Ali Fazal makes south Indian cinema debut in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Thug Life’ with Kamal Haasan.

Popular Bollywood actor Ali Fazal is all set to begin an exciting new journey in his acting career. He is joining the cast of ‘Thug Life’, a much-awaited pan-India film directed by the legendary Mani Ratnam. The film is led by iconic actor Kamal Haasan and includes a star-studded cast from both South and Hindi cinema. Set for a grand release on June 5, Thug Life will be available in five languages: Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada — making it a true nationwide film.

This marks Ali Fazal’s debut in South Indian cinema, and he couldn’t be more excited. For him, taking this role was an easy decision. “Some opportunities in life come with so much clarity that you just know they will change your path,” Ali said. “When you get a call from someone like Mani Ratnam, you don’t think twice. He’s not just a filmmaker — his name stands for legacy, powerful emotions, and timeless stories.”

The actor is especially thrilled to be working with Kamal Haasan, a name that commands respect across Indian cinema. Speaking about the experience, Ali said, “Being part of a Mani Ratnam film and sharing screen space with someone as iconic as Kamal Haasan — that doesn’t happen every day. It’s a dream come true.”

Thug Life is shaping up to be a massive project. It brings together creative minds and talent from all over India. According to Ali, this kind of collaboration between regional and national film industries is exactly what Indian cinema needs right now. “It’s a huge film with artists from every corner of the country. I’ve always wanted to be a part of that kind of unity in cinema,” he added.

Ali Fazal has already built a strong fan base with his roles in Mirzapur, the Fukrey series, and international films like Victoria & Abdul and Death on the Nile. He is known for his versatility and strong screen presence. Fans are eager to see how he brings his unique style and energy into Mani Ratnam’s world in Thug Life.

His entry into South Indian cinema is not just a personal achievement — it’s part of a larger trend where actors are crossing regional boundaries to collaborate on meaningful projects. This helps Indian cinema grow stronger as a whole, bringing together audiences from different parts of the country.

Ali ended by saying, “I feel truly honoured to be part of this universe. Mani Ratnam’s storytelling is something I’ve admired for years, and working with this incredible team is something I’ll always cherish.”

With a powerful director, a legendary lead actor, a talented cast, and a story that aims to speak to all of India, Thug Life is expected to be one of the biggest releases of the year. And with Ali Fazal stepping into South Indian cinema for the first time, fans have even more reason to watch out for this exciting film on June 5.

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