Will Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam Reunite? The 'Thug Life' director breaks the silence on the possibility

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who is gearing up for the release of Thug Life with Kamal Haasan, recently addressed the long-standing curiosity about a potential reunion with superstar Rajinikanth. Their iconic collaboration on 'Thalapathi' (1991) remains a cinematic benchmark.

Speaking to News18, Mani Ratnam kept the door open for a future team-up but didn’t make any promises. “I think you should ask Rajini sir,” he said, smiling. “You never know. After 'Thug Life,' I’m planning a break. I have four scripts floating in my head, but none are locked yet. If they don’t work out, that might be it,” he added, leaving fans with hope and intrigue.

A nostalgic look at 'Thalapathi'

For those who came in late, 'Thalapathi' was a celebrated reimagining of the Karna-Duryodhana bond from the Mahabharata, featuring Rajinikanth as Surya, an orphan with a golden heart raised in the slums.

His bond with gangster Deva (played by Mammootty) becomes the emotional backbone of the story, further complicated by the arrival of a principled district collector who shares a hidden bloodline with Surya. The film also marked the debut of Arvind Swamy and featured Ilaiyaraaja’s unforgettable score.

'Thug Life' promises a gritty comeback for Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan

Currently, Mani Ratnam is in the spotlight for 'Thug Life,' his much-awaited gangster drama starring Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan TR, and a star-studded ensemble.

The film revolves around Rangaraaya Sakthivel Naicker (Haasan), an aging don who grooms his foster son Amaran to succeed him—only to be betrayed. Presumed dead, Sakthivel rises once again, seeking vengeance and redemption.See More: ‘Thug Life’ early review: Kamal Haasan & Mani Ratnam's film is a 'cult classic' with goosebumps inducing scenes

Rajinikanth gears up for 'Coolie'

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also set to return to theatres with 'Coolie,' directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, slated for release on August 14, 2025. With both legends active and delivering ambitious projects, fans remain hopeful that another Rajinikanth–Mani Ratnam classic might just be a matter of time.