Thug Life: Silambarasan Recalls His Most Confusing Moment on Set with Kamal Haasan

Thug Life is already one of the most anticipated films of the year, bringing together two legends — Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam — after 38 years. But beyond the excitement of the trailer and soundtrack, what truly captivated fans during the recent audio launch was actor Silambarasan TR (STR) sharing a gripping story from behind the scenes that left everyone stunned.

When Thug Life Got a Little Too Real for Kamal Haasan and STR

During the Thug Life shoot, STR had to film a tense scene where he grabbed Kamal Haasan by the neck. While that might sound straightforward on paper, STR admitted the moment was anything but easy. Director Mani Ratnam wanted the scene to look authentic and kept urging him to “choke harder.” But at the same time, Kamal Haasan, a veteran actor known for his intense performances, would scold STR whenever it got too rough.

Caught between pleasing the director and respecting the senior actor’s comfort, STR said he felt completely confused. “If I loosened the grip, Mani sir would scold me. If I pressed harder and Kamal sir was really hurting, he’d scold me. I didn’t know what to do,” he recalled at the audio launch event. On the third take, STR gripped harder, and Kamal started giving a powerful reaction. STR was unsure if it was genuine pain or acting. “I somehow finished the shot, but I was honestly shaken,” he added.

This moment gave fans a glimpse into how deeply committed the actors and director are to making Thug Life a powerful cinematic experience.

Thug Life Reunites Legends After Nearly Four Decades

Thug Life marks the return of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, who last worked together on the cult classic Nayakan in 1987. Speaking about the reunion, Mani Ratnam shared that collaborating with someone like Kamal — who is not only an actor but also a writer — makes the creative process much smoother. “He takes half the blame and half the credit,” the director joked during a recent interview. Their mutual respect and ease of working together has helped shape Thug Life into something both ambitious and emotionally charged.

#ShrutiHaasan has always been an underrated singer. But today, Kollywood has unleashed a beast with #VinveliNayaga. She’s absolutely on fire! 🔥 #Thuglifepic.twitter.com/ngom7E2ngJ

— George 🍿🎥 (@georgeviews) May 25, 2025

The film features a stellar cast including Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj. With music by AR Rahman and cinematography by Ravi K Chandran, the movie is set against a grand scale. Produced on a reported budget of ₹300 crore, Thug Life is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year and is slated for a theatrical release on June 5.

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Conclusion:

Thug Life is not just a film — it’s a reunion of legends, a high-stakes production, and a testimony to dedication. From near-real chokeholds to creative collaboration, the journey behind the camera seems just as intense as what we’ll see on screen.