When 'Thug Life' star Kamal Haasan compared ‘Indian 3’ to Payasam—and said he liked it more than ‘Indian 2’

It was one of those rare, candid moments that only a legend like Kamal Haasan could deliver with such warmth and wisdom. During a media interaction ahead of the release of ‘Indian 2’, Kamal Haasan, alongside director S. Shankar and actor Siddharth, reflected on the film’s long journey. But what lingered in everyone’s minds wasn’t just the epic scale of the project—it was Kamal’s now-iconic comparison between ‘Indian 2’ and ‘Indian 3’ that had fans and social media buzzing.

With his signature wit, Haasan casually remarked, “I like ‘Indian 3’ more than ‘Indian 2’.” The internet, quick to pick up on every nuance, speculated whether this was a veiled critique. But the Ulaganayagan, never one to leave meaning to misinterpretation, explained it the Haasan way—with a delicious analogy: “People misunderstood. I didn’t say I didn’t like ‘Indian 2’. I just said I liked ‘Indian 3’ more. It’s like when you eat a meal—you enjoy the sambar and rasam, but you look forward to the payasam.”


That simple yet poignant metaphor captured everything—expectation, evolution, and emotional payoff. It also revealed how deeply connected Kamal is to the storytelling journey, not just as an actor but as a creator who savors each narrative layer.

Haasan went on to open up about the hardships behind ‘Indian 2’, calling it “the most difficult film I’ve acted in.” A six-year odyssey, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, an on-set tragedy, and personal losses, tested every fiber of the team’s resilience. The aged ‘Indian Thatha’ avatar, recreated through complex prosthetics, was physically demanding. “It was itchy,” Kamal confessed, “but then, I had to learn to live in that skin.”

He also shared moments of admiration for Shankar’s perfectionism, noting how the director fussed over even the smallest props—“right down to the pen”—carried by the vigilante character. “As an actor, the biggest high is still hearing the director say, ‘That was good.’ That never gets old,” Haasan said.

Interestingly, as this throwback continues to circulate, fans have even more reason to celebrate Kamal Haasan’s creative legacy—‘Thug Life’, another ambitious collaboration with director Mani Ratnam, released in cinemas today, June 5. The film has already stirred excitement for its bold themes, striking visuals, and powerhouse performances, marking yet another milestone in Kamal’s ever-evolving cinematic journey.

This look back not only reminds us of Haasan’s unshakable commitment to his craft but also of his enduring ability to blend intellect, emotion, and charm—proving, time and again, why he remains an unmatched titan of Indian cinema. Much like payasam after a grand meal—some things are worth waiting for.

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