Rajinikanth Was Once Considered For An Iconic Tamil Movie Eventually Went To Kamal Hassan (Photo Credit – Twitter)
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The 1970s were known as a golden era for Tamil cinema. And yes, we are talking about when these two legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, were at their peak and carving their legacy. Both were young and talented, and just like any other actors in that era, they were hungry for success.
But hear me out: did you know there was a time when Rajinikanth was supposed to play a role that eventually went to Kamal Haasan? Yes, it’s true. This is a fascinating story of how the Kalyanaraman (1979) movie became a milestone in Kamal Hassan’s career, thanks to a twist of fate.
In the late 1970s, director Vijayat T. Rajendar worked on a script for Kalyanaraman. This film required an actor who could easily pull off a dual role. Arunachalam initially wanted to make a film starring Haasan and Rajinikanth and had the actors’ dates ready. However, the stars did not want to appear in a movie together, so it was decided to produce one film for each actor. The film starring Haasan became Kalyanaraman.
The film marked Rangarajan’s directorial debut and was produced by Arunachalam’s wife, Meena, under their banner P. A. Art Productions. The story revolves around twin brothers: a soft-spoken, kind-hearted priest (Kalyanam) and a mischievous, fun-loving village man (Raman). The role demanded versatility, charisma, and the ability to switch between these two characters simultaneously.
The storyline is about Kalyanam, the naive son of a rich man, who is duped and murdered by his estate manager, who seeks to take over the property. However, Kalyanam’s twin brother learns the truth and returns for revenge.
Rajinikanth couldn’t take on the role in this film, and this opened the doors for Kamal Haasan, who was already well-known and making waves in the industry with his incredible acting skills.
He didn’t just act in this fantastic film; he brought the characters to life. His portrayal of the gentle priest and the playful village man shown in the movie was so convincing that the audience was left speechless.
The movie became a massive hit, and Kamal Haasan’s performance was praised and loved for its depth and versatility. His chemistry with superstar Sridevi added another beautiful layer of charm to this movie, making it an amazing and memorable watch for the fans.
Looking back, it’s interesting and hard to think about how different Kalyanaraman might have been if Rajinikanth played this role. Rajinikanth’s style and screen presence are unique, and speaking of acting, he would have undoubtedly brought his flavor to the characters.
But to be honest, Kamal Haasan’s performance was so iconic that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing that role.
This incident reminds us of how small twists of fate can change the course of cinema history. If Rajinikanth hadn’t stepped aside this time, Kamal Haasan might not have had this opportunity to showcase his wholesome talent in Kalyanaraman. And who knows? The film might not have become the classic it is today if Rajinikanth had taken up this role.
What’s more fascinating is that this wasn’t the only time Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan’s paths haven’t crossed in unexpected ways. Both actors have shared the screen in iconic films like Moondru Mudichu and 16 Vayathinile, where their chemistry was electric.
Today, Kalyanaraman is remembered as a classic Tamil film that showcased Kamal Haasan’s brilliance. For fans of Rajinikanth. It’s a fun piece of trivia, a reminder of what could have been. For Tamil cinema fans, it’s a nostalgic gem that takes us back to when two legends were just beginning to make their mark.
So, next time you watch this iconic piece by Kamal Haasan, remember this behind-the-scenes story. It’s a reminder of how fate, timing, and raw talent can come together to create something truly special.
