The 1970s were known as a golden era for Tamil cinema, And yes we are talking about when these two legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan were at their peak and carving their legacy. Both actors were young, talented and just like any other actors in that era they were hungry for success.
But hear me out, did you know there was a time when Rajinikanth was supposed to play a role that eventually went to Kamal Haasan? Yes, it's true, this is a fascinating story of how the Kalyanaraman (1979) movie became a milestone in Kamal Hassan's career, thanks to a twist of fate.
In the late 1970s, director Vijayat T. Rajendar was working on a script for Kalyanaraman, this film requires an actor who could pull off a dual role with ease.
Arunachalam initially wanted to make a film starring Haasan and Rajinikanth and had the actors' dates ready. The actors did not want to appear in a film together, so it was decided to produce one film for each actor; the film starring Haasan became Kalyanaraman.
The film is Rangarajan's directorial debut and was produced by Arunachalam's wife Meena under their banner P. A. Art Productions.
The story revolves around twin brothers, one who is a soft-spoken and kind-hearted priest ( Kalyanam) and the other a mischievous, fun-loving village man (Raman). The role demanded versatility, charisma, and the ability to switch between these two characters simultaneously.
The storyline is about Kalyanam, the naive son of a rich man, who is duped and murdered by his estate manager who seeks to take over the property. However, Kalyanam's twin brother learns the truth and returns for revenge.
In this film, Rajinikanth couldn't take up the role. This opened the doors for Kamal Haasan, who was already well-known and also making waves in the industry with his incredible acting skills.
He didn't just act in this amazing film, he brought the characters to life. His portrayal in this film of the gentle priest and the playful village man shown in the movie was so convincing that the audience was left speechless. The movie became a massive hit, and Kamal Hassan's performance was praised and loved for its depth and versatility.
His chemistry with superstar Sridevi added another beautiful layer of charm to this movie, making it an amazing and memorable watch for the fans.
Now looking back, it's interesting and hard to think about how different Kalyanaraman might have been if Rajinikanth played this role. Rajinikanth's style and screen presence is unique, and speaking of acting he would have undoubtedly brought his flavour to the characters.
But to be honest, Kamal Hassan's performance was so iconic that it's hard to imagine anyone else playing that role.
This incident is a reminder of how small twists of fate can change the course of cinema history. If Rajinikanth hadn't stepped aside this time, Kamal Haasan might not have had this opportunity to showcase his wholesome talent in Kalyanaraman. And who knows? The film might not have become the classic it is today if Rajinikanth had taken up this role.
What's more fascinating is that this wasn't the only time Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's paths haven't crossed in unexpected ways. Both actors have shared the screen in iconic films like Moondru Mudichu and 16 Vayathinile, where their chemistry was electric.
Today, Kalyana Raman is remembered as a classic Tamil film that showcased Kamal Haasan's brilliance. For fans of Rajinikanth. It's a fun piece of trivia, it's a reminder of what could have been.
And for fans of Tamil cinema, it's a nostalgic gem that takes us back to a time when two legends were just beginning to make their mark.
So, next time you watch this iconic piece of Kamal Haasan, keep this behind-the-scenes story in mind. It's a reminder of how fate, timing and raw talent can actually come together to create something truly special.
Picture this, maybe Rajinikanth stepping aside was the best thing that could have happened for Kamal Haasan, for this film, and for all of us who love cinema.
