KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) — The title of the Tamil film ‘Thug Life’, slated for release tomorrow, is inspired by the late American rapper Tupac Shakur’s redefinition of the term, says Indian actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan.
The 70-year-old who stars in and produces the film said it will explore deep questions of ethics, power and consequence rather than glorifying violence or crime.
“Tupac redefined the term ‘Thug Life’. What was once used to humiliate others (has evolved into something else)… people now say — ‘That’s so thug’ — when someone does something smart,” he said at a press conference here on Saturday during the film’s promotional event.
Tupac, widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential rappers of all time, was a best-selling artiste with over 75 million records sold globally. He was known for lyrics that tackled social injustice and political issues.
Kamal Haasan said his new film will explore two interpretations — the literal lives of thugs and a broader analysis of their choices and the systems surrounding them.
“It will question whether their work is ethical, what consequences come from it and whether it’s right to feel proud of that as the film explores different aspects of that life,” said the three-time Indian National Film Award winner.
Originally conceived as a bilingual project titled ‘Amar Hai’, with the script penned by Kamal Haasan, the film was later taken up by acclaimed Indian director Mani Ratnam, who brought his own interpretation to the project. ‘Thug Life’ marks Kamal Hassan and Mani Ratnam’s first collaboration in 38 years since the iconic 1987 Tamil film ‘Nayakan’.
When asked if any of his past unrealised film projects might still be revived, Kamal Haasan said such decisions must be made with careful consideration.
“As the film industry, which I consider my family, is large, I must take into account the advice of those I respect as brothers, especially when they invest (in my projects) as producers.
“Their financial safety matters, and that is why I cannot attempt to materialise every vision or dream I have,” he said, referring to the substantial investment required for such large-scale productions.
Speaking about his long-pending magnum opus ‘Marudhanayagam’, he said only about 30 minutes of the film’s footage had been completed, and reviving the film would demand a fresh creative approach.
“Even if we take the Hollywood route, we still need at least one and a half hours more.
“But you can’t compress a film like that as it’s a big one, so we have to shoot it again and make sure it fits with current trends,” he said.
‘Marudhanayagam’, a historical epic set during the British colonial era, was launched in 1997 with much fanfare but production work ceased soon after due to various problems.
Kamal Haasan, meanwhile, recalled fond memories of his past shoots in Malaysia.
“We shot here years ago when my friend (legendary Indian actor) Rajinikanth and I came and filmed a song, with half of it shot in Singapore and the other half in Malaysia. I’ve been here (Malaysia) so many times that, as much as I have fans, I also have many friends in both Malaysia and Singapore,” he said.
‘Thug Life’, which also stars Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Abhirami, Ashok Selvan and Joju George, will be distributed in Malaysia by DMY Creations.
— BERNAMA