Mumbai – Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan has heaped praise on his Thug Life co-star Ali Fazal, calling him a “brilliant and significant actor.” Haasan shared that he was highly impressed with Fazal’s performance in the 2023 Vishal Bhardwaj-directed espionage thriller Khufiya, which left a lasting impression on him.
Speaking at a promotional event for Thug Life, Haasan said,
“I saw Ali Fazal in Khufiya, and I was deeply impressed. Since then, I had hoped to work with him. Mani Ratnam made that possible. Ali is one of India’s most significant and outstanding actors.”
Overwhelmed by the legendary actor’s praise, Ali Fazal expressed his gratitude and called it a dream come true moment.
“Receiving such appreciation from Kamal Sir means the world to me. It’s something I’ll always cherish. He is not just an icon of Indian cinema, but a global symbol of storytelling and art. Sharing screen space with him in Thug Life is an honor I never imagined. Being welcomed with such warmth is truly like living a dream,” Fazal said.
About Thug Life
Produced under Kamal Haasan’s home banner Raj Kamal Films International, in collaboration with Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies, R. Mahendran, and Shiv Ananth, Thug Life is one of the most awaited films of the year. Haasan plays the central role of Rangaraya Shaktivel Nayakar, a character that promises intensity and grit.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf. Thug Life marks a grand reunion for Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after their iconic 1987 film Nayakan.
The film is slated for a theatrical release on June 5, 2025.
Fazal’s Upcoming Projects
Ali Fazal, known for his versatile performances in both Indian and international cinema, has a packed lineup. Besides Thug Life, he will also be seen in Anurag Basu’s upcoming film Metro… In Dino. He is currently filming for Rakt Brahmand, a highly anticipated project directed by Rahi Anil Barve and produced by Raj & DK. The ensemble cast also includes Aditya Roy Kapur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Wamiqa Gabbi.
With seasoned veterans praising his craft and multiple high-profile projects in the pipeline, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Ali Fazal.
