Thug Life, one of the most eagerly awaited Tamil films of the year, continues to stir excitement with the release of its second single, “Sugar Baby”. The track features Trisha Krishnan in a bold and glamorous avatar, grooving to AR Rahman’s vibrant composition, and has swiftly become a fan favourite.
The lyrical video showcases Trisha draped in a striking white saree paired with a matching choker, exuding confidence and elegance. Her performance is both sultry and energetic as she dances in sync with background performers. The visuals are intercut with glimpses of Kamal Haasan, offering a peek into their on-screen chemistry, while some action-packed frames featuring Silambarasan TR (STR) also make a brief appearance.
Yet, what truly grabs attention is Trisha’s unexpected English rap segment and her audacious dance moves—marking a fresh and daring shift in her screen persona. Fans were quick to react on social media, with comments like “No one can replace Trisha’s dance” and “Trisha is a majestic queen” flooding platforms.
“Sugar Baby” is composed by Oscar-winner AR Rahman, who also co-wrote the lyrics alongside Siva Ananth. The track features a multilingual flair, with the rap segment performed by Shuba, while the main vocals are delivered by Alexandra Joy, Shuba, and Sarath Santhosh. Music supervision credits go to Nakul Abhyankar and Prashanth Venkat, ensuring a seamless fusion of genres and cultures.
This new single comes after the successful release of Jinguchaa, an upbeat track set against a festive wedding backdrop. That video featured Silambarasan TR and Sanya Malhotra in high spirits, dancing amid vibrant celebrations, while Kamal Haasan was seen joining in the festivities with his trademark charm. Sanya’s energetic performance in Jinguchaa drew applause, especially from fans impressed by her Tamil debut.
Meanwhile, at the recent pre-release event held in Mumbai, the actress addressed the age-gap criticism with grace and confidence. Shutting down the chatter surrounding their pairing, Trisha emphasized that the chemistry she shares with Kamal Haasan on screen felt powerful from the very beginning.
Reflecting on her decision to join the film, Trisha shared, “I think that’s something I knew when they announced the film, and I had not even signed it yet. That’s when I thought, wow—this is magic. And I wasn’t even part of it at that point.”
Her remarks hinted at a deeper appreciation for the film’s vision and the creative energy behind it, rather than dwelling on superficial concerns.
Trisha also expressed her admiration for witnessing two cinematic powerhouses—director Mani Ratnam and actor Kamal Haasan—work in unison. She Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thug Life marks his first collaboration with Kamal Haasan in 36 years, after their cult classic Nayakan. With a powerful ensemble cast, including Trisha and STR, and AR Rahman crafting the music, the film has already garnered massive buzz—even ahead of its theatrical release.
Kamal Haasan Sparked the idea behind Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life, says the director
In a candid interaction with the media during a recent promotional event in Mumbai, acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam revealed that the genesis of his upcoming project “Thug Life” was rooted in his long-standing relationship with legendary actor Kamal Haasan.
“The first thing that came was Kamal Haasan, and then Thug Life came in. So, it started from there,” Ratnam shared, explaining how the idea for the film was inspired by Haasan himself.
Reflecting on their early days, Ratnam recalled how a shared love for cinema laid the foundation for their creative collaboration. “He was a person I admired, and I liked the way he spoke. We became friends, part of a circle that only discussed films—never gossip. That’s where it all began,” he said. He also reminisced about visiting film sets in Mumbai during the making of Nayakan, noting how they would eagerly watch other filmmakers work, driven by pure passion for cinema.
Music maestro A.R. Rahman, who reunites with Ratnam for this project, also opened up about the creative process behind the film’s score. He described experimenting with various melodies and sounds before settling on the track used in the teaser, which stood out for its intensity and uniqueness.
Rahman revealed that a key element of the score is a haunting vocal rendered in an unfamiliar language. “There’s something very evocative about it—it adds a layer of mystery that the whole team loved,” he noted.
The promotional event saw the core team—Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam, and A.R. Rahman—joined by cast members including Silambarasan TR, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, and Ashok Selvan. The ensemble reflected the scale and ambition of the project. Commenting on assembling such a high-profile cast and crew, Ratnam stated, “The scale of the film is dictated by the story. You go where the story takes you. It’s always a pleasure—and a great help—when you have the right people. I’ve been lucky to have the best.”
Kamal Haasan, who serves as actor, writer, and producer for Thug Life, emphasized that the most fulfilling part of the process was collaborating with Ratnam. “The most exciting part was working with him. Everything else fell into place naturally,” he said.
Haasan also reflected on his early impression of Ratnam, revealing a personal connection that predates their professional collaborations. “I first knew him as a friend in the neighborhood. I didn’t even realize he came from a film family,” Haasan recalled.
