Kamal Haasan’s role and controversy in Thug Life have come under sharp focus as the highly anticipated Tamil gangster drama prepares for its global theatrical launch on June 5, 2025. The film, directed by Mani Ratnam and co-written by Kamal Haasan, faces mounting challenges—ranging from impressive cast salaries to a turbulent legal and cultural dispute in Karnataka threatening its smooth release.
Major Cast Revealed Alongside High Remunerations
Backed by a sweeping ₹300 crore budget, Thug Life reunites Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan for the first time since 1987’s Nayakan, raising anticipation among audiences and within the industry. Produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, the film’s cast includes Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR (also known as Simbu), Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and several others. Music is helmed by A.R. Rahman, while Ravi K. Chandran and A. Sreekar Prasad handle cinematography and editing respectively.
Recent trade reports have put the spotlight on the lucrative salaries of the main performers. According to ABP Nadu, Trisha Krishnan, who plays Indhrani, is reportedly earning ₹12 crore, tripling her fee from her previous outing, Good Bad Ugly. Simbu, holding a pivotal role, is said to be compensated ₹40 crore. Ashok Selvan and Joju George have reportedly each secured ₹1 crore, while Abhirami is believed to have received ₹50 lakh. Notably, co-producers Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam have foregone fixed salaries in favor of profit-sharing from the film’s eventual takings.
Karnataka Uproar Following Kamal Haasan’s Remark
The road to release has grown increasingly complicated due to a cultural and political storm in Karnataka. Kamal Haasan recently sought intervention from the Karnataka High Court to avert obstacles for Thug Life’s release in the state, as opposition from pro-Kannada groups mounted. The unrest follows remarks the actor made during the audio launch event in Chennai on May 24, where he reportedly claimed that the Kannada language stemmed from Tamil—sparking widespread backlash and demands for a public apology.
Responding to public outrage and mounting pressure, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) announced a ban on Thug Life’s screening within the state on May 30. The organization’s statement came after issuing a 24-hour ultimatum for Kamal Haasan to withdraw or clarify his comments. The situation has left the film’s state-wide release in jeopardy, heightening anxiety among the cast, production companies, and the broader audience.
In response to these developments, Kamal Haasan, through the CEO of Raaj Kamal Films International, filed a plea in the Karnataka High Court. The petition demands that the Karnataka state government, local police, and industry regulators refrain from obstructing the movie’s exhibition, while also requesting law enforcement protection to secure its trouble-free release across local theaters.
Ambitious Technical Vision Fuels Expectations
A robust technical team has shaped the ambitious production of Thug Life. Acclaimed action choreographers Anbariv have overseen the movie’s fight sequences, with Sharmishta Roy spearheading production design and Eka Lakhani in charge of costume curation. For Kamal Haasan’s character, specific costumes have been crafted by Amritha Ram, while Akihito Ikeda is credited with special makeup for the star. VFX supervision is handled by H. Monesh, and sound design by Anand Krishnamoorthi., ensuring an immersive experience for viewers.
The film’s soundtrack—composed by A.R. Rahman—features vocals from Charulatha Mani and Shruti Haasan, with the technical team spanning renowned recording studios, such as Panchathan Record Inn and AM Studios. Multiple audio engineers and supervisors have contributed to producing the film’s distinctive auditory style.
Set to premiere in both standard and IMAX formats, Thug Life aims to deliver a widescreen cinematic spectacle. However, the ongoing legal and cultural turmoil in Karnataka injects substantial uncertainty into its release schedule within the state, leaving the film’s producers, cast, and fans anticipating the outcome of court interventions and potential negotiations.
