Rajinikanth was first choice for Shankar’s Indian but Kamal Haasan was later roped in; here’s why

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As a long-time admirer of the magic that unfolds on the silver screen, I find myself in awe of the incredible journey that is the life and career of Kamal Haasan. His versatility and ability to breathe life into characters have been nothing short of mesmerizing, and Indian stands as yet another testament to his unparalleled talent.

Kamal Haasan, a legendary figure in Indian cinema, consistently demonstrates an extraordinary range of talent. It’s hard not to acknowledge the fact that his filmography is adorned with some truly iconic movies. Interestingly, you might not realize that one of his successful films from 1996, “Indian”, was initially not intended for him to star in. Keep reading to uncover this intriguing detail.

Initially, it was Shankar, the director of the film Indian, who presented the story to none other than Rajinikanth. According to Vasantha Balan, who served as the assistant director for the movie, Rajinikanth had reached out to Shankar to inquire if he had any scripts for him, given Shankar’s impressive success with his debut film, Gentleman.

The filmmaker then narrated the story titled Periya Manushan.

Initially thrilled by the plot, Rajinikanth ultimately couldn’t accept it due to his existing obligations and ongoing projects. Consequently, director Shankar swiftly moved forward and offered the role to Kamal Haasan instead, who agreed and crafted the legendary character of Senapathi.

It’s worth noting that aside from Rajinikanth, other notable actors were under discussion for the blockbuster movie as well. For instance, Nagarjuna and Venkatesh were mentioned for the role of the son, while the part of the father was potentially offered to actor Rajasekar.

Indeed, it’s hard to argue against the fact that Kamal Haasan appeared to be an ideal selection for the film, given his ability to captivate the audience with his striking appearance and impeccable on-screen presence in the production.

Additionally, the movie was followed by another installment titled “Indian 2” in 2024, with Kamal Haasan once more taking on his legendary character. To add to that excitement, “Indian 3” is currently in production and is scheduled for a release in January 2025.

Over time, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have maintained a strong friendship, despite rumors trying to create tension between them. In fact, they’ve starred in nearly 16 films together. According to Ulaganayagan, their bond has always been strong, and they never spoke negatively about each other.

In terms of their upcoming roles, Rajinikanth will appear in the film “Coolie”. Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan is planning to work on projects such as “Thug Life” and “Indian 3”.

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2024-10-29 08:37