Why Haven`t Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth Shared the Screen in Decades?

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JULY 02,2024

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth are titans of Tamil cinema. Mentored by the legendary director K. Balachander, their on-screen partnership in the 1970s and 1980s was nothing short of iconic. Films like "Apoorva Raagangal" (1975), "Aval Appadithan" (1978), "16 Vayathinile" (1977), "Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu" (1978), and "Thillu Mullu" (1981) showcased their contrasting acting styles and captivated audiences.

Their last on-screen collaboration, however, came in the 1985 Hindi film "Geraftaar" alongside Amitabh Bachchan. Since then, for nearly 40 years, fans have been yearning for their return together.

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Kamal Haasan reveals why he and Rajinikanth never shared the screen

The reasons behind their on-screen hiatus have remained a topic of speculation. In a recent interview, Kamal Haasan shed light on their decision. He emphasised that their lack of on-screen appearances wasn't due to rivalries. "We are not like two competitors," he said. They acknowledged their shared mentorship and formative years under Balachander's guidance. Haasan further explained, "We made this call when we were in our 20s it's not that we became older and wiser now."

This "call" they made seems to have been a conscious decision to pursue independent paths. Despite their individual successes and superstardom, they've maintained a respectful camaraderie. They've even been seen supporting each other at events, highlighting their enduring bond.

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Kamal Haasan talks about possible collaborations in the future

The possibility of a future collaboration remains a tantalising prospect for fans. Haasan himself hinted at the possibility, stating, "We talk about that." However, the logistics might be a hurdle. As he put it, "the thing is, we shouldn't think about our remuneration or our status in the film." This suggests that a potential project would require a shared focus on the film itself rather than individual stardom.

Whether or not these legendary actors reunite on screen remains to be seen. Their individual careers continue to flourish, with Haasan gearing up for the release of the highly anticipated vigilante action sequel "Indian 2." Directed by S. Shankar, the film picks up where the 1996 original left off, with Haasan reprising his iconic role as Senapathy, a freedom fighter turned vigilante who fights against corruption. The project has been long-awaited, facing production delays, but promises to be a thrilling return for this beloved character.

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Haasan also recently impressed audiences with his captivating performance in the sci-fi film "Kalki 2898 AD." Stepping outside his usual hero roles, he played the villainous Supreme Yaskin, garnering significant praise for his versatility and ability to command attention even in a supporting role. This performance adds another layer to Haasan's remarkable career, showcasing his willingness to take on challenging and diverse characters.

Despite his busy acting schedule, Haasan remains a prolific force in Tamil cinema. Fans eagerly await his upcoming projects, including the potential for a reunion with Rajinikanth. Regardless of their on-screen future, their past collaborations remain etched in the hearts of Tamil cinema fans, a testament to their enduring impact.