When Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth came together on big screen

The casting of any film is undeniably the most important element of it. In the period of 80s, there were a lot of films that were made with a mix of romance, drama and lots of action; the quintessential formula for a hit. They were termed to be the commercial potboilers at that point of time. And it was during this period when filmmaker Prayag Raaj in a way achieved the seemingly impossible feat of casting not one or two, but three reigning superstars of that era together. No points for guessing, it was the 1985 released film ‘Geraftaar’ which featured Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth for the first and the last time (as of now) coming together in a film. And it was today on September 13, when this film was released, and we witnessed this casting coup.

Considered to be one of the best commercial potboilers of that time, ‘Geraftaar’ witnessed some engaging performances from all these superstars throughout. This was the first time for Amitabh Bachchan to be sharing screen space with Kamal Haasan. Both of them played onscreen brothers. Reportedly, Amitabh Bachchan’s role in the film was initially supposed to be a guest appearance but it was later expanded. Reports also suggest that Amitabh liked his role so much that he requested his screen time to be increased. His character appears just before the second half, but soon becomes the central focus in the plot of the movie. ‘Geraftaar’ was the only film which starred Big B and Kamal Haasan together. (Also Read: When Amitabh Bachchan continued shooting, even after getting injured)

Talking about the third superstar Rajinikanth, he played a cameo in the film and all his scenes were with Big B. Although, Rajinikanth has worked with Kamal Haasan in a couple of films down South, but ‘Geraftaar’ was the only Hindi film which starred both of them, and sadly didn’t have any scenes of them together. Ironically, this was also the last film which starred Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan together, overall.

This was the second time when Rajinikanth shared screen space with Big B. Many would be aware of this fact that Rajinikanth had made his debut in Hindi films with ‘Andhaa Kaanoon’ (1983) which had Big B playing a pivotal role in it as well. There was no doubt that Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth’s onscreen chemistry was one of the prime highlights of ‘Geraftaar’. Their onscreen bonding and friendship is still remembered along with the popular track ‘Yaaron Pe Kurbaan Hone Yaar Aaye Hai’ which was picturised on them. After working in this film, the duo went on to work together yet again in ‘Hum’ (1991), which was their last film with each other.

Indeed, it was nothing short of magic to see them together, although all three of them weren’t there in one frame. Undoubtedly, ‘Geraftaar’ is one film that is still popular among us and fans for bringing these three legendary stars together on big screen.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.