Kamal Haasan, a highly regarded actor in the Indian film industry, recently prepared for his new action-drama Thug Life, which is set to release in theaters on June 5, 2025. Years prior, during a television interview in 2017, Haasan offered noteworthy advice to actor Vijay on his film choices, referencing the successful careers of Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as examples of balancing quality and mass appeal—a suggestion that has continued to spark conversation. This advice, centering on the need for thoughtful storytelling, highlights the ongoing dialogue about quality in mainstream cinema and places a spotlight on the direction of leading stars.
Kamal Haasan’s Views on Vijay’s Filmography
During an interview discussed in coverage by India Today, Kamal Haasan acknowledged Vijay’s history of delivering blockbuster hits, mentioning that he had personally watched some of Vijay’s films. However, Haasan expressed a desire for Vijay to pursue projects similar in quality and substance to those made by top Hindi film actors. Haasan clarified he believed Vijay had the ability to create films matching the caliber of Aamir Khan or Shah Rukh Khan’s work, emphasizing the actor’s untapped potential to go beyond mass entertainers.
The Context: Vijay’s Career Milestones and Haasan’s Perspective
The remarks came after the release of Vijay’s film Bairavaa in 2017, a movie that, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, marked a commercial high by becoming Vijay’s fastest film to surpass the 100-crore benchmark, as noted by sources like Indian Express. Prior to Bairavaa, Vijay starred in the action-packed Theri, directed by Atlee, which earned recognition as one of his most notable films.
Kamal Haasan’s comments seemed aimed at encouraging Vijay not to rely solely on formulaic mass entertainers. Instead, Haasan pointed to the paths Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan had carved in Bollywood, blending strong storytelling with popularity. Williams examples such as Aamir Khan’s Dangal, a sports drama that was both a critical darling and a box office triumph, and Khan’s hits like PK and Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, which both impressed critics and viewers, strengthening the case for content-driven cinema that still appeals to a wide audience.
A Closer Look at Bollywood’s Content-Driven Successes
By mentioning Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, Haasan spotlighted actors who prioritize scripts that mix meaningful narratives and commercial appeal. Aamir Khan’s Dangal achieved monumental success upon its release, proving the value of merging compelling storytelling with broad market reach. His earlier project, PK, directed by Rajkumar Hirani, also gained widespread acclaim and commercial rewards. Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees, which hit screens in 2017, similarly received positive reviews and significant box office figures. The success of these films illustrated to Haasan, and perhaps to Vijay, that star power combined with well-crafted stories can lead to both critical and financial achievement.
Kamal Haasan’s Upcoming Project and Star Cast
Currently, Kamal Haasan is gearing up for Thug Life, an action-drama helmed by director Mani Ratnam. The film delves into the life of a notorious gangster who raises a young boy as his own. Years later, after barely surviving an assassination attempt, the gangster starts to believe his adopted son may be behind the sinister plot, setting the stage for an intense drama. Thug Life brings together a notable cast, including Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Sanya Malhotra, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and Pankaj Tripathi.
What Kamal Haasan’s Advice Means for Vijay and Industry Trends
Kamal Haasan’s advice to Vijay on making quality films like those seen in Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan’s filmographies underscores a broader movement in Indian cinema toward smarter, story-focused filmmaking. As audiences grow more discerning, success is not just measured in box office numbers but in critical appreciation and cultural impact, suggesting that the industry’s biggest stars—Vijay included—might benefit from focusing on content as much as commercial potential. With major films like Thug Life on the way and actors considering more balanced approaches, the advice from industry veterans like Haasan may influence the very future of popular film in India.
