Rajinikanth & Mani Ratnam Set for a Reunion After 33 Years? Here’s What We Know

Excitement is building among fans as reports suggest that legendary actor Rajinikanth and renowned director Mani Ratnam might team up for a film after more than three decades. If the rumors are true, this will be their second collaboration after the iconic 1991 film Thalapathi.

The buzz follows a recent reunion between Mani Ratnam and another superstar, Kamal Haasan, for the film Thug Life, marking their first collaboration since Nayakan in 1987. According to reports from SIIMA, Mani Ratnam and Rajinikanth are all set to work together again after 33 years, with an official announcement expected on Rajinikanth’s birthday, December 12. While fans are hopeful, no formal confirmation has been made yet.

For those unfamiliar, Thalapathi was the only previous project the two legends worked on together. Released in 1991, this gangster drama was a modern retelling of the Mahabharata, particularly the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana. Rajinikanth played Surya, representing Karna, while Mammootty portrayed Devaraj, inspired by Duryodhana. Arvind Swami played Arjun, based on the Mahabharata’s Arjuna. The movie, which was a huge commercial and critical success, also featured an ensemble cast including Jaishankar, Amrish Puri, Srividya, Bhanupriya, Shobana, and Geetha.

Thalapathi marked Mani Ratnam’s final collaboration with legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja and lyricist Vaali. After this, Mani began his long-standing association with A.R. Rahman and Vairamuthu. The film, released on Diwali in 1991, remains one of the most celebrated films in Tamil cinema.

Upcoming Projects: Mani Ratnam is currently working on Thug Life with Kamal Haasan, featuring an ensemble cast including Silambarasan, Joju George, Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Trisha Krishnan, and Sanya Malhotra. Rajinikanth, on the other hand, will be seen in Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel, alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Manju Warrier, releasing on October 10. He will also star in Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, with Shruti Haasan, Nagarjuna, and Sathyaraj.