How Rajinikanth's 'Jailer' and Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram's' success reminds us of the 90s. On Monday Masala

Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan - the two megastars define childhood for crores of people. Despite being close friends off the screen and rivals on screen, the two stars have sustained in Indian cinema for several decades and have only taken Tamil cinema from strength to strength. Rajinikanth, being 72, and Kamal Haasan, being 68, scored blockbusters with 'Jailer' and 'Vikram' respectively.

In this week's Monday Masala, let us take a look at the success stories of 'Jailer' and 'Vikram' and how it takes us back to the 90s.

COMING BACK FROM A STRING OF UNDERWHELMING FILMS

For Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, the success of 'Jailer' and 'Vikram' was much-needed. Looking back at their careers, Rajinikanth's '2.0', 'Darbar' and 'Annaatthe' received unfavourable reviews from critics despite raking in the moolah. After 'Papanasam' in 2015, Kamal Haasan's films, which included 'Thoonga Vanam' and 'Vishwaroopam 2', failed to impress the audience like his previous films.

It is after several years that they have both scored superhits despite nearing the last stretch of their careers. This success was long coming and they still give the younger crop of actors a run for their money.

WHY 'VIKRAM' AND 'JAILER'S' SUCCESS REMIND US OF THE 90S

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth acted together in several films at the beginning of their careers. Then, they decided to choose a path that makes more sense to them. While Rajinikanth chose the commercial route, Kamal Haasan chose a path that was less travelled. Yet, both reigned as superheroes and their films went on to become superhits. The 90s saw both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan in their prime. Films like 'Basshha', 'Thevar Magan', 'Indian' and 'Muthu', to name a few, saw the light of the day in the 90s and made them the poster boys of Kollywood.

Cut to 2022, Kamal Haasan's 'Vikram' became one of the highest-grossing films in the history of Tamil cinema. A year later, Rajinikanth's 'Jailer' is shattering box office records, including the ones set by Kamal Haasan. It's like we're witnessing the clash of the titans from the 90s. They are still two of the most celebrated stars. Their mere appearance is enough for fans to cheer for them.

Here's the trailer of 'Vikram':

'Vikram' and 'Jailer's' storylines are also being compared in a broader sense. Though the screenplay techniques of the film were different, they also showcased a dad taking extreme steps for their son, while addressing other pressing issues. Not just that, the success of 'Vikram' and 'Jailer' is also similar.

The local appeal that both films had, along with the respective stars' superlative performances and charm, are what contributed to their success. With 'Vikram', Lokesh Kanagaraj created a cinematic universe and with 'Jailer', Nelson Dilipkumar brought back the token Rajini-ism.

Here's the trailer of 'Jailer':

RAJINIKANTH AND KAMAL HAASAN - THE LEGENDS

Politics, cricket and cinema go hand in hand in Tamil Nadu. Like their film choices, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan's political leanings are contrastingly different. While Kamal Haasan goes all out in sharing his ideologies through his films, Rajinikanth seems to stay away from expressing them in cinema, with the exception of films like Pa Ranjith's 'Kaala'. Over the years, Tamil cinema has seen several new talents who have created their niche among the audience.

Be it Vijay or Ajith Kumar or Dhanush or Suriya or Chiyaan Vikram, the newer crop of actors kept coming in. But, none could match the craze of Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. And that's why they remain the legends of Tamil cinema.

Now, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are working on several films, which will bring forth some interesting collaborations as well. Fans are waiting with their bated breath to celebrate the two stars and their films in theatres.