Kamal Haasan Tamil Movie News

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan rose to the occasion on Saturday, March 9, and made a massive donation for the construction of the Nadigar Sangam building. The leading Tamil actor contributed a sum of Rs. 1 crore for the setting up of the establishment from his own funds by handing over a cheque to administrators Nasser, Vishal, Karthi and Poochi Murugan. Kamal Haasan's latest decision to extend the amount to the cause of the Nadigar Sangam has come after he and 'Superstar' Rajinikanth laid the foundation stone for the structure in April 2017, with the construction coming to a subsequent halt due to various financial hurdles. 

நடிகர் சங்க கட்டட பணியைத் தொடர்வதற்கான தனது சொந்த நிதியில் இருந்து ரூபாய் ஒரு கோடிக்கான காசோலையை வழங்கினார் உலகநாயகன் #கமல்ஹாசன் ♥️🫡#KamalHaasan #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #MNM pic.twitter.com/Qx6sLymOOL

— Galatta Media (@galattadotcom) March 9, 2024

Kamal Haasan's financial contribution for the Nadigar Sangam building's construction comes after Udhayanidhi Stalin, Minister of Youth Welfare and Sports Development of Tamil Nadu, too made a donation of Rs. 1 crore last month. Expressing his gratitude for Udhayanidhi's gesture at the time, Vishal wrote on X, "Dear Udhaya, I sincerely thank u as a friend, producer, actor and now sports minister of Tamil Nadu govt for your contribution to our South Indian artistes association building efforts and your willingness to finish it as early as possible and also coming forward to help in any way through the government  also.  Indeed a lovely gesture. God Bless." (sic) According to reports, the Nadigar Sangam building will include an auditorium, a marriage gall and a mini hall along with a parking space. It is further being stated that the auditorium on the property will be used to organize award functions and other cinema industry-related events. 

Dear Udhaya, I sincerely thank u as a friend, producer, actor and now sports minister of Tamil Nadu govt for your contribution to our South Indian artistes association building efforts and your willingness to finish it as early as possible and also coming forward to help in any… pic.twitter.com/H40q6HAzvo

— Vishal (@VishalKOfficial) February 15, 2024

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kamal Haasan is currently filming Thug Life, which marks his big reunion with iconic Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam after more than 35 years when they collaborated in the cult classic, Nayakan (1987), and will feature music by Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman. The actor is at present awaiting the release of the highly-anticipated Indian 2, the sequel to the blockbuster Indian (1996), and is also his reunion with hit director Shankar, while the songs and the background score are being composed by 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander. Kamal Haasan is also playing a key role in Telugu superstar Prabhas' Kalki 2898 - AD being directed by Nag Ashwin of Mahanati (2018) fame and will feature the duo appearing alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Disha Patani, among others. The Tamil superstar had also announced the tentatively titled KH 237, which will be directed by National Award-winning stunt duo Anbariv in their big filmmaking debut.

The Malayalam film Manjummel Boys directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval of Jan. E. Man (2021) fame continues to witness an outstanding audience turnout in cinemas in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and is now officially a blockbuster. The survival thriller has been receiving a terrific response among Tamil audiences too after it was revealed that the film includes several references to 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's cult classic Gunaa (1991). With Manjummel Boys turning out to be a resounding critical and commercial success, director Chidambaram and the film's team had a rendezvous 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan earlier this week, with Gunaa director Santhana Bharathi also seen at the interaction. 

The special meeting saw the Manjummel Boys team share with Kamal Haasan how Gunaa was a big source of inspiration for the caves depicted in their film as it is major plot element. In that light, Santhana Bharathi sat down with Galatta for an exclusive interview to talk about the big difference between the caves depicted in Manjummel Boys and Gunaa. Speaking about the iconic Guna Caves otherwise known as the Devil's Kitchen where Gunaa was shot and how Manjummel Boys made him revisit the past, Santhana Bharathi stated, "Definitely it reminded about the scenes we filmed there. But, we shot on location whereas they have filmed on a set. So, they cannot be compared with each other. But, it didn't look a bit like a set. They took the location as a reference to create the set and shoot. The stones on the set are the same as in the caves and they have recreated it beautifully." 

Talking further about the Gunaa references in Manjummel Boys, Santhana Bharathi stated, "I enjoyed the film a lot. In particular, I liked the placement of the 'Manidhar unarndhu kollum...' dialogue and song because we used it for love, but they changed it for friendship. After all, it's all love. The film is going housefull everywhere and that particular moment is getting huge claps."

Watch Santhana Bharathi talk about Manjummel Boys in the video below: 

The Malayalam film Manjummel Boys is the talk of the town in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is taking the box office by storm. The survival thriller film has been directed by Chidambaram S. Poduval of Jan. E. Man (2021) fame and is witnessing a stunning response in theatres everywhere, with a number of references to 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan and his cult classic Gunaa (1991). With Manjummel Boys turning out to be a massive success, the Malayalam film's team met Kamal Haasan and Gunaa director Santhana Bharathi earlier this week, with pictures and videos from their interaction going viral on social media. 

Veteran filmmaker-actor Santhana Bharathi, who was also present during the Manjummel Boys team's meeting Kamal Haasan, has now opened up on their interaction in an exclusive interview with Galatta. He said, "The whole team was talking to Kamal sir. They're all Kamal sir fans. They were all conversing in Malayalam. They were very happy to see me. They said that they wanted to meet me and were happy that I was there." Speaking about how he came to know about Manjummel Boys, Santhana Bharathi stated, "Producer Dhananjayan was the first to talk to me about the film. He called me up saying, 'Sir, your film has come out. You should go watch it.' I was confused and asked him what film he was referring to. He then informed me, 'There's a terrific Malayalam film out now, which has been made amidst the backdrop of the 'Gunaa Cave'. He only insisted that I should go watch it." 

The story of Manjummel Boys is set amidst the backdrop of the Gunaa Cave, which is originally referred to as the Devil's Kitchen, and garnered immense popularity after the release of Kamal Haasan's psychological romantic drama Gunaa. The Malayalam film stars Soubin Shahir, Sreenath Bhasi, Balu Varghese, Ganapathi S. Poduval, Lal Jr., Deepak Parambol, Abhiram Radhakrishnan, Arun Kurian, Khalid Rahman, among others and has been witnessing an increase in the number of shows and screenings in cinemas across Tamil Nadu. 

Watch Santhana Bharathi talk about Manjummel Boys in the video below: 

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan returned to Chennai on Monday, February 19, from the US where he had been taking part in the preparatory work of his upcoming film, Thug Life. The actor-politician addressed the media at the Chennai Airport where he also hinted at the plans of his Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party in the upcoming 2024 Indian general election. Speaking to reporters, Kamal Haasan said, "I visited America for the preparatory work of Thug Life and have returned after its completion. I will be meeting you all once again in the next two days with a good news. That's the only news for now." 

Upon being queried about the work being carried out on the political front by the MNM and whether he would be forming any alliances, Kamal Haasan informed, "Everything is going well and I will let you all know in a couple of days." For a while now, it has been speculated that the actor will likely form an alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the Lok Sabha elections this year and all sights will now be on his decision next. 

" நாடாளுமன்ற தேர்தல்: 2 நாளில் நல்ல செய்தி வரும் - மநீம தலைவர் கமல்ஹாசன் பேட்டி" 🔥🔥#KamalHaasan #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #MNM pic.twitter.com/EssJAeigUw

— Galatta Media (@galattadotcom) February 19, 2024

On the acting front, Kamal Haasan is reuniting with acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam for Thug Life after 36 years when they last collaborated in the cult classic, Nayakan (1987). The film's shooting began in January and has an ensemble star cast featuring the likes of Tamil stars Jayam Ravi, Trisha Krishnan, Gautham Karthik, Virumaandi (2003) fame Abhirami and Nassar, while Malayalam actors Dulquer Salmaan, Joju George, and Aishwarya Lekshmi will also be seen in crucial roles. Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman is composing the songs and the background score for Thug Life and is expected to once again hit the high note. 

Apart from Thug Life, Kamal Haasan will be seen in the highly-anticipated Indian 2 directed by Shankar being planned for a grand theatrical release this year. The actor will also be teaming up with the National Award-winning stunt choreographer duo Anbariv in their directorial debut for the tentatively titled KH 237. 

The first official glimpse of Silambarasan TR in the tentatively titled STR 48 is now out and shows the Tamil actor in dual looks ahead of his birthday on Saturday, February 3. The upcoming ambitious project is being billed to be made on a grand scale under Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (2020) fame Desingh Periyasamy's direction and is set to be a film set amidst a historic timeline and backdrop. Posting the STR 48 poster, 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan also conveyed his birthday wishes to Silambarasan TR, who then extended his gratefulness for his greetings by writing, "Heartfelt gratitude for the wishes and blessings sir! Thank you for trusting me always!" (sic)

Heartfelt gratitude for the wishes and blessings sir! Thank you for trusting me always! #Ulaganayagan #KamalHaasan #STR48 #Atman #SilambarasanTR #BLOODandBATTLE #HBDSilambarasanTR https://t.co/uZ3mbyxLaZ

— Silambarasan TR (@SilambarasanTR_) February 2, 2024

The unveiling of the STR 48 first twinkle shows STR's dual personalities in the film sporting long hair, with their faces covered in battle scars. There are also scenes of bloody carnage from what appears to be a huge battlefield where countless soldiers and warriors are seen fighting each other as a massive fire rages on akin to a volcanic eruption. This latest STR 48 glimpse suggests there's more to come out next, including the big reveal of the highly-anticipated film's title. 

It is being stated that STR 48 will feature an extensive use of VFX and computer graphics, and this latest poster drops quite a big hint on the scale and what fans can expect to witness on the big screen. Silambarasan TR's fans too will be a happy camp and look forward to the title announcement next. A lot has been said about Simbu's role in STR 48 as the actor has been undergoing rigorous physical training for several months to attain the look and physique of a warrior, and all sights will now be set on him to come out firing on all cylinders on the big screen. 

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's next big film, Thug Life, has kicked off principal photography and National Award-winning Tamil filmmaker Sudha Kongara has now shared pictures from the sets of the highly-anticipated Mani Ratnam directorial. Standing alongside Mani Ratnam, who is seen seated in one of the photos and his associates in the other two pictures, the Soorarai Pottru director surprised fans on X on Thursday, January 25, writing "Energy Booster - Mani Sir's sets! #ManiRatnam #ThugLife #KH234" (sic). 

Energy Booster - Mani Sir's sets! #ManiRatnam #ThugLife #KH234 pic.twitter.com/DBoGfkn2X0

— Sudha Kongara (@Sudha_Kongara) January 25, 2024

Thug Life featuring music composed by Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman rolled into production yesterday after an intense and action-packed title announcement video was released last November, which received a thunderous response and has since skyrocketed the expectations surrounding the film. Touted to be a high-octane action film, Kamal Haasan will be sharing screen space with several leading Tamil cinema names starting with Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Gautham Karthik, Nasser, and Abhirami, while Malayalam actors Dulquer Salmaan, Joju George, and Aishwarya Lekshmi have been cast in crucial roles. 

There is tremendous buzz surrounding Thug Life as it also marks the big reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 35 years when they made the iconic Nayakan (1987), which has since garnered a cult classic status, and the duo is expected to come out firing on all cylinders once again. On the other hand, Sudha Kongara, a former associate of Mani Ratnam, whose last film Soorarai Pottru won five awards at the 68th National Film Awards, including Best Feature Film, is all set to soon begin shooting her next big venture, the tentatively titled Suriya 43, and is the second time the filmmaker is teaming up with Suriya, who will be sharing screen space with Dulquer Salmaan and Nazriya Fahadh cast in key roles, with Bollywood actor Vijay Varma coming on board in a negative role. 

The shooting has kicked off on 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's next big film, Thug Life, starting Wednesday, January 24. A new promo video has been released on social media announcing the same on the upcoming film being directed by acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam featuring music composed by Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman. This new Thug Life video also reintroduces the core cast that will be sharing screen space with Kamal Haasan among whom include leading Tamil stars Jayam Ravi, Trisha, Gautham Karthik, while Malayalam actors Dulquer Salmaan, Joju George, and Aishwarya Lekshmi have been cast in crucial roles. 

Thug Life's shooting has kicked off nearly two months after an intense and powerful title announcement video was released introducing Kamal Haasan as Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar hailing from Kayalpattinam, Tamil Nadu, who is labeled a criminal, a goonda, and Yakuza (gangster in Japanese). The excitement surrounding the film skyrocketed instantly after the release of the action-packed promo giving the audience a glimpse at what's in store for them on the big screen. The expectations for Thug Life are huge considering the film also marks the big reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after 36 years when they last collaborated in the cult classic, Nayakan (1987), and the duo are expected to deliver yet another memorable outing for fans in theatres. 

Thug Life will also see veteran actor Nasser in a pivotal role, while Abhirami who was last paired with Kamal Haasan in the blockbuster Virumaandi (2004), will also be making a major appearance. The film boasts of a highly-talented technical team starting with cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, stunt directors Anbariv, production designer Sharmistha Roy, costume designers Amritha Ram and Eka Lakhani, make-up artist Ranjith Ambady, and publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa.

Watch the Thug Life shooting begins video below: 

The Tamil film fraternity is paying their tributes to 'Captain' Vijayakanth, who passed away at 71 on December 28, 2023, in Chennai. A special memorial event organized by the Nadigar Sangam (South Indian Artistes' Association) remembering the late actor-politician on Friday evening, January 19, witnessed several notable Tamil cinema names pay their respects and recall the times they spent with him. Among them was 'Ulagayanayan' Kamal Haasan, who in an emotional speech spoke about the good qualities that made Vijayakanth who he was in cinema and politics, while also sharing  about the bond they both had over the years. 

Kamal Haasan started his speech about Vijayakanth by saying, "No rehearsal can be done for a day like this. After he became a huge star, he continued talking to me in the same way as he did at the beginning. The reason I don't know the difference between the names Vijayaraj or Vijayakanth is not me, but him. He was someone who faced a lot of criticism and humiliation, and rose to the top. He wanted nobody else to face the humiliation he went through and that's something that deserves praise. He was a voice for others." 

Speaking about Vijayakanth's qualities that earned him a special place in the people's hearts, Kamal Haasan said, "Similar to the leading politicians in Tamil Nadu, I've seen massive crowds gather for him too and if there's a prized possession he's earned, that's me. Not many people know this, but I think this was on his birthday back in 1998. On the day he passed away, an article was published in a daily about an incident back in 1998. It was a news about three students who got admission to pursue engineering, but did not have the finance to join college. After reading the news, he called up the daily and arranged the finance for their studies and accommodation. This was 25 years back and those students must be living happily with their own children now. They won't forget what he did for them. Those who keep him in their memories will not forget him." 

Kamal Haasan also shed light on the role Vijayakanth played in cinema and stated, "During the 1970 and 1980s, it won't suffice to say enough that Vijayakanth gave a shape to the anger and socio-politics in cinema. I said this when I went to pay my last respects to him that I like his justified anger among his many good qualities. He would ask what needs to be questioned even today in his trademark style irrespective of the place. And, that courage has helped the Nadigar Sangam on several occasions and the testimony is the actors who have gathered here today." 

Concluding his statement by noting Vijayakanth's affection for everyone, Kamal Haasan said, "The first film he acted, Doorathu Idi Muzhakkam, was screened at a film festival, and it is his talent and the opportunities he got that earned him the name of a commercial hero. When Radharavi was talking about simplicity, he said that he would ask suggestions from his co-artistes. I did a guest role in one of his films and the love and respect he showed still resonates in me. All his friends have gathered here today. And, he's someone who will also call the people who he doesn't like because he has that courage. We can reflect upon and copy such qualities, and there's nothing wrong in that. It's a usual form of expression to say that there's nobody like him, but let us at least try to be like him. Goodbye Vijayakanth. Goodbye 'Captain'." 

Watch Kamal Haasan's emotional speech about 'Captain' Vijayakanth in the video below:

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 will premiere on Netflix after its theatrical release, the streamer announced on Wednesday, January 17. The announcement by the global OTT giant has come as a part of their Pongal 'Netflix Pandigai' special along with other Tamil ventures revealed to be coming out on their platform after their theatrical releases. Netflix, in their latest announcement on social media, also shared a poster of Kamal Haasan's character in the film and wrote, "Senapathy is back with a vengeance and we couldn't be more fired up. ???????? #Indian2 is coming soon to Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi after theatrical release! #NetflixPandigai" (sic)

Senapathy is back with a vengeance and we couldn't be more fired up. ????????#Indian2 is coming soon to Netflix in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi after theatrical release! #NetflixPandigai pic.twitter.com/wNcXWVhvRS

— Netflix India South (@Netflix_INSouth) January 17, 2024

Indian 2 marks the big reunion of Kamal Haasan with blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Shankar after their Indian (1996), which has since garnered a cult classic status. The upcoming sequel is currently one of the most-awaited films and will be coming out in theatres in the months ahead, with a major chunk of production already wrapped, and a third installment also being planned. An intriguing teaser for Indian 2 was released as a special birthday treat from Kamal Haasan last year giving audiences a glimpse at the grand scale and action in store for them in cinemas soon. 

Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 has a huge star cast that includes Siddharth, Kajal Agarwal, Rakul Preet Singh, SJ Suryah, Bobby Simha, Priya Bhavani Shankar, Brahmanandam, Samuthirakani, Jagan, Delhi Ganesh, Kalidas Jayaram, Gulshan Grover, Zakir Hussain, Piyush Mishra, Akhilendra Mishra, while late actors Vivek, Nedumudi Venu, and Manobala will also be featuring in pivotal roles. 'Rockstar' Anirudh Ravichander, who delivered chart-topping hit songs and a thunderous background score in Vikram (2023), is expected to come out on top in Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 once again. 

'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan paid his last respects to 'Captain' Vijayakanth on Friday, December 29, at the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party office in Chennai. The actor-politician expressed his condolences to the DMDK founder's wife Premalatha Vijayakanth and sons Shanmuga Pandian and Vijay Prabhakar and recalled their time together over the years. Addressing the press, Kamal Haasan said, "Simplicity, friendship, hard work, generosity - these are all words that would best suit only one person, our dear brother Vijayakanth. He was the same with us before attaining star status and remained the same after he became a huge star." 

Kamal Haasan, who founded the Makkal Needhi Maiam political party in 2018, shared further about 'Captain' Vijayakanth and said, "The thing I like the most about him is that his anger is the same as his humility. I'm a fan of his indignation and is the reason I believe he came to serve the people. Losing such honest people is kind of a loneliness for people like me. I bid farewell with the belief that he would have formed more people like him after staying one among his fans. I leave now saying my goodbyes to a good friend." 

Vijayakanth passed away on December 28 following complications because of pneumonia. He was 71. Following the news of Vijayakanth's demise, Kamal Haasan was among the first in the industry to pay tribute to the Tamil cinema stalwart. His statement in Tamil on X translated into English reads: "The news of the death of my beloved brother Vijayakanth, the founder of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, a unique actor and captain of Tamil cinema, who was loved by all, is deeply saddening. He lived with humanity in every action. He was the creator of innovative ideas in Tamil Nadu politics. He extended a helping hand to the poor. Fearless courage was his hallmark. Vijayakanth, a revolutionary artist who made his mark in both the fields of cinema and politics, will remain forever in our memories. I offer my heartfelt condolences to all his family, cadre, and fans who are grieving his loss." (sic) Ardent Tamil cinema fans will remember that Kamal Haasan made a special appearance playing a filmmaker in Vijayakanth's film, Manakanakku (1986). 

எனது அன்பிற்கினிய சகோதரர், தேசிய முற்போக்குத் திராவிட கழகத்தின் நிறுவனத் தலைவர், தமிழ் சினிமாவின் தனித்துவம் மிக்க நடிகர், கேப்டன் என்று அனைவராலும் அன்பு பாராட்டப்பட்ட விஜயகாந்த் அவர்களின் மறைவுச் செய்தி மிகுந்த துயரத்தைத் தருகிறது.

தன் ஒவ்வொரு செயலிலும் மனிதநேயத்தைக்…

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 28, 2023

Vijayakanth's death was announced in an official medical bulletin by the authorities at MIOT Hospital in Chennai yesterday that stated, " 'Captain' Vijayakanth was on ventilatory support following his admission for pneumonia. Despite the best efforts of the medical staff, he passed away in the morning on 28th December 2023." The DMDK leader's mortal remains were brought to the Island Grounds this morning and will kept for the public to pay their last respects, with the funeral ceremony scheduled to take place at 4.45 p.m. Watch 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan pay his tribute to 'Captain' Vijayakanth in the video below: