Thug Life, Kalki 2898 AD, Ponniyin Selvan: Well-Received Multi-Starrers from the South

Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan have set social media ablaze with their impeccable performances in the recently released trailer of 'Thug Life', one of the most highly anticipated films from Kollywood. With a star-studded cast and the reunion of Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, the film has been generating significant buzz online.

In the film industry—particularly in the South—multi-starrers often receive an overwhelming response from fans of all the actors involved. As we all eagerly await the release of Thug Life, let’s take a look at some notable multi-starrer films from the South Indian industry.

Pic: Twitter

Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life is set to hit theatres on 5 June. The script is co-written by Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan. The film features Trisha Krishnan, Abhirami, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Ashok Selvan, Sanya Malhotra, Joju George, Nassar, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Rohit Saraf and Baburaj in key roles, alongside Kamal and Silambarasan.

Kamal and Mani Ratnam are reuniting after their iconic 1987 film Nayakan. The recently dropped trailer sparked widespread discussion online, with viewers struggling to determine who plays the villain and who the hero is. Audiences could sense the camaraderie between Kamal and Silambarasan transforming into a fierce enmity. Fans are now eagerly awaiting the release.

Pic: Twitter

Kamal Haasan’s Vikram, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, was another star-studded South Indian film released in 2022. The cast included Vijay Sethupathi, Fahadh Faasil, Suriya, Narain, Kalidas Jayaram, Gayathrie, Chemban Vinod Jose, Santhana Bharathi and Elango Kumaravel in significant roles.

The film is the second instalment in the Lokesh Cinematic Universe and a spiritual successor to the 1986 film Vikram. It became a major hit, especially after a cameo appearance by actor Suriya, and fans continue to speculate about a possible follow-up.

Pic: Twitter

Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan franchise was another visual treat for South Indian cinema fans, featuring a host of well-known stars. The epic historical action drama included Chiyaan Vikram, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Ravi Mohan, Karthi, Trisha Krishnan, Jayaram, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Sobhita Dhulipala, Prakash Raj, Prabhu, R. Sarathkumar, R. Parthiban, Rahman, Lal, Vikram Prabhu and more in pivotal roles.

Oscar-winning composer A. R. Rahman scored the music for the film. Its sequel, Ponniyin Selvan: II, was released in 2023.

Pic: Twitter

Jailer, starring Rajinikanth in the lead role, became a blockbuster in 2023. This action-comedy, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, also featured Vinayakan, Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah Bhatia, Vasanth Ravi, Sunil, Yogi Babu and Mirnaa Menon in important roles.

The film gained special significance across regional industries due to appearances by Mohanlal and Shiva Rajkumar. Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff also made a cameo. Jailer ended up being the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023. The makers have already begun production on the second instalment.

Pic Twitter

Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD is a mythological science-fiction film featuring an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Disha Patani. The film generated immense buzz ever since its announcement, largely due to its high-profile cast.

The makers are already planning a sequel with the same cast. Kalki 2898 AD is the most expensive Indian film ever made and grossed over Rs 1,200 crore globally.

Pic: Twitter