‘Thug Life’ director Mani Ratnam calls Mollywood the best industry today: “It’s setting the bar high”

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam, known for cinematic classics like ‘Thalapathi’, ‘Nayakan’ and many more, has heaped praise on the Malayalam film industry, calling it the “best industry in current times.”In a recent conversation with Manorama News, the director admired the consistent rise of talent and strong writing emerging from Mollywood, stating that the industry is “setting the bar high” for others to follow.Thug Life Movie Review“The writers are fantastic, and newer talents keep coming up with amazing films,” Mani Ratnam said, expressing admiration for Mollywood's ability to remain fresh and innovative. He emphasized that Malayalam cinema continues to inspire other industries with its creativity and strong narratives.Mani Ratnam also spoke about his collaboration with Kamal Haasan, decades after Nayakan. Despite the long gap between that film and the recently released ‘Thug Life’, he said the time didn't feel distant. “I’ve always kept up with his films and our interactions. Even though there was a long gap, I’ve been in touch and it doesn’t feel like a big break,” he said, adding that he remains grateful for the trust Kamal Haasan placed in him during ‘Nayakan’.See More: Thug Life Movie Review and Release Live Updates: Kamal Haasan-STR starrer nears release as buzz builds around high-octane first half‘Thug Life’, which hit theatres on June 5, is already sparking strong buzz online. Twitter is flooded with first-half reactions praising the film’s visual aesthetics, A.R. Rahman’s pulsating score, and Silambarasan TR’s explosive performance. While Kamal Haasan’s performance has been described as regal and composed, it is STR who many feel lights up the screen with unmatched energy. The film’s interval block has been termed a “mass blast” and a “paisa vasool” moment for fans.