The much-awaited Kamal Haasan-Rajinikanth reunion now has a director and composer. Confirming the speculations, the film, tentatively titled KHxRK is being helmed by Nelson, with music by Anirudh. The upcoming film will be the first time the actors are starring in a film, after K Balachandar's Ninaithale Inikkum (1979).
While Nelson and Anirudh have collaborated on Kolamaavu Kokila (2018) and Doctor (2021), the duo have worked with Rajinikanth on Jailer (2023) and are reuniting in the upcoming Jailer 2. But the upcoming film will be the first time Nelson is directing Kamal Haasan.
Anirudh has composed for multiple films starring Rajinikanth, like Petta (2019) and Coolie (2025), but the music director has worked with Kamal Haasan on Vikram (2022).
Inban Udhayanidhi will be producing the upcoming film under the Red Giant Movies banner, in their 17th production venture.
Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan is backing Rajinikanth's 173rd film, under his banner of Raaj Kamal Films International. Currently titled Thalaivar 173, the film will be directed by Cibi Chakravarthy and features music by Anirudh. Thalaivar 173 will reunite director Cibi and Anirudh after the 2023 film Don.
While Ninaithale Inikkum (1979), was the last time Kamal and Rajinikanth starred together, the last time both the actors were seen together were in Thillu Mullu (1981), which starred Rajinikanth, with Kamal making a cameo appearance.
