Nayakan to Thug Life: A new chapter for an iconic duo

‘Nayakan’ was an iconic cult film for more reasons than one. The 1987 movie not only brought together two legends of Indian cinema — Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam — but also continues to remain a touchstone for gangster dramas, inspiring a generation of filmmakers with its authentic portrayal of the anti-hero archetype.

Thirty-eight years after ‘Nayakan’, which stormed into theatres and ran for more than 200 days, Kamal and Mani Ratnam are back with another magnum opus: ‘Thug Life’. ‘Nayakan’ was loosely based on the life of gangster Varadaraja Mudaliar, who ruled the slums of Mumbai’s Dharavi.

The character played by Kamal in ‘Thug Life’, Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickar, has already led to speculation about whether it is a sequel to ‘Nayakan’ due to its resemblance to the 1987 film’s lead role, the filmmakers have remained tight-lipped about the plot. It will be revealed only on June 5 when the film hits theatres worldwide.

“Not at all. We were very conscious not to let ‘Thug Life’ carry even a shade of ‘Nayakan’. It’s an entirely new world,” Kamal said at an event promoting the film.

‘Nayakan’ was not just a runaway success. It also showcased how two talented film personalities, staying true to their own styles, could craft a movie that is both commercially viable and critically acclaimed for its craftsmanship.

Velu Naicker, the protagonist of ‘Nayakan’, who transforms from a street fighter into a full-blown gangster, rivalling and decimating the established dons in erstwhile Bombay city, was a defining moment in Mani Ratnam’s film career. It catapulted Kamal to new heights in Indian cinema.

The movie also featured the inimitable talent of Ilaiyaraaja, whose ‘Thenpandi cheemayile’ is still hummed by millions. It is one of Kamal’s favourite numbers. Everytime he shares the stage with the master, the song is sure to be performed by them.

‘Thug Life’ features Oscar Award-winning composer A R Rahman and marks the comeback of playback singer Chinmayi to Tamil cinema. She was “shadow banned” following her accusations of sexual harassment against renowned lyricist Vairamuthu. 

The duo, who are close friends and relatives — Mani Ratnam’s wife Suhasini, a well-known actor and director, is Kamal’s niece (from his eldest brother Charuhasan, also a well-known actor) — have always maintained that they would come together to make a film when the time was right.

They came close to doing so in 2002, but things didn’t work out, after which Kamal delivered ‘Virumaandi’. It was a gory village drama that spoke about violence in the southern parts of Tamil Nadu.

It was Mani Ratnam’s epic movie ‘Ponniyin Selvan: 1’ that brought them together again. Kamal lent his voice for the film’s narration.

Though they didn’t work together for nearly four decades, Mani Ratnam and Kamal’s respect for each other’s artistry has only grown.

The film’s title — ‘Thug Life’ — did cause consternation among Mani Ratnam’s die-hard fans, as the ace director had always given Tamil names to his movies. Mani Ratnam himself solved the mystery by revealing that it was Kamal who gave the name, and he simply put his seal of approval.

“I felt ‘Thug Life’ was apt,” Mani Ratnam said at one of the movie’s promotional events. The director added that he felt the name would instantly connect with the new generation of moviegoers. “We are Gen-Z; it felt right,” he added. 

True to his vintage style, Kamal travelled the length and breadth of India to promote the film and even landed in controversy over his statement that Tamil was the mother of Kannada. The film now faces a boycott in Karnataka.

Kamal, who maintains that he has a long way to go as an artiste, says ‘Thug Life’ will be different from ‘Nayakan’ since he has matured over the last four decades, with age instilling in him a deeper understanding of issues and life experiences sharpening his instincts. 

Always a “proud student” of cinema, Kamal said ‘Thug Life’ is a good film that will reflect modern-day realities. “I am not a box office pundit, but I know this much. We have made a good film, and I hope the audience celebrates it just as much,” he added.

Bankrolled by Raaj Kamal Films, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Pictures, the film was officially announced in November 2022 under the tentative title ‘Kamal Haasan 234’, with shooting taking place in Chennai, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, New Delhi, and parts of north India. The film is set to release in 3,000-plus screens across the globe.

For ‘Nayakan’, Mani Ratnam did meet Varadaraja Mudaliar, and what transpired at the meeting led to the climax scene.

“We went to his house to meet him. His people gave me dosa and chutney while Varadaraja Mudaliar kept talking about the police and his life. When I finished eating, I got an idea on how ‘Nayakan’ should end,” Mani Ratnam had said in an interview, reminiscing about his experiences making the 1987 film.

An ever-learner, Kamal is still not content with what he has achieved in life. “There is still a long way to go and what matters is not what you leave behind in terms of wealth, but the legacy attached to your name,” he said in a promotional event.

Will ‘Thug Life’ be another ‘Nayakan’ and inspire another generation of filmmakers? The jury is still out.