening to all the comments about cultural appropriation?' 'Take it down,' one suggested. One social media user shared, 'There's a line between creative expression and blatant disrespect — and this crosses it. Capitalism or clout-chasing doesn't justify mocking someone's faith. Do better'. 'A very dumb video and a very dumb story to justify it. This in no way is representation of roots or your vision, if you call this vision its crooked,' read one comment, with another reading, 'This is not art'.
