KH x RK: 5 must-watch classics of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan – F’day Spl. Article by Naveen

The long-cherished dream of millions of fans has finally become a reality. After nearly 47 years, the two titans of Indian cinema—Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan—are officially reuniting for a full-length feature film, tentatively titled KH x RK.

The project was officially launched on February 21, 2026, with a high-octane, quirky promo directed by Nelson Dilipkumar.

The teaser, which has already shattered social media records, captures the “retro swag” Nelson is known for. In the promo, both legends are seen in vintage gear, ending with a cheeky cliffhanger where they turn to the director and ask: “Who is the hero of the film?”

Produced by Red Giant Movies with a score by Anirudh Ravichander, this “Reunion” project is a historic cultural event.

Before they redefine the box office with KH x RK, here are the five essential films that defined their legendary partnership.

1. ’16 Vayathinile’

Set in a rural village, the story follows Mayil (Sridevi), a 16-year-old dreamer. Kamal Haasan plays Gopalakrishnan (Chappani), a simple-minded, limping man who is mocked by the villagers but deeply loves Mayil. Rajinikanth plays Parattaiyan, the local ruffian who lusts after Mayil and manipulates the village against her.

This was the first Tamil film to be shot entirely outdoors, breaking the studio-bound tradition of the time. It’s remembered for Kamal’s physical transformation and Rajini’s punchline: “Idhu eppadi irukku?”

2. ‘Ninaithale Inikkum’

A breezy musical following a band called “Yours Lovingly” as they tour Singapore. Kamal is Chandru, the lead singer who falls for Sona (Jaya Prada), a fan hiding a terminal illness. Rajini is Deepak, the fun-loving guitarist who spends the trip flirting and chasing a mysterious voice from a cassette tape.

Inspired by the vibe of the Beatles, this K. Balachander film is famous for the cigarette-flipping challenge, where Rajini’s character is dared to flip a cigarette ten times or lose a finger—a scene based on a Roald Dahl short story.

3. ‘Moondru Mudichu’: 

A dark romantic thriller where roommates Balaji (Kamal) and Prasath (Rajini) both fall for Selvi (Sridevi). In a shocking turn, Prasath watches Balaji drown during a picnic, refusing to help so he can marry Selvi. Years later, Selvi gets her revenge by marrying Prasath’s father, becoming his stepmother.

This was Sridevi’s first role as a leading lady (at age 13) and Rajinikanth’s first major role in Tamil. Interestingly, Sridevi was paid ₹5,000 for the film, while Rajinikanth was paid only ₹2,000.

4. ‘Aval Appadithan’: 

A path-breaking feminist drama focused on Manju (Sripriya), a woman cynical toward men due to past trauma. Kamal plays Arun, a documentary filmmaker who treats her with respect, while Rajini plays Thyagu, a chauvinistic, money-minded advertising boss who believes women are meant to be conquered.

The film used live-recording for several scenes, including real interviews with women at bus stops and colleges. It is considered decades ahead of its time for its raw dialogue on gender politics and lack of traditional “makeup” for the actors.

5. ‘Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu’: 

Prabhu (Kamal) and Murali (Rajini) are best friends and business partners. Prabhu loves Padma (Sripriya), but through a series of tragic misunderstandings and a night of drunken mistakes involving another woman, the two are separated. Murali, unaware of his friend’s love, also falls for Padma.

Directed by the legendary C.V. Sridhar, this film featured the duo as protagonists of equal standing. It ran for over 175 days in theaters and was later remade by Sridhar in Telugu (Vayasu Pilichindi) and Hindi (Dil-e-Nadaan).

Bonus: ‘Geraftaar’

While not a Tamil film, ‘Geraftaar’ is historic because it is the only movie to feature the three biggest superstars of Indian cinema: Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Rajinikanth. Rajini appeared in a powerful cameo as a police officer, marking the last time the duo was seen on screen together for over 40 years. It may be noted that now Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bacchchan have started shooting for ‘Kalki 2’.