Kamal Haasan postponed the audio launch of his film Thug Life, originally scheduled for May 16, 2025, due to heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. In a statement, Haasan emphasized national solidarity, saying, “Art can wait. India comes first,” and expressed support for the Indian armed forces, noting that celebrations should be deferred for reflection during this period of conflict. The new date for the audio launch will be announced later. Directed by Mani Ratnam, Thug Life is a gangster drama set for theatrical release on June 5, 2025, marking Haasan’s reunion with Ratnam after their 1987 film Nayakan. The decision reflects a broader trend, as other celebrities, including Salman Khan and Arijit Singh, also canceled or postponed events amid the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, which escalated after India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Kamal Haasan Postpones Thug Life Audio Launch Amid India-Pakistan Tensions
Chennai, May 10, 2025 – Veteran actor and filmmaker Kamal Haasan has deferred the highly anticipated audio launch of his upcoming film Thug Life, originally slated for May 16, 2025, citing the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack. The attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, in Jammu and Kashmir, claimed 26 lives, predominantly tourists, and triggered a series of military engagements, including India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
In a heartfelt statement, Haasan expressed solidarity with the nation, stating, “Art can wait. India comes first. At this moment of national crisis, we stand with our armed forces and the people of India. Celebrations can be postponed as we reflect on the challenges our country faces.” He further conveyed condolences to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and urged unity, emphasizing that the audio launch would be rescheduled at a more appropriate time. The new date will be announced later, according to the film’s production house, Raaj Kamal Films International.
Thug Life, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, is a period gangster drama featuring a stellar cast, including Silambarasan TR, Trisha, Abhirami, Nassar, and Ali Fazal. The film marks a significant reunion between Haasan and Ratnam, whose 1987 classic Nayakan remains a landmark in Indian cinema. With music composed by A.R. Rahman, the audio launch was expected to be a grand event, but the ongoing conflict has prompted a somber pause. The film is still on track for its theatrical release on June 5, 2025.
The decision reflects a broader sentiment in the Indian entertainment industry, as other prominent figures, including Salman Khan and Arijit Singh, have also canceled or postponed events in response to the crisis. The India-Pakistan conflict, intensified by retaliatory strikes and unverified claims of downed aircraft, has heightened national sensitivity, with both nations urged by global powers to de-escalate to avoid a broader conflict in the volatile region.
Haasan’s move has been widely appreciated by fans and industry peers, who see it as a gesture of responsibility and patriotism. Social media platforms, including X, have seen an outpouring of support, with users praising the actor’s decision to prioritize national unity over promotional activities. As India navigates this turbulent period, Thug Life’s postponement underscores the intersection of art, duty, and solidarity in times of crisis.
