Did Silambarasan ever come late to Mani Ratnam’s 'Thug Life' shoot? Here's what he has to say

Director Mani Ratnam’s highly anticipated action-drama Thug Life is set to hit theatres on June 5, bringing together two generations of Tamil cinema, Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan for the very first time on screen. Featuring music by A.R. Rahman, the film has already created massive buzz. Both Kamal and Simbu recently spoke about their admiration for Mani Ratnam and shared memorable behind-the-scenes experiences from the shoot during the latest promotional interview conducted by the makers.
Silambarasan clears the air: "I'm not scared, I just respect Mani sir."
Silambarasan, known for his spontaneous personality and sometimes erratic shooting schedules, candidly addressed the widespread perception of his tardiness. In the promotional interview, he stated, “Many people ask why I’m never late to Mani sir’s shoots, whether it’s because he’s strict or I’m scared. But the truth is, I’m not scared of him. I just deeply respect him. I’ve never once arrived late to his set.” Simbu added that working with a filmmaker like Mani Ratnam brings out the best in him and admitted that had he collaborated with more such directors in his career, he would have acted in many more films. “Cinema is everything to me. I don’t know anything beyond it. I love it,” he said, emotionally.
Silambarasan reveals the secret behind his discipline on Mani Ratnam’s set
Silambarasan also emphasized how Mani Ratnam’s clarity and discipline on set make a huge difference. “When a director comes prepared and sticks to time, the whole team follows that energy. Mani sir never changes things on the spot. That kind of professionalism is rare, and it keeps me fully focused,” he said. Known for his emotional connection with cinema, Simbu’s reflection revealed a more grounded and mature side of the actor.
Kamal Haasan joins in: "Anjar Mani Ratnam" and his influence on cinema passion
Kamal Haasan, too, shared his own insights during the event, praising Mani Ratnam’s dedication and punctuality. He affectionately called the director “Anjar Mani Ratnam,” referring to his habit of arriving on set by 5:30 AM, setting the tone for the entire crew. Both stars acknowledged how working with such a visionary reignites their passion for cinema.