Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan onscreen reunion may become a reality

    Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj is reshaping Tamil cinema with unprecedented star collaborations, but one project remains a dream: bringing together icons Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth on screen.

    Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.

    Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.

    Filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj has pulled off some of the most exciting collaborations in Tamil cinema. From bringing together superstars like Kamal Haasan, Vijay Sethupathi, and Fahadh Faasil in Vikram to teasing a potential face-off between Kamal and Suriya in future LCU films, he has set new casting benchmarks in the industry.

    Lokesh recently disclosed that he was close to achieving an even more monumental project: casting Kamal and Superstar Rajinikanth in the same film. “If COVID hadn’t happened, I was supposed to make a film with both Rajini sir and Kamal sir,” Lokesh told The Hollywood Reporter India.

    Years ago, there was speculation that Kamal’s Raajkamal Films International might collaborate with Rajinikanth under Lokesh’s direction, but few knew this project could have starred both legends. Lokesh remains hopeful about making this project a reality in the future.

    In their early careers, Kamal and Rajinikanth appeared together in 21 films, with Rajini initially taking on supporting roles alongside Kamal. Kamal, however, encouraged Rajinikanth to pursue lead roles, marking the beginning of Rajini’s journey to superstardom. The two last shared the screen in Geraftaar in 1985, leaving fans waiting for another reunion for nearly four decades.

    Lokesh, who is a lifelong fan of Kamal, has recently developed a newfound admiration for Rajinikanth after directing him in Coolie. “I want to show what kind of Rajinikanth film a Kamal Haasan fan can make,” he added, promising to showcase Rajinikanth in a unique light. 

    With Coolie slated for release next year, Lokesh’s next projects include Kaithi 2, a standalone move on Rolex, and Vikram 2. He also has plans to make several sequels and prequels within his cinematic universe.