Actor-producer Kamal Haasan turned emotional while speaking at the launch event of Dharman, his upcoming collaboration with Rajinikanth under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner, reflecting on a friendship and professional journey spanning over four decades.
Thanking audiences for sustaining his career over the years, Kamal said, “Thank you for keeping me relevant in this industry until I got the opportunity to produce a film starring Rajinikanth.” Recalling their early years, Kamal spoke about how their careers evolved together despite Rajinikanth entering films later.
“He started a little after me, but very quickly, we became equally successful. I remember once, while travelling together on a flight to Mumbai, we were receiving offers to act together. We discussed whether we should stop doing films together. During that same conversation, we decided that one day one of us should produce a film for the other,” Kamal said.
He added that decades passed before that promise became reality. “Just like that, 40 years went by. When I recently opened the RKFI office, I invited him for the launch. We stood on the terrace and spoke again about finally making this collaboration happen. We kept searching for the right story. Today, we are making not one but two films—Dharman and KHxRK.”
Reflecting on how far they had come, Kamal said, “What makes me proud is that those two youngsters who once sat under the neem tree at AVM Studio have travelled this far. I don’t know whose blessings or kindness brought us here. We always believed we would succeed—but not to this extent. It is because of all of you that we have reached this stage.”
Speaking about Rajinikanth’s involvement in the project, Kamal joked that the actor had already taken charge. “Usually, during production, the hero is relaxed while the producer runs around. But here, Rajinikanth has not allowed anyone to sleep. He has been excitedly calling people and telling them he is acting in a Kamal Haasan production,” he said with a laugh.
Calling himself a producer only in designation, Kamal added that Rajinikanth and RKFI’s Mahendran had been carrying much of the responsibility. “I am only the producer by title. Rajinikanth and Mahendran have taken over most of my duties while I sit and watch. I’m grateful to them, especially Mahendran, for taking care of Raaj Kamal Films International.”
Concluding his speech, Kamal said the team had placed its faith in director Ashwath Marimuthu. “We have entrusted our efforts and our wishes to Ashwath Marimuthu. We expect him to deliver. This isn’t a warning—it’s only to let him know that he has an entire team standing behind him.”
Dharman, helmed by Ashwath Marimuthu, is set to feature Rajinikanth as a "deadly doctor" as per the makers. Simran plays the female lead in the film, which marks the actor's 173rd. On the technical team, the film has Anirudh as the music composer, Niketh Bommi as the cinematographer and Pradeep E Ragav handling the cuts. Noted action choreographer duo Anbariv are also part of the project. More details about the film's genre and plot are awaited.
