Kamal Haasan's Surprising Confession About 'Sholay'
In a stunning revelation that has captivated Bollywood enthusiasts, veteran actor Kamal Haasan disclosed a deeply personal and unexpected reaction to the legendary film 'Sholay'. During a promotional event for the sci-fi blockbuster 'Kalki 2898 AD', Haasan shared with co-star Amitabh Bachchan that he initially "hated" the iconic movie, a sentiment that left many in awe of his candidness.
A Candid Exchange Between Legends
The confession emerged from a warm and respectful dialogue between Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan, two titans of Indian cinema. Bachchan, participating via video call, expressed immense admiration for Haasan, stating, "It is an honour to be in the same film as him." This mutual praise set the stage for Haasan's personal anecdote, which delved into his early days as a young assistant director.
Recalling his first viewing of 'Sholay', Haasan described how the film profoundly affected him. "I couldn't sleep that night," he admitted, highlighting the emotional impact. However, the real shock came when he revealed, "First, I hated the film so much, I hated the filmmaker even more!"—a humorous reference to director Ramesh Sippy that underscored his initial disdain.
From Hatred to Overwhelming Awe
Kamal Haasan quickly clarified that his reaction was not born out of criticism but from professional shock and intimidation. As a budding filmmaker, the sheer scale, technical craftsmanship, and storytelling prowess of 'Sholay' left him feeling creatively disturbed. "As a technician, I couldn't sleep that night," he explained, emphasizing how the film's brilliance made him question his own abilities at the time.
This overwhelming awe eventually transformed into respect, as Haasan later collaborated with Ramesh Sippy, acknowledging the movie's lasting influence on his career. The confession highlights the complex emotions artists often experience when confronted with masterpieces that challenge their own creative limits.
An Emotional Journey to Co-Star Status
Reflecting on his journey, Kamal Haasan expressed profound emotion at receiving praise from Amitabh Bachchan. "Many such movies Amit ji has done, and to hear him say nice things about my films is something I had not imagined when I was an assistant director and watching Sholay," he said, underscoring the surreal nature of their collaboration in 'Kalki 2898 AD'.
In this epic sci-fi film, Haasan portrays the antagonist Supreme Yaskin, a role that has garnered acclaim for its intensity, while Bachchan's presence adds to the cinematic grandeur. Their on-screen partnership marks a full-circle moment from Haasan's days as an awestruck viewer to a celebrated co-star.
Updates on 'Kalki 2898 AD' and Its Sequel
The promotional event also shed light on the success and future of 'Kalki 2898 AD', which has become a major box-office hit. Directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas alongside Kamal Haasan and Amitabh Bachchan, the film expands a mythological sci-fi universe that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Production for the sequel is already underway in Hyderabad, with key cast members set to return:
- Prabhas will reprise his role, continuing the epic narrative.
- Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan are confirmed to feature, building on their dynamic performances.
- While Deepika Padukone may not return due to scheduling issues, rumors suggest Sai Pallavi could join the ensemble.
The sequel aims to elevate the franchise with even grander scale and deeper storytelling, promising to further explore the rich, futuristic world established in the first installment.
This revelation from Kamal Haasan not only adds a fascinating layer to Bollywood history but also underscores the enduring impact of 'Sholay' as a cinematic milestone that continues to inspire and intimidate generations of filmmakers.
