Mani Ratnam Not Working With Rajinikanth, Confirms Suhasini Maniratnam

Suhasini Maniratnam, Mani's wife, refuted reports claiming that Mani Ratnam would collaborate with Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam’s last collaboration was the iconic film ‘Thalapathi’.

Source : IMDb/Instagram (@maniratnam.official)

There are rumors that after ‘Thug Life’, starring Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam will team up with Rajinikanth, making fans excited. This would be their first film together in over 30 years since ‘Thalapathi’ (1991). 

Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam to collaborate for a film? 

Some reports even claimed the announcement would be made on Rajinikanth's birthday in December. However, it seems there may not be much truth to these rumors.

In an interview with News18 Showsha, Suhasini Maniratnam, Mani's wife, said there have been no talks about this collaboration. “No, I don’t think even Rajinikanth and Mani know about it (laughs). It’s only people who’re writing about it,” she said.

Suhasini noted that Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's lasting fame is hindering younger actors from making their mark in the Tamil film industry.

“I’m worried about the young male actors. Between the Malayalam and Tamil film industries, our youngest top hero is 41 years old! I’m talking about Dhanush. What happened to all the Karthiks, the Prabhus, and the Mohans in the Tamil film industry?” Suhasini said.

She added, “They did so well in their 20s, but today’s actors in their 20s are losing out on their prime years. They aren’t being noticed or offered good stories. Ashok Selvan, only now, is penetrating and coming forward. As for Harish Kalyan, only two of his films have done well, Lubber Pandhu and Parking. There’s no place for young male actors in Tamil cinema. Fans are going for films of actors who’re above 40.”

Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam’s film 

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth and Mani Ratnam’s last collaboration was the iconic film ‘Thalapathi’, which also starred Malayalam superstar Mammootty. The movie drew inspiration from the friendship between Karna and Duryodana in the Mahabharata. Currently, Rajinikanth is shooting for ‘Coolie’, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, set to release in 2025. Meanwhile, Mani Ratnam has completed filming ‘Thug Life’, featuring Kamal Haasan, which is also expected to hit theaters in the summer of 2025.