The biggest collaboration in Tamil cinema history just got a major update. After 46 years apart, superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are reuniting on screen, but there’s a twist—Nelson Dilipkumar, director of the blockbuster Jailer, is now reportedly helming the project instead of Lokesh Kanagaraj. Here’s everything we know about this historic multistarrer.
Rajinikanth X Kamal Haasan Project Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Stars | Rajinikanth & Kamal Haasan |
| Director | Nelson Dilipkumar (new reports) |
| Previous Director Choice | Lokesh Kanagaraj (rejected) |
| Producers | Raaj Kamal Films International (RKFI) & Red Giant Movies |
| Last Collaboration | 1979 (46 years ago) |
| Production Status | Pre-production after Jailer 2 |
| Expected Timeline | 2027 release (tentative) |
| Genre Shift | Lighter subject vs. violent action |
| Nelson’s Films with Rajini | Jailer (2023), Jailer 2 (2026), This multistarrer (3rd) |
Why Did Lokesh Kanagaraj Exit?
Initially, Lokesh Kanagaraj was set to direct this dream project. However, reports from Valai Pechu reveal that Lokesh narrated a violent and intense action story to both superstars. While the script impressed many, Rajinikanth reportedly wasn’t interested in doing another intense film at this stage of his career, having just completed the action-heavy Coolie with Lokesh.
Instead, Lokesh decided to focus on Kaithi 2, the sequel to his breakout 2019 hit that connects to his acclaimed Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). This decision allows the director to continue building his interconnected franchise while the multistarrer finds a more suitable creative direction.
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Nelson Dilipkumar Takes Over
Nelson Dilipkumar recently narrated a lighter script that impressed Rajinikanth immediately. The Jailer director’s story approach received approval from Kamal Haasan as well, making him the frontrunner to helm this prestigious project.
If confirmed, this will be Nelson’s third consecutive film with Rajinikanth (after Jailer and Jailer 2) and his first with Kamal Haasan—an impressive achievement for any director. Nelson will reportedly begin pre-production after completing Jailer 2, which is currently in production.
The Reunion 46 Years in Making
At the NEXA SIIMA Awards 2025, Kamal Haasan addressed their long separation with characteristic wit: “We were united long ago, but chose to remain apart because they kept splitting a biscuit and giving us only half each. We wanted a full biscuit each, and we got it and relished it well. Now we are content with just half a biscuit again, so we have come together.”
Rajinikanth confirmed in September 2025 that while the reunion is happening, the director and story details weren’t finalized at the time. These latest reports suggest that crucial decision has now been made.
Production Timeline and Other Projects
Before this multistarrer begins, both legends have commitments to fulfill:
Rajinikanth’s Schedule:
- Currently filming Jailer 2 (directed by Nelson, releasing June 2026)
- Next: Film with director Sundar C (family entertainer)
- Then: Multistarrer with Kamal
Kamal Haasan’s Schedule:
- Recently seen in Mani Ratnam’s Thug Life
- Currently shooting with action directors Anbariv
- Then: Multistarrer with Rajini
Given these timelines, the historic collaboration likely won’t begin production until late 2026 or early 2027.
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What Makes This Reunion Special?
This isn’t just another multistarrer—it’s a cinematic event decades in the making. Both actors have dominated Tamil cinema for over four decades individually, earning the titles “Superstar” and “Ulaganayagan” (Universal Hero) respectively. Their last significant collaboration was in 1979, making this reunion a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans.
The production houses initially considered several young directors capable of handling this massive scale, including Karthik Subbaraj (Petta) and Pradeep Ranganathan (Love Today). Nelson’s selection signals confidence in his ability to balance both megastars’ screen presence while delivering crowd-pleasing entertainment.
FAQs
Q: Why is Nelson Dilipkumar directing the Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan film instead of Lokesh Kanagaraj?
Lokesh Kanagaraj narrated a violent and intense action story to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, but Rajinikanth reportedly wasn’t interested in doing another intense film after completing Coolie. Nelson Dilipkumar then narrated a lighter subject that impressed both superstars immediately. Additionally, Lokesh decided to focus on Kaithi 2, the sequel to his 2019 blockbuster that expands his popular Lokesh Cinematic Universe (LCU). This directorial switch ensures the project aligns better with what the actors want at this stage of their careers—entertaining, crowd-pleasing cinema rather than ultra-violent action.
Q: When will the Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan multistarrer release?
While no official release date has been announced, the film is unlikely to begin production before late 2026 or early 2027. Rajinikanth is currently filming Jailer 2 (releasing June 2026) and then has a commitment to director Sundar C’s family entertainer. Kamal Haasan is working with action directors Anbariv on his next project. Nelson Dilipkumar will begin pre-production for the multistarrer only after completing Jailer 2. Given typical production timelines for big-budget Tamil films, a 2027 or 2028 release seems most realistic for this historic collaboration.
