The Nayakan duo is back! Kamal Haasan to feature in a Mani Ratnam film after 35 years

Mani Ratnam, basking in the success of Ponniyin Selvan-1, would be directing Kamal Haasan in KH 234 (tentatively titled). The fans, who had been eagerly expecting the confirmation that H Vinoth of Thunivu-fame, would be directing the actor-politician, were pleasantly surprised by this announcement.

After Nayakan (1987), Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam, are collaborating on KH 234, in 2022. The two legends have teamed up on this untitled project, for the second time in the past 35 years. KH 234 is scheduled to be released in 2024.

This one, presented by Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies, will be bankrolled by Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI), Mani Ratnam, R Mahendran and Siva Ananth.

In a statement, Kamal Haasan said he was just as excited about this movie as he was about Nayakan. “Working with like-minded individuals is stimulating. Looking forward to presenting this project along with Udhayanidhi Stalin.” Other details about the cast and crew are yet to be out.

The music for KH 234 will be composed by AR Rahman, who teamed up with Kamal Haasan on Tenali, directed by KS Ravikumar, in 2001.

Mani Ratnam added that working with Ulaganayagan again, was an honour.

Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that after the phenomenal success of Vikram and the much-awaited Indian 2, KH 234 was a tremendous opportunity to unite with the legend. “It is an honour for me to join hands with both Mani sir and Kamal sir. They are the pride of Tamil cinema.”

Kamal Haasan is working on Indian 2 and Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan-2 is expected to be released in the summer of 2023. KH 234 will begin once both finish their existing commitments.

Mani Ratnam, recently, revealed which actors he found easy to work with. Kamal Haasan was one among them. He described him as “simple and spontaneous”, adding, Haasan effortlessly brings the characters to life that the filmmakers had in mind.

Notably, Mani Ratnam had first discussed Ponniyin Selvan with Kamal Haasan 30 years ago. In an interview with a weekly magazine, Kamal Haasan disclosed that Ponniyin Selvan's production was first considered in the 80s by Mani Ratnam. These two were to turn this five-volume novel into a movie, with music director Ilaiyaraaja and cinematographer PC Sreeram, on board. Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam even talked about the sets, budget and screenplay.

Ponniyin Selvan would be among Mani Ratnam's greatest accomplishments, according to Kamal Haasan, who recalled a time they used to hang out and ride motorcycles. “I was certain that Ponniyin Selvan would be adapted into a movie at some point. I knew either Mani Ratnam or I would make it. We were competing to see who could adapt this grand novel into a movie first. While I made an effort, he never stopped and ultimately succeeded.”