When Nana Patekar Almost Said NO to Rajinikanth’s ‘Kaala’
Uncover the surprising story behind Nana Patekar's initial hesitation to play the villain Haridev Abhayankar in Rajinikanth's 2018 hit 'Kaala,' and how a personal appeal from the superstar convinced him to take on the iconic role. The movie is directed by Pa Ranjith.
The enduring power of versatile performances often leaves an indelible mark on cinematic history, and one such memorable role that continues to resonate is Nana Patekar's portrayal of the formidable Haridev Abhayankar in Rajinikanth's 2018 action-drama, Kaala. As of today, October 8, 2026, the discussion around Patekar's intense screen presence in the film frequently resurfaces, reminding audiences of his profound contribution to the project. However, it's a little-known fact that the celebrated actor was initially reluctant to accept the part. Nana Patekar Dies at 75; Veteran Actor Suffered Cardiac Arrest in Goa.
Nana Patekar Initially Rejected ‘Kaala’
Nana Patekar, known for his powerful and often morally complex characters, harboured reservations about stepping into the shoes of the ruthless politician Haridev Abhayankar, the primary antagonist to Rajinikanth's titular character. His hesitation stemmed from an uncertainty about taking on another villainous role. Director Pa Ranjith, who had admired Patekar's work, was keen to cast him, recognising the need for a strong presence to stand opposite the superstar.
The turning point came with Rajinikanth's personal involvement. The Southern megastar himself reached out to Patekar, narrating the role and making a humble plea. During their conversation, Rajinikanth reportedly remarked, in a sweet gesture, that no one would look at him on screen when Patekar was performing. This heartfelt approach, coupled with Patekar's profound respect and affection for Rajinikanth, proved to be the decisive factor, convincing the veteran actor to join the project. Patekar later confirmed at the film's pre-release event that Rajinikanth's appeal played a major part in changing his mind.
More About the Film 'Kaala'
Kaala, also marketed as 'Kaala Karikalan', is a Tamil-language action drama that delves into themes of land rights and social justice. Directed and co-written by Pa Ranjith, the film was produced by Dhanush and Subaskaran Allirajah under their banners Wunderbar Films and Lyca Productions, respectively.
The movie features a stellar ensemble cast alongside Rajinikanth and Nana Patekar, including Easwari Rao as Selvi Karikaalan, Huma Qureshi in her Tamil debut as Zareena, Samuthirakani as Vaaliyappan, and notable actors like Pankaj Tripathi as SI Pankaj Patil and Anjali Patil as Charumathi (Puyal). Santhosh Narayanan composed the music, with cinematography by Murali G and editing by A Sreekar Prasad.
The plot centres on Karikaalan "Kaala" Vengaiyan, the leader of Dharavi, as he fights to protect his community's land from the ruthless minister Haridev Abhayankar, also known as Hari Dada. Nana Patekar No More: Actor’s Iconic ‘Krantiveer’ Monologue Goes Viral As Fans Pay Tribute.
Kaala made history as the first Indian film ever to be released in Saudi Arabia following the lifting of its ban on public theatres in December 2017. For audiences looking to revisit this powerful clash of titans, Kaala is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 08, 2026 10:59 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).