“It feels like a dream. Generally, when we watch Mani sir’s movies, we want to be a part of his films…Rahman sir, his music and Kamal sir, who is my on screen guru. But all of them together in one film is a surreal experience.”
“When we were shooting, it was very tough to go and perform in front of them….They will be standing together and talking, you won’t know what to know in between. I have always seen his films and grown up. But to act next to him was a great moment,” Silambarasan said.
Trisha, who collaborated with Ratnam for the two-part epic Ponniyin Selvan, said the two stalwarts of Indian cinema have a “certain aura” around them.
“You’re always a little bit awestruck…What I admire and respect about both of them and I’ve had the privilege to do three films with each of them…They make sure they burst that bubble (of being awestruck with them).
There’s a comfort that I probably share with Mani sir and Kamal sir that I may not actually share with a fellow contemporary also because they make sure they burst that bubble.
“We do so much of rehearsals, homework and to be very honest with the body of work I’ve done, when I have worked with Mani sir and Kamal sir, these are the films I think I have spent more rehearsal days than shooting days (sic).”
“On the set, there was no “hierarchy” between the artists, she said.
“Even if there is a child, Kamal sir will make sure he tutors them and helps them do what they’re supposed to do. We have this backup when we come on set, everything becomes so much easier for us. They’re legendary for many reasons but this is one reason that has always stood out for me,” she added.
Thug Life is jointly produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies, Raaj Kamal Films International and Ratnam’s Madras Talkies.
The film, which is scheduled to be released in theatres countrywide on June 5, will also feature Ashok Selvan, Abhirami, Nassar, Joju George, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sanya Malhotra and Ali Fazal.
