Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, two of Tamil cinema's biggest stars, are teaming up for a new film called KHxRK after 47 years apart. The project comes from Red Giant Movies, with Nelson Dilipkumar directing and Anirudh Ravichander on music. They dropped a promo today, February 21, 2026, that has fans buzzing.
Key Takeaways
- Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth last worked together in 1978; this reunion marks their first film in almost 50 years.
- Nelson Dilipkumar, fresh off his Rajinikanth hit Jailer, directs KHxRK for Red Giant Movies.
- Anirudh Ravichander composes the music, with cinematography by Rajiv Menon.
- A fun promo video shows Nelson and Anirudh at a hotel, building hype for the film.
Background
Tamil fans have waited decades for this moment. Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan started in the industry around the same time. They first shared the screen in the 1970s. Their last joint project was a small role in a 1978 film called Aval Appadithan. Back then, both were rising stars. Rajinikanth became the action hero king. Kamal Haasan turned into a master of versatile roles.
Over the years, they've crossed paths often. But full films? None since then. Fans kept asking. Rumors swirled for years. Last year, in September 2025, Rajinikanth told reporters about plans. He said they wanted to work with Raaj Kamal Films International and Red Giant Movies. The director wasn't set yet. But the idea was there.
Kamal Haasan chimed in too. At an awards show, he joked about it. He called it a 'wonderful occurrence' if fans liked it. Their daughters, Shruti Haasan and Soundarya Rajinikanth, got asked about it in October 2025. Shruti said they were waiting like everyone else. Soundarya noted Rajinikanth would soon work under Kamal's banner. Details were still coming together.
Red Giant Movies has a strong track record. They've backed big hits like Jailer in 2023, where Rajinikanth starred. That film smashed box office records. Nelson directed it. His style mixes action, drama, and humor. It put him on the map. Now he's back with both legends. Red Giant also handled Vettaiyan in 2024, another Rajinikanth blockbuster. And they're lined up for more in 2025 and 2026, like Thug Life with Kamal Haasan.
But this KHxRK feels different. It's personal. These men shaped Tamil cinema. Rajinikanth with his mass appeal. Kamal with his perfectionism. Together? Electric.
Key Details
Red Giant Movies kicked things off Thursday with a poster. It showed a vintage car. Letters KH and RK stood out. The tagline read: 'Two Legends. One Frame. Next update at 12:07 tomorrow.' Fans went wild. They knew it meant Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth.
Today, at exactly 12:07 PM, they released a promo. It's short. Funny. Director Nelson walks down a hotel hallway. He looks confused. Which room first? Anirudh Ravichander shows up, humming a tune. Chaos follows. Laughter. It's a tease. No full plot reveal. Just excitement.
Production Team
Nelson Dilipkumar leads. His Jailer grossed over 600 crore worldwide. That success gave him pull for this. Anirudh Ravichander scores the music. He's the go-to guy for high-energy tracks. Think Jailer songs still playing everywhere.
Cinematography by Rajiv Menon. He's shot classics like Kandukondain Kandukondain. Editor R. Nirmal. Art by DRK Kiran. Costumes by Pallavi Singh and Amritha Ram for Kamal. Sound by Suren G. Co-producers M. Shenbaga Moorthy and R. Arjun Durai. Music recorded at Albuquerque Records in Chennai.
Red Giant issued a statement this morning. They called it a rare history repeat. A celebration for generations. They thanked Nelson for making it happen. And Anirudh for the fire.
"History rarely repeats itself… But when it does, it becomes a celebration for generations. The reunion of two towering legends is a moment of immense pride and emotion for Red Giant Movies." – Red Giant Movies statement
There's talk of another collaboration too. A separate film by Cibi Chakaravarthi. Produced by Kamal's Raaj Kamal Films. Rajinikanth stars there. But KHxRK is the big one. The dual-lead reunion.
Shooting details? Not out yet. No release date. Budget? Silent so far. But with these names, expect massive scale. Rajinikanth just wrapped Vettaiyan. Kamal's busy with Thug Life. Schedules aligned somehow.
Fans connect it to past teases. Like when Rajinikanth said, 'If we get a story and role, we will act.' Now they have one.
And check this: Little Amélie Animated Film Secures Indian Distribution Deal shows how animated projects are heating up Indian cinema. Or Sony Develops Venom Animated Film with Horror Directors at Helm, big reunions elsewhere too.
What This Means
This film could break records. Jailer did 600 crore. Vettaiyan pushed further. Add Kamal? Tamil cinema's biggest ever. Overseas markets will eat it up. Fans in Malaysia, Singapore, US. Diaspora ready.
It boosts Red Giant. They've got a winner. Nelson cements his spot. Anirudh adds another hit. For stars, legacy moment. Rajinikanth turns 76 soon. Kamal 72. Time to pass the torch? Maybe. But first, this.
Industry shifts too. Reunions like this draw crowds. Think Shah Rukh and Salman. Here, it's deeper roots. Tamil films already global. KHxRK takes it higher. Theaters packed. Streaming rights fought over.
Younger actors watch. Silambarasan in Thug Life. Dhanush projects. Competition heats. But these two? Untouchable.
Box office math simple. Rajinikanth opens 100 crore day one. Kamal adds depth. Family crowds. Mass crowds. Win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan last work together?
A: Their last film was Aval Appadithan in 1978, 47 years ago.
Q: Who is directing KHxRK?
A: Nelson Dilipkumar, known for Jailer.
Q: Is there a release date yet?
A: No official date announced. More updates expected soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan last work together?
Their last film was Aval Appadithan in 1978, 47 years ago.
Who is directing the Rajinikanth Kamal Haasan reunion film?
Nelson Dilipkumar, director of the hit film Jailer.
What is the music composer for KHxRK?
Anirudh Ravichander, known for energetic tracks in Jailer.
