Indian actor and politician Kamal Haasan is in Kuala Lumpur today (May 31) to promote his latest movie, Thug Life, which is set to hit cinemas on June 5.

Speaking to the media at a hotel in KL earlier this afternoon, the 70-year-old described the film as “a treat” he has prepared for his Malaysian fans.

“We worked hard on this ‘child,’ which I am now handing over to you,” he said.

Thug Life reunites Kamal with director Mani Ratnam after 38 years. 

Their last collaboration was the 1987 classic Nayakan. Indian media has dubbed Thug Life a “spiritual sequel” to that film, after Kamal said it was a peace offering to fans who have long awaited their reunion.

Co-written by Kamal and Mani, Thug Life is set in the criminal underworld, where brothers Sakthivel and Manickam rule.

But things begin to shift when one of them rescues a young boy – triggering insecurity in the other. 

When an assassination attempt is made on Sakthivel, he sets out to destroy the very family he once built.

The film also stars Silambarasan, Trisha Krishnan and Joju George.

The award-winning actor – whose notable works include Hey Ram, Indian, Vikram and Vishwaroopam – said his character in Thug Life is someone who fights with everything he has.

“That makes him more dangerous than someone with a sword – because he is someone who has nothing to go back to. The battlefield is his home now. He’ll see the battle through to the end, live or die,” Kamal said.

When asked whether he’d be interested in filming in Malaysia again, Kamal shared that he has shot scenes here in the past and is open to doing so in the future.

“I've come here many times. I have many friends in Malaysia. And I think we share more than just culture and language,” he added.

Besides the press conference, Kamal is also scheduled to make a special appearance at a fan meet-and-greet at MyTown Kuala Lumpur later this evening.

Kamal Haasan arrives at the press conference to promote 'Thug Life'. Photo: LOW BOON TAT/The Star.