Thug Life actress Abhirami breaks silence on kissing scene with Kamal Haasan
Actress Abhirami, who stars in the upcoming Kamal Haasan-led film ‘Thug Life’, has addressed the controversy surrounding the film’s much-discussed kissing scene. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actress spoke candidly about the backlash, the intent behind the scene, and the public’s strong reaction.
“It’s Just a Three-Second Kiss”
Abhirami clarified that the scene in question has been misrepresented. “The kissing scene is just a three-second kiss,” she explained. “The fact that it was singled out in the trailer is a bit misleading. In the context of the full film, the moment makes complete sense. It’s natural, fits into the storyline, and doesn’t feel forced at all. Once audiences see it in context, they won’t even flinch.”
She also pointed out that the marketing team likely used the scene in the trailer for attention-grabbing purposes, a common promotional tactic in the film industry. “These things happen. But I’d urge people to watch the movie before jumping to conclusions,” she said.
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On Working with Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan
Abhirami expressed her admiration for director Mani Ratnam, making it clear that she fully trusted his vision. “It’s not my place to question his storytelling or casting decisions,” she noted, adding that being part of a film of this scale under a visionary like Ratnam was an honour.
She also spoke about Kamal Haasan, calling him a fearless storyteller who has never shied away from portraying intimacy on screen. “He’s done this before—in Hey Ram, for instance—with a lot of sensitivity and finesse. But because it’s Kamal Haasan, people take notice,” she said.
Why the Scene Sparked Debate
On the strong reactions online, Abhirami admitted she’s not entirely sure why it became such a big deal. However, she speculated that the combination of bold visuals and Kamal Haasan’s stature likely made the scene more noticeable.
“It’s not unusual for actors or actresses to be part of intimate scenes,” she said. “But with someone like Kamal Haasan involved, it creates more buzz, even if it’s not warranted.”
A Message to Audiences
Abhirami concluded by reminding audiences that onscreen intimacy is becoming more common, and such scenes shouldn’t always be treated with shock or moral judgment. “The audience is evolving, and I believe, in time, there will be more acceptance of intimacy when it’s done tastefully and with purpose,” she added.
About Thug Life
Thug Life, directed by Mani Ratnam, features an ensemble cast including Kamal Haasan, Trisha, and Silambarasan TR. The film is slated for release on June 5, 2025, and is already one of the most anticipated projects of the year.
As anticipation builds, Abhirami’s honest take offers a grounded perspective amid the social media noise—urging audiences to focus on storytelling rather than sensationalism.
