Mani ratnam Tamil Movie News

'Thug Life': 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film's shooting begins, full core cast revealed in new video - WATCH

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

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: 

'Hi Nanna': Nani explains how Mani Ratnam shaped his cinematic sensibilities, says "He put that thought in my head to think about other things in cinema" (EXCLUSIVE)

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

Nani's new film, Hi Nanna, also starring Mrunal Thakur under debutant Shouryuv's direction, is gearing up for a grand worldwide theatrical release on December 7. With only a few days left for the romantic family drama film to open in cinemas, the leading Telugu actor recently sat down for a candid conversation with National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the Editor-in-Chief of Galatta Plus, and opened up on how Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam shaped his cinematic sensibilities. Nani starts off saying, "I'm a big cinema fan. I used to watch a lot of films on TV. I still remember there was this cable TV [channel] when I was in fifth class which started after Doordarshan and they used to put on a film every day. There was no need to wait till Sunday or anything, and it was too exciting for me. And, I've realized in any film... there were these huge hits from Telugu that they were putting on... And, I used to watch films and even when my friends were playing, I would like to sit in front of the TV and watch films. I used to enjoy and that's it. I never used to watch that same film again. I will want another option." 

Nani further explained, "Somehow I realized that it started with Roja or Thalapathi, I think, it was the first film I saw of Mani Ratnam. I didn't know who the director was at that age, but I knew that something about those films of Mani sir made me want to watch them again and again. I don't know what exactly or what to call it. There were films that I loved as a kid. Once I enjoyed that film, I was not like, 'I want to watch it from beginning to end. I want to understand.' It didn't make me think much. It was entertaining me." He continued, "So, Mani sir's films always made me a little curious about cinema, what the director will think, and how he will think of a scene like this... I never thought in that direction. I was only getting entertained as an audience. So, why I always say it's Mani sir is because I think his films made me... I have always been an audience who loves cinema... I think he put that thought in my head to think about other things in cinema, which made me go into cinema and made me choose this path; choose cinema as a profession. Otherwise, I would have been a good audience watching a film every Friday. So, there's a big influence of Mani sir because I constantly watched his films not just as an audience, but also as I was very curious to understand and notice all the little details and nuances, and I started loving the process of filmmaking." 

Watch Nani in conversation with Baradwaj Rangan about Hi Nanna and more in the video below: 

'KH 234' teaser: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film is titled 'Thug Life', mass announcement video delivers the first action-packed fight scene - WATCH IT HERE

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

Kamal Haasan's KH 234 is titled Thug Life, the team of the upcoming film being directed by acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam has revealed in a mass announcement video. The ambitious venture's title reveal has come out as a special birthday treat for 'Ulaganayagan' fans and delivers the first big action-packed visuals. Thug Life marks the big reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after their cult classic Nayakan (1987) and this latest glimpse will no doubt leave fans mighty happy on the massive feast they are preparing for audiences up ahead. 

The Thug Life title announcement video starts off showing a smoky field almost resembling a dystopian backdrop with Kamal Haasan revealed to be covered in a white rug. We then see him introduce himself as Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar hailing from Kayalpattinam, Tamil Nadu. He then says that he was labeled a criminal, a goonda, and a yakuza. Kamal Haasan then explains the meaning of yakuza and states that it refers to a gangster. The Thug Life teaser sees the iconic Tamil actor tell viewers next that this isn't the first occasion that time has come in search of him before taking on the several goons in the process while declaring that this isn't the last time that he's being hunted. The high-octane action-filled video ends with Kamal Haasan reminding the viewers that he is Rangaraya Sakthivel Nayakar before the title splashes onto the screen. 

Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's Thug Life already looks like a winner in terms of the scope and the making that has been shown in the title announcement teaser, with Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman too lending power to the visuals with his electrifying score. The Thug Life title announcement teaser sheds light on the story set in the Tuticorin district and all sights will be on Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam to deliver yet another gangster film along the lines of their Nayakan and surpass its success. 

With the visuals establishing that Thug Life will be high on action, fans will be expecting the National Award-winning stunt choreographer duo Anbariv to come out firing on all cylinders in the fight department. The film will see Kamal Haasan share screen space with Jayam Ravi, Trisha, and Dulquer Salmaan, who form the core cast, while Abhirami and Nasser will be seen in pivotal roles, with the technical team comprising cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, production designer Sharmishta Roy, and costume designer Eka Lakhani, while Ranjith Ambady is in charge of hair and makeup, followed by Arpan Gaglani serving as the VFX Supervisor, Ashirwad Hadkar as the DI colorist, and Anand Krishnamoorthi as the sound designer. Amritha Ram is Kamal Haasan's stylist in Thug Life, while Diamond Babu, Sathish, Vamsi Shekar, Prithish, and Harish are the PROs of the film.

Watch the Thug Life title announcement video below: 

'KH 234': Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film boards two big Ponniyin Selvan stars, back-to-back announcements kick-starts celebrations

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam's KH 234 just got bigger as two more major casting announcements were made on Monday, November 6, from the team of the upcoming ambitious venture, which marks the duo's reunion after their Nayakan (1987). With leading Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan revealed to be a part of the prestigious project earlier in the day, it has now been officially announced Tamil actors Trisha and Jayam Ravi have joined the film, which is expected to begin principal photography soon. 

Expressing her joy at being a part of KH 234, Trisha shared her announcement poster on X writing, "Blessed when dreams come true multiple times🥹Thrilled to collaborate again with the legend powerhouses Mani sir & Kamal sir in #KH234. Thank you universe🙏🏻❤️🧿" (sic). Likewise, Jayam Ravi also posted his announcement poster of boarding the Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film and wrote, "From fan boy to co star… this feels surreal! Excited to start this journey with my Andavar  @ikamalhaasan  sir ! It’s  always a pleasure coming back to the @MadrasTalkies_ family. Thank you for always believing in me #manisir 🙏🏻 #KH234 @RKFI @RedGiantMovies_" (sic). Incidentally, KH 234 also marks a reunion for both Trisha and Jayam Ravi after they were cast in Mani Ratnam's epic historical action Ponniyin Selvan films as siblings Kundavai and Arulmozhi Varman, respectively. 

There is tremendous buzz surrounding KH 234 as fans await yet another memorable outing from the Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam combo after 35 years when they made Nayakan, which continues to be hailed as one of the best films in Indian cinema history. The film will feature music by A. R. Rahman and the Academy Award-winning composer is expected to deliver chart-topping hit songs and a memorable background score once again. The casting updates for the Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film are now out ahead of the KH 234 title teaser announcement releasing later in the day and there is massive excitement for the first action-packed visuals. 

'KH 234': Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film's first big casting announcement is out, Dulquer Salmaan boards his next in Tamil after 'Suriya 43'

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

It's official - Kamal Haasan's next film, the tentatively titled KH 234, being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam and featuring music by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman, has made its first major casting announcement. The team of the upcoming film on Monday, November 6, dropped a surprise update informing fans that leading Malayalam actor Dulquer Salmaan will be a part of the ambitious venture, which will have its title revealed later today evening in a special teaser. Expressing his excitement for his next big Tamil film role, Dulquer posted a picture of his casting announcement on X and wrote, "A legendary reunion of the masters Mani Sir and Kamal Sir ! A learning opportunity of a lifetime. So blessed and grateful to be a part of #KH234" (sic)

KH 234 is Dulquer's next big outing in Tamil cinema after he was recently announced to be playing a key role in National Award-winning actor Suriya's new film, the tentatively titled Suriya 43, under Sudha Kongara's direction. It is to be noted that the King of Kotha star is collaborating with Mani Ratnam after his father Mammootty previously played a pivotal role alongside 'Superstar' Rajinikanth in the six-time National Award-winning director's Thalapathi (1991). Dulquer's casting announcement in the Kamal Haasan film comes at a time when the KH 234 title teaser announcement will be out later today evening, with expectations high for the visuals to be a high-octane action-packed treat. 

Dulquer will be looking to come out firing on all cylinders in KH 234 as he has already garnered quite a good fan following in Tamil after his performances notably in O Kadhal Kanmani (2015) and Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (2020). The buzz for KH 234 has been phenomenal ever since it was revealed that Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam are teaming up once again after their Nayakan (1987), which continues to be celebrated as one of the best films in Indian cinema history. KH 234 already has a stellar technical crew featuring the likes of cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, production designer Sharmishta Roy, stunt choreographers Anbariv, costume designers Amritha Ram and Eka Lakhani, makeup artist Ranjith Ambady, publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa, and PROs 'Diamond' Babu and Sathish. 

'KH 234': Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam film team drops an epic surprise ahead of the title announcement teaser, a big 'Ulaganayagan' birthday treat loading

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

The wait is all set to come to an end for 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan and acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam's fans everywhere as the title reveal teaser of their tentatively titled KH 234 will be unveiled on Monday evening, November 6. In that light, the team of the upcoming film has now released a special poster featuring the iconic actor, whose face is seen covered with a rug-type cloth with only his eyes being revealed, while a few warriors are featured holding weapons, with some Tamil text also in reverse. 

Sharing the new KH 234 poster, the team of the new Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam film has once again reminded fans that the title announcement video will be out later today at 5 p.m. in the evening while assuring everyone that it will be an "epic reveal" and "an unforgettable experience". The expectations for KH 234 have been massive right from the get-go as it sees the two Tamil cinema stalwarts joining hands once again after 35 years since their Nayakan (1987), which has since earned a cult classic status and is considered widely as one of the best films in Indian cinema history.

Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam have roped in several big names for their KH 234 starting with Academy Award winner A. R. Rahman, who will be working on the songs and the background score, and fans will be looking for yet another memorable and powerful piece of work from the blockbuster Tamil composer. Although the cast of the film is yet to be announced, the core technical crew has been revealed and includes cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, stunt choreographer duo Anbariv, production designer Sharmishta Roy, costume designers Amritha Ram and Eka Lakhani, makeup artist Ranjith Ambady, publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa, and PROs 'Diamond' Babu and Sathish. The KH 234 title announcement teaser is releasing today ahead of Kamal Haasan's birthday tomorrow, November 7, and fans can expect an absolute visual blast loading next. 

KH 234: Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam come together as the unified forces of Indian cinema, core crew revealed ahead of teaser release

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

It's a go for 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan and acclaimed Tamil filmmaker Mani Ratnam's new film, the tentatively titled KH 234, which was announced in late 2022. The upcoming film marks the big reunion of the two Tamil cinema giants after 35 years when they collaborated on the cult classic Nayakan (1987) and expectations have been massive right from the moment its announcement last year. Revealed to feature songs and a background score composed by Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman, a new photo of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam ahead of the KH 234 production has been released on Thursday, October 26, signaling the start of the early stages of the works in the highly-anticipated film. 

With the KH 234 teaser already revealed to be coming out on the occasion of Kamal Haasan's birthday on November 7, this latest photo of the iconic Tamil actor with Mani Ratnam has come as a special treat for fans. Along with this latest photo, the team has also revealed the core crew of the ambitious venture, which will include leading names in Indian cinema starting with cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, stunt choreographer duo Anbariv, production designer Sharmishta Roy, costume designers Amritha Ram and Eka Lakhani, makeup artist Ranjith Ambady, publicity designer Gopi Prasannaa, and PROs 'Diamond' Babu and Sathish. 

The announcement of the KH 234 core crew has come ahead of the film's teaser and fans will now be waiting with bated breath to witness the Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam duo recreate the magic of Nayakan once again. There have been several big names doing the rounds in regard to the cast and an official statement is expected in the days ahead once principal photography on the film begins. While KH 234 is Mani Ratnam's next after his magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan films, Kamal Haasan has in his lineup several big ventures starting with the much-awaited Indian 2 under Shankar's direction, followed by the tentatively titled KH 233 with director H. Vinoth, while he will also be seen in a key role in Prabhas' Kalki 2898 AD

"From Nayakan to KH234...": Kamal Haasan pens a sweet note to director Mani Ratnam - here's his special birthday wish

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

Mani Ratnam is a leading filmmaker who recently directed the two-part film Ponniyin Selvan, that's called his Magnum Opus. The director has done many films that has changed the pace of Tamil Cinema. He is celebrating his 67th birthday today. Kamal Haasan is one of the top-tier actors in the Indian film industry, who has shared a heartfelt note to the director Mani Ratnam in celebration of his birthday. The tweet by the actor reads “if one were to count life by the happiness that they create around them and if age is calculated by the friends around you, my dear Mani Ratnam you are going to be a much older man today!” Kamal Haasan further went on to praise the director as the doyen (a highly skilled person) of Indian Cinema, "who constantly pushes boundaries of cinema unmindful of the scale of challenge by constantly leading."

Kamal Haasan who is called by his fans 'Ulaganayagan' for his genius in acting and filmmaking further went on to say about Mani Ratnam that from Nayakan to KH234, their journey together was personally rewarding and enriching him and ended the not saying birthday wish. The tweet by the talented actor has become viral on social media. Mani Ratnam has directed Kamal Haasan in the classic hit film Nayakan. The duo is set to join hands together for another film, that's tentatively titled KH234 was announced in November last year. It will be produced by the three big production houses Red Giant Movies, Raj Kamal Films International and Madras Talkies. The film will also have music by Mozart of Madras A.R. Rahman. It is speculated that Trisha could play the female lead.

'Isaignani' Ilayaraaja also celebrates his birthday his 80th birthday today and Kamal Haasan penned a note in Tamil wishing his favourite music composer on his birthday.

BIRTHDAY SPECIAL: 'Isaignani' Ilayaraaja and Mani Ratnam combo ruled the 80's with many memorable films - Here's the complete list

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

Mani Ratnam is one of the leading filmmakers who is known across India. He is the director who took Tamil cinema to the next level and made people from across India turn ahead with his film Roja. His recent film two-part film Ponniyin Selvan is called his Magnum Opus and has been his dream to make the books written by Kalki around the Chola empire into film. He is celebrating his 67th birthday today.

Music composer 'Isaignani' Ilayaraaja is known for making films and revolutionizing the music industry. The celebrated composer Isaignani has worked in over 1000 films in various languages and is celebrating his 80th birthday today, Many members of the film fraternity had shared their wishes with him. Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja has worked together on a hand full of projects in the 1980s and 1990s. Here is a list of the projects they worked together:

Pallavi Anu Pallavi

The Kannada film marked the debut of Mani Ratnam as a director with Anil Kapoor in the lead role. He worked with Ilaiyaraja in the film.

Unaroo

The Malayalam film has Mohanlal in the lead role and marked the second collaboration of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja.

Pagal Nilavu

Pagal Nilavu marks the debut of Mani Ratnam in the Tamil film industry and he continued to work with Isaignani after the two film.

Idhaya Kovil

The filmmaker's debut of Ilayaraaja as lyrics and songs from the film were huge hit.

Mouna Raagam.

The album of Mouna Raagam is one of the most popular albums that is still heard by many of his fans in repeat mode. The film Mani Ratnam is remembered even now by many movie buffs as one of the classics in the romantic genre.

Nayakan.

Nayakan was the seventh collaboration of Mani Ratnam and Ilaiyaraaja. The film is celebrated as one of the trademarks of Tamil cinema and is celebrated by everyone.

Agni Natchathiram.

Agni Natchathiram was another commercial hit film by the hit combo released in 1988.

Geetanjali.

After his success in Tamil, The filmmakers and the composer duo did the Telugu film Geethanjali with Nagarjuna in the lead role.

Anjali

It marked the 500th film of Isaignani Ilayaraaja. The film was one of the pop-culture hits and was a family drama that connected well with the audience.

Thalapathi

Thalapathi would be one of the favourite albums for any Ilayaraaja fan and was a modern adaptation of the epic Mahabaratham by Mani Ratnam. It has Superstars Rajinikanth and Mammooty in the lead roles.

 

EXCLUSIVE: Sarath Kumar hints at how Mani Ratnam chose him for the Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar character in Ponniyin Selvan - says "It's like a hero role"

By | Galatta |
2024-01-24T12:43:00 +05:30 thug life shoot begins ulaga nayagan kamal haasan mani ratnam ar rahman - Movie Cinema News

Ponniyin Selvan is a recent blockbuster hit film that was released in theatres. The magnum Opus of Mani Ratnam had a huge cast that included Vikram, Karthi, Jayam Rvai, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sarath Kumar, Prathiban, Jayaram and others in important roles. Ponniyin Selvan 2 was one of the most anticipated films of the year that was released on April 28 and grossed over Rs.300 crores in a few weeks. The actor Sarath Kumar played the role of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar in the film which revolves around the Chola empire. The next film of the actor that's in line is titled Por Thozil

Actor Sarath Kumar sat down for an exclusive interview with the National Award-winning film critic Baradwaj Rangan, the editor-in-chief of Galatta Plus, and shared some exciting insights about his films over the years and about his upcoming project Por Thozhil. When the host asked about his decision to act in important supporting roles than doing just hero roles. The actor said the actor explained his decision to act in important character roles that will be talked about. He then said "when Mani sir's office called I did Vaanam Kottatum and it was a pivotal role and it's about how his children would react after his father is released from prison. During the shooting, Mani Ratnam sir came to the shooting four times, I thought why is he coming to the set this many times. Then, they thought for Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar's character, Sarath Kumar will be right, and they asked if I would do it". When asked if the director Mani Ratnam came to the shooting. The actor said when he was doing Dasarathan (1993) the director came to shoot once "four times continuously he came (during Vaanam Kottatum shoot), Normally I have never seen him in the spot. This Dhana was directing, I thought why sir was coming again and again, may be he was looking at me and saw the rushes and offered me that role. I wanted to play an important role in the film (Ponniyin Selvan)."

"Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar is a character that's talked about by everyone. Everyone will ask who is playing Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar because he is Nandini's husband. Here Nandhini is Aishwarya Rai, who is the heroine and so It was like a hero character. No just that. It was a pivotal role so I thought will act in it. Even Aditha Karikana will say 'I cannot win you in a war', so who is the hero. Even in the first scene with Karthi, he talks about the 64 scars from the war. Which means the character was legendary and huge and the only was he slipped in is beauty"  said the actor Sarath Kumar. Check out the full video: