Tue Jun 03 00:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Headline: Mani Ratnam Backs Actors’ Demand for Limited Working Hours**

**Chennai:** Renowned director Mani Ratnam has voiced his support for actors demanding a cap on working hours, specifically advocating for a standard 8-hour workday on film sets.

Speaking during an interview promoting his upcoming film “Thug Life,” Ratnam addressed the ongoing debate in the industry regarding demanding schedules. The issue gained traction recently following reports that actress Deepika Padukone had to drop out of a major project due to the extended working hours involved.

“I think it’s a fair demand. In fact, I’m happy that actors are in a position to ask for it,” Mani Ratnam stated. “As a director, I will take it into consideration. There is nothing wrong with asking. It is a necessary thing, and I think it should be given importance. Everyone should accept and understand it.”

When questioned about the speculation surrounding a potential reunion with superstar Rajinikanth after their 1991 hit “Thalapathi,” Ratnam remained coy. “You’ll have to ask Rajinikanth about that,” he said, adding, “Or just wait and see. We don’t know what will happen.”

Ratnam also revealed plans to take a break after the release of “Thug Life,” stating that he currently has four scripts in development, though none are fully ready. “Thug Life,” starring Kamal Haasan and directed by Mani Ratnam, is slated to hit theaters on June 5th.

Read More