Happy Birthday, Kamal Haasan: Revisiting Nayakan’s unique association with Rajinikanth

Kamal Haasan, who turned 70 today (November 7), is an artiste par excellence and has redefined the tenets of Indian cinema with his impressive body of work, The legendary actor began his career as a child artiste with the Gemini Ganesan-led Kalathur Kannamma and left the audience in awe with his powerful performance.?

Nearly 15 years later, ‘Nayakan’ made his debut as a leading man with K Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal (1975). The film received rave reviews for its sensitive depiction of complex relationships, which helped it attain cult status.??Interestingly, the film featured Rajinikanth in a key role and marked his big screen debut. Kamal Haasan and Superstar’s career remained intertwined in the years to follow as they emerged as pillars of Indian cinema. Here is a look at Nammavar’s professional equation with Rajinikanth.?

The initial years

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth learnt the nuances of the craft from K Balachander who not only groomed them but also frequently cast them in his films. During their initial years of their careers, Rajini and Kamal Haasan worked together in films such as Avargal and Moondru Mudichu under KB’s guidance.?

They also appeared together in? 16 Vayathinile and Bharathirajaa’s 16 Vayathinile. In most cases. Kamal Haasan won hearts with his ability to get into the skin of the characters. Rajinikanth, on the other hand, won hearts with his intensity and reel mannerisms.?

Different styles but similar results

After finding a foothold in the industry, both stars further consolidated their standing in the 80s. However, their paths differed. Kamal Haasan impressed the critics with his outstanding performances in films such as Swathi Muthyam and Moondram Pirai. Rajinikanth, on the other hand became the ‘boss of the masses’ with action dramas such as Billa, Moondru Mugam, and Pandian.?

Both broke the language barrier

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth also made an impact in Bollywood around the same time, which added a new dimension to the competition between . Rajinikanth was at his stylish best in films such as Andhaa Kanoon, Hum, and Chaalbaaz. Kamal Haasan, on the other hand, floored the audience with his work in classics such as Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Sadma, and Hey Ram.?

The Enthiran connection

Interestingly, the 2010 blockbuster Enthiran too did its bit in strengthening the connection between Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth. Shankar originally wanted to make the film with Kamal and even did some photoshoots with him in the 90s. The biggie, however, failed to take off back then. Shankar eventually revived it with ‘Thalaivar’ in the lead and the rest is history. The sci-fi actioner emerged as a blockbuster and helped Tamil cinema scale new heights.?

What does the future hold?

Coming to the present, Rajinikanth and Kamal remain unstoppable despite the emergence of younger stars. Rajini is currently working on Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. The film is touted to be a gangster drama and features the mass hero as a don. Its cast includes Upendra, Nagarjuna, and Shruti Haasan.? Kamal, on the other hand, will be seen in Shankar’s Indian 3 and Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life. He is also part of Prabhas’ Kalki 2, directed by Nag Ashwin.