Trisha Krishnan on working with Mani Ratnam on Thug Life: “When you come on set, it’s actually a breeze”

The actor opened up about her experience collaborating with the veteran director for the upcoming film starring Kamal Haasan.

By Bollywood Hungama News Network -

May 29, 2025 - 5:34 PM IST

Trisha Krishnan has once again joined hands with acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam for Thug Life, and in a recent interview, she offered insight into the disciplined and rehearsed nature of his directorial process. Speaking with Galatta, the actor reflected on how thorough preparation turns Mani Ratnam’s shoots into efficient and well-coordinated experiences.

Trisha Krishnan on working with Mani Ratnam on Thug Life: “When you come on set, it’s actually a breeze”

When asked how she manages the intensity of a Mani Ratnam set, Trisha responded, “The shooting time is very jolly because he rehearses a lot. He gets you through the whole process, where when you come on set, it’s actually a breeze.” Trisha noted that the real work happens well before the camera rolls. “For me, the shooting days I’m talking about was just playing dress up. When I went on set… robot is a wrong word—it sounds very mechanical. But I knew exactly what to do because that’s how many times we rehearsed.”

The actor also pointed out how the pandemic allowed more time to engage with the script and better understand the character she was portraying. “We all had scripts which we could read and study. That’s what is called a text prompt,” she said, acknowledging the clarity Ratnam provides to his cast. “There’s a certain confidence I have,” she continued. “I don’t have to go on set ever and wonder what to do. He already told me. He told me 2–3 months back.” Trisha further compared Mani Ratnam’s process to that of her Thug Life co-star Kamal Haasan. “Kamal sir is another such person who works like that,” she said, referencing his reputation for thorough preparation.

Thug Life, which marks a significant collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, is set against an intense narrative backdrop. The film also stars Silambarasan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, and Trisha Krishnan. Produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies, the film is slated for a theatrical release on June 5, 2025. With high expectations surrounding the project, Trisha’s comments offer a closer look into the working style of one of Indian cinema’s most respected directors.

Also Read: Thug Life: Ali Fazal calls Kamal Haasan a global icon of storytelling; says, “To share the screen with is an honour”