May 25, 2025: Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has opened up about Tamil cinema’s absence from the coveted ₹1000 crore club, highlighting the industry’s evolving priorities and the delicate balance between commerce and creativity.
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In a recent interview with YouTube channel Gobinath, Ratnam reflected on the current state of filmmaking. “Why are we making films? Is it just because we want to make a high-yielding movie or a film that is authentic and, to an extent, a good film?” he asked. The Ponniyin Selvan director lamented the growing obsession with box office numbers, noting that in the past, movies were more often judged by their quality rather than their commercial success. “It used to be whether a movie was good, bad, or average. Now, it’s too much about collections,” he added.
Ratnam also addressed the concern that creative expression could be stifled by the pressures of commercial success. He expressed hope that Tamil cinema would never reach a point where artistic boundaries are compromised solely for financial gain.
The director is currently gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated gangster drama Thug Life, which hits theatres on June 5, 2025. The film, co-written with lead actor Kamal Haasan, marks another ambitious collaboration between the two icons of Indian cinema.
Set in the underworld, Thug Life explores the strained relationship between Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, a presumed-dead gangster, and his adopted son Amaran, who has taken over the criminal empire. As the father returns seeking revenge, the film sets the stage for an intense and emotional confrontation.
The film also features a powerhouse ensemble cast, including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, and Pankaj Tripathi.
With Thug Life, Ratnam not only returns to his roots in gritty storytelling but also reignites the conversation around the creative direction and potential of Tamil cinema on a global scale.