Art can wait. India comes first: Kamal Haasan postpones ‘Thug Life’ audio launch-OxBig News Network

Actor Kamal Haasan
| Photo Credit: JOTHI RAMALINGAM B

The audio launch of Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life, scheduled to happen on May 16 in Chennai, has been postponed. “Art can wait. India comes first,” said a statement from Kamal Haasan, adding, “In view of the developments at our nation’s border and the current state of heightened alert, we have decided to reschedule the audio launch. As our soldiers stand firm on the frontlines with unflinching courage in defence of our motherland, I believe it is time for quiet solidarity, not celebration.”

The actor-producer, whose Raajkamal Films International is backing the film, added, “As citizens, it is our duty to respond with restraint and solidarity. Celebration must make way for reflection.” A few days ago, the actor had praised the Indian armed forces for Operation Sindoor, a major military operation carried out earlier in the day targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A new date for Thug Life’s audio launch will be announced by the makers later. The first single from this film (‘Jinguchaa’), which has music by AR Rahman, was launched amongst fanfare in April. The film is among the biggest projects this year because it marks the collaboration of two living legends of Tamil cinema – actor Kamal Haasan and director Mani Ratnam, who last came together for the classic Nayakan (1987).

Thug Life, said to be an action gangster drama, also stars Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Joju George, Ashok Selvan, Abhirami and a host of others. It is scheduled to hit screens on June 5.