Vetrimaaran on Rajinikanth working with Pa Ranjith in 'Kabali': 'He called Ranjith to make a Ranjith film, not a Rajinikanth film'

Rajinikanth collaborated with director Pa Ranjith for 'Kabali' in 2016, and it was a significant moment, given that Ranjith had only two films to his name at the time. The Superstar chose to work with a relatively new filmmaker after nearly three decades; the last was 'Arunachalam' by Sundar C. 'Kabali' not only established Ranjith as a recognized name in the industry but also inspired younger filmmakers to believe that collaborating with a star like Rajinikanth was within reach.

In a recent roundtable discussion with The Hollywood Reporter India, Vetrimaaran, Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, and Mahesh Narayanan had a thought-provoking discussion on cinema, where the conversation turned to the trend of big stars taking on unconventional roles. Vetrimaaran shared an insightful anecdote, revealing that Rajinikanth approached the filmmaker with the intent to create a "Ranjith film" rather than just a typical Rajinikanth movie.
Vetrimaaran acknowledges how the superstar is evolving with the trend of experimenting with new things in movies, stating, “Rajinikanth called up Ranjith to do a Ranjith film, and not to make him do a Rajinikanth film.” He emphasized that while many superstars in Hindi cinema are eager to work with directors known for innovative storytelling, their primary focus often lies on the talent of the director rather than the narrative itself. He contrasted this with Tamil and Malayalam cinema, where icons like Rajinikanth and Mammootty have demonstrated a willingness to trust younger filmmakers by allowing them creative control over their projects. This shift indicates a growing trend among established stars to embrace diverse and unconventional filmmaking.
Filmmaker and editor Mahesh Narayanan also highlighted the crucial role of superstars in paving the way for diverse cinema. He cited Mammootty’s involvement in the film 'Kaathal', which he not only acted in but also produced, as an example of this trend. Ranjith added that 'Bramayugam' was another excellent illustration of innovative choices made by established actors. Mahesh emphasized that many stars carry the burden of box office expectations, but Mammootty prioritizes the quality of the role over commercial concerns. He noted that iconic figures like Amitabh Bachchan and Mammootty, having achieved great success, are free from insecurity and are now seeking fresh, creative opportunities in their work. He believes that this exploration should originate from senior actors.
Vetrimaaran further mentioned Mammootty’s involvement as both an actor and producer in Lijo Jose Pellissery’s 'Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam'. “They would serve as inspirations for the younger lot. Only when there is precedence will something follow in cinema,” he concluded.