Pradeep Ranganathan on Rajinikanth–Kamal Haasan Gangster Flick: 'I Am Not Directing That Film'
The filmmaker-turned-actor brushes off talk of directing a Rajinikanth-Kamal Haasan gangster saga, insisting he’s focused on acting for now.
Actor-filmmaker Pradeep Ranganathan has put to rest one of the most persistent rumours circulating in Kollywood: that he was set to direct a magnum opus gangster film bringing together two of Indian cinema’s greatest legends, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
When asked point-blank if he was behind the much-discussed project, Pradeep was quick to dismiss the speculation. “I’m not doing that film,” he said in an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, a, putting an end to weeks of chatter.
Yet, the denial raised as many questions as it answered. Was there ever a chance? Did conversations take place? When pressed on whether he had been “skirting” or “flirting” with the possibility, Pradeep smiled but remained deliberately vague. “I am not doing it because I am focused on acting now,” he clarified. “... and I can’t talk much about it at this point of time!"
That brief hesitation was enough to keep speculation alive. Was Pradeep offered the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to direct both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in a film after 46 years and did he turn it down to prioritise his acting career? When asked directly if he had declined such a monumental offer, the Love Today director neither confirmed nor denied. “At this point of time, I can’t talk about it,” he said, choosing to draw a line.
Pradeep Ranganathan made his directorial debut with Comali, a comedy-drama that earned him attention for fresh storytelling. He followed it up with Love Today, which became a blockbuster success. The film not only cemented his reputation as a director with strong youth appeal but also marked his debut as lead actor, winning praise for his effortless, relatable performance.
He has two exciting projects lined up as an actor this year: Dude and Love Insurance Kompany. Dude, set to release on October 17, is the first to hit theatres this Diwali and has already generated significant buzz among fans. Love Insurance Kompany, meanwhile, will follow a few months later, giving audiences another chance to see Pradeep on screen.