At the audio launch of the upcoming film Thug Life, actor Silambarasan, also known as Simbu or STR, delivered a deeply emotional speech, addressing past controversies and expressing gratitude to key figures in his life and career. The event, held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Sai Ram Engineering College in Chennai, saw Simbu moved to tears as he thanked his parents and acknowledged the guidance of Kamal Haasan.
Simbu's speech was punctuated by moments of raw honesty and vulnerability. He began by expressing his appreciation to Madras Talkies, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, and Mahendran from Raaj Kamal International. He then extended heartfelt thanks to his co-stars and reserved a special portion of his speech for A.R. Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Kamal Haasan.
Addressing Rahman, Simbu alluded to past difficulties, including the controversy surrounding his "Beep song," a period he described as "harrowing." He thanked Rahman for his continued support, noting that Rahman gave him his first chance as a singer and that he has sung 150 songs in many languages because of him.
Simbu shared an emotional anecdote about director Mani Ratnam, recalling his childhood disappointment at not being cast in Ratnam's film Anjali. He spoke of a time when producers were skeptical of working with him, even suggesting a "red card" might be issued against him. It was during this uncertain period that Mani Ratnam offered him a role, a gesture Simbu said he would never forget. He revealed that Mani Ratnam narrated every story to him after Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, but he couldn't be part of Ponniyin Selvan. He added, "When 'Thug Life' was once again offered to me and I knew it had Kamal Haasan sir, I did it. Mani sir is like my godfather and guru too. I am thankful to him for giving me this role."
He also expressed his admiration for Joju George, an actor he said he was "very jealous of" after watching Iratta and recognizing George's skill in playing dual roles. He further acknowledged Ali Fazal, expressing his desire to work with him after noticing him in Vishal Bharadwaj's film.
Simbu also addressed the controversies that have plagued his career. In May 2024, producer Ishari K. Ganesh filed a complaint against Simbu's casting in Thug Life, citing a "red card" allegedly issued by the Tamil Film Producers Council due to Simbu's prior commitment to Ganesh's film Corona Kumar. Simbu denied the existence of a red card. At the event, Simbu thanked Kamal Haasan for being a guiding light, expressing, "Sir, I see you as a guiding light for all future endeavors." He also promised to work hard and make both Haasan and Mani Ratnam proud.
Simbu concluded his speech by thanking his loyal fans. He acknowledged their unwavering support and promised to make them proud with Thug Life, which he sees as a new beginning. He pledged to ensure his films would not be delayed, expressing gratitude for the "good hearts" among his fans.
The Thug Life audio launch wasn't just about Simbu. Trisha Krishnan spoke of her honor in working with Mani Ratnam, Kamal Haasan and A. R. Rahman. Unexpectedly, singer Chinmayi made a rare appearance at a Tamil film event, performing the "Muththa Mazhai" song.
Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam and co-written with Kamal Haasan, is scheduled for release on June 5, 2025. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Kamal Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, and Nassar. The film marks the reunion of Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam after their 1987 film Nayakan.
