Kamal Haasan’s Thug Life has certainly made an impact at the box office since its release. Mani Ratnam’s signature stylish direction, coupled with a star-studded cast that includes Haasan, Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Rohit Saraf, and Baburaj, has resonated with many viewers.
Yet, despite its commercial draw, the film has also faced a wave of mixed to negative reviews from both audiences and critics, largely due to its reportedly underwhelming script. What many might not realize is that Dulquer Salmaan was initially offered a pivotal role in this gangster action drama but ultimately turned it down.
Dulquer Salmaan was indeed the first choice for a part in Thug Life, a production from Raaj Kamal Films International, Madras Talkies, and Red Giant Movies. However, he opted out for reasons that remain personal to the actor. Following the film’s trailer launch, some social media users criticized Salmaan’s decision to decline the offer, only to later understand, months after the movie’s release, that it was, for him, “one of his greatest decisions”.
With Thug Life garnering disappointing reactions, social media platforms were inundated with praise for Salmaan’s choice to exit the project, highlighting what many now see as his commendable ability in script selection. As one devoted fan eloquently put it, “After the trailer, everyone trolled him for his decision. Now after watching the movie, everyone is celebrating his decision.”
Dulquer Salmaan was reportedly offered the role of Amar in the multi-starrer, a part that eventually went to Silambarasan, an actor acclaimed for his performance in the 2010 Tamil film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, where he co-starred with Trisha Krishnan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and Naga Chaitanya.
Good decision, Salman.
