'Art can wait': Kamal Haasan announces postponement of 'Thug Life' audio launch event

Ahead of the release of the Kamal Haasan-Mani Ratnam film Thug Life on June 5, the team kickstarted the promotional tours this month, including an audio launch event that was supposed to take place on May 16. However, Haasan has issued a statement announcing that they have decided to postpone the event taking into account the tense situation in the country.

In the statement, Haasan wrote: "Art can wait. India comes first. In view of the developments at our nation's border and the current state of heightened alert, we have decided to reschedule the audio launch of Thug Life, originally planned for the 16th of May. As our soldiers stand firm on the frontlines with unflinching courage in defence of our motherland, I believe it is a time for quiet solidarity, not celebration.

The 70-year-old actor, who is reteaming with Mani Ratnam 35 years after their iconic maiden collaboration in Nayakan (1987), said the new date will be announced later, during an appropriate time, adding that "celebration must make way for reflection. At this time, our thoughts are with the brave men and women of our armed forces who stand vigilant, safeguarding our nation. As citizens, it is our duty to respond with restraint and solidarity."

Thug Life, the actor's 234th film, co-stars Trisha Krishnan, Ashok Selvan, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Joju George, Abhirami, Nassar and Ali Fazal. Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International is bankrolling the big-budget action entertainer with Madras Talkies and Red Giant Movies.

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