Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan To Star In Lokesh Kanagaraj's Next Film?

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Few combinations in Indian cinema can get better than Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. The silver screen idols, with a history of memorable hits over decades, may unite after nearly half a century. And that has set off a non-stop buzz in cinema circles.

Haasan, Deccan Herald reported citing people in the know, is into“advanced” discussions with Rajinikanth for a movie that will be bankrolled by his production house Raaj Kamal Films International. The movie, according to the publication, will be an action entertainer, featuring a two-hero storyline. Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has directed the superstar in Coolie, now screening in cinemas around the world, and the 2022 blockbuster Vikram with Haasan, is expected to direct both the silver screen titans, this time together.

Recommended For You Honey Singh launches 'Yo Yo Watches' in Dubai, eyes Hollywood next

Cinema Express reported earlier this year that Kanagaraj had narrated a story to both the actors prior to the release of Coolie, and both were happy with it.

Haasan, now a member of the Indian Parliament, had dropped hints about the project a couple of years ago, when he said that he was ready to produce a film with Rajinikanth, a friend whose career blossomed around the same time as his.

While Coolie was certified a hit at the global box office, collecting more than Rs 4,000 million (Dh169 million approximately), Haasan's last two outings, Thug Life and Indian 2, didn't perform well. Vikram, the action thriller also starring Fahadh Faasil and Vijay Sethupathi, was one Haasan's biggest hits.

Equations that come into play

If this movie gets greenlit, Kanagaraj's other projects may get dealyed. Some of them are Kaithi 2, a sequel to his 2019 action thriller Kaithi that released to critical acclaim and found a Bollywood remake in Bholaa.

Kanagaraj had also spoken of collaborating with Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, who had a cameo in Coolie. The project was to go on the floors in 2026. That may get pushed as well.

The director has made no secret of his willingness to direct both the icons. In a recent interview to Tamil TV show host Gobinath Chandran, Kanagaraj had said, "If the two decided to act together, I will drop everything and [do it]."

He had also then reflected on the challenges such a project would pose, from hefty salaries to zeroing on the right story.

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have starred together in 21 movies, at a time when the latter was the recognised face. The two were introduced to cinema by the legendary director K Balachander, who was also known for introducing other leading actors such as Jayaprada, Prakash Raj and giving composer AR Rahman his first break in Roja, a movie he produced.

Some of the movies in which the duo starred together include Apoorva Ragangal (1975), Geraftaar (1985), Thillu Mullu (1981), the Tamil remake of the cult classic comedy Golmaal, among many others. Their careers took different trajectories since then.

MENAFN19082025000049011007ID1109949237