Legendary megastar Kamal Haasan is all set and gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated pan-India film Thug Life. The film marks his grand reunion with veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

Today, on the occasion of Mani Ratnam’s birthday, Kamal Haasan took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle to share a heartfelt birthday wish for the maestro, accompanied by an endearing monochromatic photograph. In the black-and-white picture, Kamal Haasan is seen bending toward a table, while Mani Ratnam is seated comfortably on a couch chair—both flashing their million-dollar smiles.

In his touching message, Kamal Haasan reflected on their deep-rooted bond and decades-long collaboration, writing:

“Happy Birthday, Mani Ratnam. From Nayakan to Thug Life, we’ve journeyed through time together — as colleagues, family, co-dreamers, and above all, as lifelong students of cinema. Through every chapter, your presence has been a source of strength — a mind I turn to in moments of doubt, and a soul deeply attuned to the language of film like few others. May your stories keep unfolding, for with every frame, your vision brings depth, beauty, and meaning to cinema. Forever your friend, Kamal Haasan.”

Produced by Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films International, Mani Ratnam’s Madras Talkies, R. Mahendran, and Siva Ananth, Thug Life boasts a stellar ensemble cast. Kamal Haasan leads the film as Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker, alongside Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Sanya Malhotra, and Rohit Saraf, among others.

With Mani Ratnam at the helm and A.R. Rahman composing the music, Thug Life is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2025.