The Thug Life audio launch was a grand event—graced by distinguished guests, celebrated technicians, and even a special guest from Karnataka. The atmosphere was electric, with hundreds of fans hooting and cheering, all eagerly awaiting the release of Thug Life. And rightfully so—this is one of the most anticipated films in recent times. After all, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam are collaborating again after Nayakan, a critically acclaimed masterpiece that released nearly 38 years ago.
Although I wasn’t physically present at the audio launch, and I’m not connected to the film in any official capacity, I still feel deeply involved. I am the general audience—the one who has been waiting since the moment this film was announced. And why? Because of one person: Mani Ratnam.
Ever since Guru, I’ve made it a tradition to watch every Mani Ratnam film on the day of its release. From my student days to now, as a working professional, that ritual has never changed. It has become a part of my identity—this joy of walking into a theatre, joining a community of fans, and immersing myself in the cinematic experience. I’m not just a fan; I’m someone who can quote Mani Ratnam’s dialogues, who can discuss the nuances of a single shot for hours. Cinema has always been more than entertainment to me—it’s emotion, it’s connection, it’s celebration.
And yet, today, I feel deprived.
I’ve followed every update about Thug Life, read every article, watched every interview. I’ve been excited about the trailer, the music releases—building the film in my mind, waiting eagerly to see how it unfolds on screen. But now, due to political tensions and conflicting narratives, I find myself denied the simple joy of watching it in my own state, Karnataka.
Everyone talks about freedom of speech and expression—we’re told we live in a democratic country. But what about my right to be an audience? What about my right to watch a film that was made, presumably, for people like me?
This is a conflict I do not fully understand—nor do I wish to, because it seems to be between individuals and groups, rooted in politics and perception. But art should transcend all of that. Art should take the front seat. It speaks to our shared humanity, not to our divides.
If this movie was truly made for the audience, then it is the filmmaker’s responsibility to ensure it reaches us. And right now, I feel ignored, unseen. I live in Karnataka, and this movie isn’t releasing here—on the day it matters the most to me. That hurts. It hurts deeply.
Why should political views take precedence over artistic expression? Why is no one talking about the disappointment and helplessness of the general public, of fans like me? Is it ego? Is it righteousness? I don’t know. But the end result is the same: I am deprived.
I’m not here to criticize anyone’s actions. I just want to say that I’m a simple person, a passionate movie lover, and I feel left behind. And that, too, is a problem—one that deserves to be acknowledged.
Firstly I didn't knew that you love movies so much. In fact, I too love watching movies so very much. I am too a very big Mani-Ratnam fan. Dil Se, Guru, Yuva and before that Bombay, Roza all these were master piece. Mani Ratnam deserve to be watched in Movie hall. In fact till date i haven't watched any of his movies in Cinema hall. But Don't worry about the politics much. you want to watch a movie, two options: 1 tamilrockers. 2. OTT. These days who spend 5 hours to go to a Cinema hall to watch a movie. Your time is expensive now-a-days. May be around 10-15k per day?. Not only that, people pref. to watch movies at 1.1/1.2 speed on OTT platforms to avoid unsolicited drama.
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