New Delhi
After a 36-year hiatus since their 1987 hit Nayakan, actor Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam have reunited for Thug Life. Rumours suggest that Mani Ratnam may also collaborate with Rajinikanth again after a 33-year gap.
Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi
According to SIIMA, Mani Ratnam and Rajinikanth are reportedly set to work together again after 33 years. An official announcement is expected on Rajinikanth's birthday, December 12, though this remains unconfirmed.
They previously worked together in the 1991 gangster drama Thalapathi, which featured an ensemble cast including Mammootty and Arvind Swami. The film, a modern retelling of the Mahabharata, focused on the friendship between a slum dweller and a powerful gangster.
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Thalapathi drew parallels to the Mahabharata, with Rajinikanth's character Surya representing Karna, and Mammootty's Devaraj embodying Duryodhana. The film was both a critical and commercial success upon its Diwali 1991 release.
Thalapathi marked the final collaboration between Mani Ratnam and music composer Ilaiyaraaja and lyricist Vaali. Subsequent projects saw the director working with AR Rahman and Vairamuthu.
Current projects
Mani Ratnam is currently filming Thug Life with Kamal Haasan and a star-studded cast. Kamal Haasan co-wrote the script for this project.
Rajinikanth's upcoming films include Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel and co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, set for an October 10 release. He's also slated to appear in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie alongside Shruti Haasan and others.