After Coolie and Thug Life, why Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan’s reunion should ditch action and embrace a softer story?

It was only recently, at an awards event night, that Kamal Haasan confirmed that he is indeed going to reunite with his long-term friend, onscreen rival, Rajinikanth. It is the first confirmation of sorts for the historic collaboration that Tamil cinema would be seeing after several decades. “We were willingly separated all this while. We will come together. The competition between us is created by you all, but we never had it between us. So, we always wanted to come together,” Kamal Haasan said, giving away the first piece of information on the glorious upcoming collaboration.

While reports state that Lokesh Kanagaraj, who has worked with both Kamal Haasan (Vikram) and Rajinikanth (Coolie), will be at the helm of the reunion, the film is expected to be an actioner and based on gangsters. But what the audience really wants is something else, and why that could also be the need of Tamil cinema right now.

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan coming together; why it shouldn’t be about guns and knives after all

Audience, once upon a time, did not see it a wonder when they saw the two future pillars of Tamil cinema, coming together multiple times. Apoorva Raagangal, Moondru Mudichu, 16 Vayathinile, Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, to name a few. But after the 1979 Tamil-Malayalam film Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth never crossed paths (barring the Kamal Haasan cameo appearance in Thillu Mullu) onscreen, though the stalwarts have often expressed admiration towards each other at many instances. So evidently, when after 46 years, news surface that Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth are coming together, it is indeed a breath-taking moment.

There are closely accurate reports suggesting that Lokesh Kanagaraj will be bringing the actors together. But just as you bring the filmmaker’s name, there is no guessing game needed to predict the genre and what roles the stars are supposed to be acting. Known for his action thrillers, gangster sagas, and storylines peppered with crime syndicate, anti-social elements that are testosterone high. But even as such kind of films keep you on the edge of your seat and pumped up, how it might after all not be what the audience wants.

Also read: Coolie OTT release: How much did Rajinikanth-Lokesh Kanagaraj film make at the box office

Cinema is currently at a time when films are looking to go pan-India. Heroism, action blocks, stars from different regions, are seen as common factors to make a movie go nationwide. But what sometimes goes off the radar is how the audience is far more receptive to films beyond swashbuckling fights and bloodshed. And when Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth are coming together after nearly 50 years, one after all just needs a story that would translate their off-screen friendship onscreen. Success of films such as Meiyazhagan and Tourist Family, celebrate the everyday emotions and softer side of humankind, and it would be no wonder that one would be enthralled to see Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth embracing their softer side to tell a story on emotions sans guns and knives.

The actors themselves are known for starring in dramatic films, given K Balachander made them feature in titles that talk about complicated equations and human drama. To top it off, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth are both known for their impeccable sense of humour and dramatic acting that the mocobot camera angles and slow-motion can take a rest, as we just see the duo chatting, laughing and emoting onscreen.

What do we know so far about Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth project?

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth's film has not yet been announced officially. Each of them has their respective individual projects ongoing. While Rajinikanth has Jailer 2 with Nelson Dilipkumar, Kamal Haasan has projects Vikram 2, and commitments with AnbAriv and H Vinoth.

FAQs

Q. Are Kamal and Rajini friends?

A. Yes, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth are long-term friends and have shared screen space in many films and shown off-screen camaraderie.

Q. How many movies did Kamal and Rajini act together?

A. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have acted in many films, including Apoorva Raagangal, Moondru Mudichu, Anthuleni Katha, Avargal, 16 Vayathinile, Aadu Puli Aattam, and Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu.

Q. Who is directing Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan film?

A. Lokesh Kanagaraj is rumoured to be directing the Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan film.