‘Jinguchaa’ from Thug Life Unveiled: Kamal Haasan & Mani Ratnam’s Gangster Saga Gears Up for June Release

The excitement around Thug Life, the upcoming gangster action-drama directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam and headlined by Kamal Haasan, just got a major boost. The first single from the film, titled ‘Jinguchaa’, was launched today (April 18) at a glitzy event in Chennai, grabbing the spotlight across the Tamil film industry and beyond.

With music by the Oscar-winning A.R. Rahman, who once again joins hands with Ratnam in their long-standing creative partnership, the track features lyrics penned by Kamal Haasan himself—marking his involvement in multiple layers of this cinematic project.

Reuniting nearly 37 years after their iconic collaboration in Nayakan (1987), Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan have co-written Thug Life, a film that promises intense action, layered storytelling, and a massive ensemble cast. Joining Haasan in this grand narrative are stars like Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, and Nassar.

Production began in January 2024, covering an array of Indian locations including Chennai, New Delhi, Pondicherry, and Kanchipuram, as well as international settings such as Serbia and other parts of Europe. Acclaimed stunt duo Anbariv has choreographed the film’s action, while celebrated cinematographer Ravi K. Chandran handles the visual aesthetic.

Initially known as Kamal Haasan 234, the film’s official title, Thug Life, was revealed in November 2023—notably making it the first Mani Ratnam film with an English title, a break from his tradition of using regional names.

Despite facing some delays due to Haasan’s political commitments and a brief pause following an on-set injury to Joju George, filming was completed by late 2024. A teaser released in May 2024, featuring Silambarasan, had already stirred buzz among fans.

Jointly produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, Thug Life is now gearing up for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5—a date that fans of both Haasan and Ratnam are eagerly marking on their calendars.