Ashhar Alam/New Delhi

Nearly 40 years after they last shared screen space, cinema legends Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are set to reunite, sending fans into celebration mode. On Saturday, Red Giant Movies unveiled the first promotional video of their much-awaited collaboration, marking a historic moment in Indian cinema.

The 3-minute-46-second promo, released at 12:07 pm, a subtle nod to the actors’ birth dates, officially announced that the tentatively titled ‘KHxRK’ will be written and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. The filmmaker, riding high on the success of Jailer, brings his signature dark humour and stylised storytelling to the ambitious project.

The quirky video opens with Nelson caught in a comic quandary, pacing a corridor and debating which superstar’s room he should enter first. Adding to the playful tone, composer Anirudh Ravichander appears alongside him, jokingly seeking help to choose between two classical ragas for the soundtrack.

What follows is a nostalgic yet stylish showcase of the two icons in a retro-inspired avatar. From teasing each other over wardrobe picks to striding with swagger toward a vintage Mercedes in a dimly lit garage, the promo blends humour with mass appeal. In a self-aware cinematic moment, both stars turn to the director and cheekily ask: “Who is the hero?”

Behind the scenes, the film boasts an accomplished technical crew, including cinematographer Rajiv Menon and editor R. Nirmal. While the storyline remains tightly under wraps, the teaser hints at a mix of action and dark comedy hallmarks of Nelson’s filmmaking style.

Reacting to the announcement, Haasan described the venture as a “special reunion with my friend,” delighting fans who have long awaited their on-screen comeback.

The film is being produced by Inban Udhayanidhi under the Red Giant Movies banner and is expected to begin principal photography soon. This marks the duo’s first collaboration since the 1985 Hindi film Geraftaar and their first Tamil outing together since 1979’s Ninaithale Inikkum and Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum.

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Interestingly, even as ‘KHxRK’ gears up for production, the two stalwarts are also associated with another ambitious venture, Thalaivar 173, produced by Raaj Kamal Films International and directed by Cibi Chakaravarthi.

With nostalgia, star power and a fresh creative vision converging, the reunion promises to be nothing short of a cinematic event.