Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to reunite after 46 years for Lokesh Kanagaraj's next film?

Initial discussions indicate that the movie will be backed by Kamal Haasan under the banner Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) and will be a full-fledged mass entertainer with a two-hero narrative and will be helmed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The legendary pair first appeared together in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Rajinikanth’s debut film, in which Kamal played the lead.

For the past couple of years, there has been consistent talk about Kamal Haasan and his close friend Rajinikanth coming together for a film. Noting that both top celebrities from the Tamil cinema have expressed interest to work together, an announcement was just around the corner. However, with both busy in separate projects, things were at a snail's pace till date. Now, the buzz is back and louder than ever.

DH has learned that Kamal Haasan has now started discussions with Rajinikanth for a high-voltage mass entertainer and is in the advanced stage. This comes after the disappointing performance of Coolie, Rajini's recent outing with Lokesh Kanagaraj.

If reports are to be believed, Kaithi 2 may now be pushed back as the producer, SR Prabhu, is in the process of renegotiating Lokesh’s salary. While the director was initially offered Rs 75 crore, the lacklustre performance of Coolie has prompted a reconsideration, with talks of a potential pay cut of up to 65 per cent.

Meanwhile, Lokesh Kanagaraj, who delivered one of Kamal Haasan’s biggest career hits with Vikram, is having parallel discussions.

Initial discussions indicate that the movie will be backed by Kamal Haasan under the banner Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) and will be a full-fledged mass entertainer with a two-hero narrative, bringing Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth together on screen after four decades.

The storyline is said to be around two aging gangsters whose paths crosses once again after decades for a challenging cause. Haunted by their violent pasts and the legacy they've left behind, the story dives deep into the gangsters lives and the uneasy alliances as they cautiously navigate the crime world which they ruled once.

In an earlier interview with Deccan Herald, Kamal Haasan had confirmed his interest in producing a project featuring Rajinikanth. “Yes, I am eager to produce a film with him."

"Rajini has shown interest, too, but due to prior commitments, it’s taking time. I’m just the producer - the decision is completely his. The moment he says yes, we’ll go on floors,” he had said.

If the project materialises, it would mark a monumental moment in Tamil cinema, reuniting Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth on screen after 46 years.

The legendary pair first appeared together in Apoorva Raagangal (1975), Rajinikanth’s debut film, in which Kamal played the lead. Between 1975 and 1979, Kamal and Rajini starred in 21 films across five languages. But by the end of the decade, it’s said that Kamal suggested they stop acting together to pursue individual trajectories and avoid typecasting.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is currently busy with the shooting schedule of Jailer 2, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, while Kamal Haasan is focused on the pre-production of his upcoming film, which will be helmed by renowned stunt choreographers-turned-directors, Anbariv.