Jayam Ravi recalls his journey as Kamal Haasan's assistant, regrets missing Thug Life

Many may not know that actor Jayam Ravi began his career in the film industry by assisting director Suresh Krissna during the making of Aalavandhan. In a recent interview, Ravi revealed the real reason he became an assistant director: to gain firsthand experience in how Kamal Haasan brought his characters to life.

"I didn't join Aalavandhan as an assistant director to learn about filmmaking. I just wanted to watch Kamal sir closely and copy whatever he did. Since no one can copy him, I took a lot of inspiration from him. I'm proud of it," Jayam Ravi recalled.

ALSO READ: Dulquer Salmaan on missing Thug Life, health struggles, career slowdown

Ravi also had an incredible opportunity to share screen space with Kamal in the upcoming movie Thug Life, written and directed by Mani Ratnam. Thug Life holds great significance for fans of Kamal and Mani Ratnam, as it marks the duo's professional reunion after more than three decades. The last film they worked on together, Nayakan, released in 1987, remains one of the greatest classics in Indian cinema history.

For many fans, being part of Thug Life would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, for Jayam Ravi, it remains a major regret that he missed out on this golden opportunity.

"Kamal sir has played all kinds of characters, and many of the innovative things he's done have defined cinema. I'm proud I got to assist him. My big regret is that I was part of Mani sir's Thug Life, but for some reason, that opportunity slipped away from me," said Jayam Ravi.

Thug Life, bankrolled by Kamal's Raaj Kamal Films International and Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies, was initially announced with Ravi and Dulquer Salmaan in supporting roles. However, both were later dropped from the cast. Earlier, Dulquer revealed that he had to bow out of the project due to health issues.

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