Amitabh Bachchan as Kabali

Rajinikanth’s Kabali opened to packed theatres on Friday, but the dubbed Hindi version did not perform as well. Yet, regardless of the poor show, it is now being reported that Bollywood’s own superstar Amitabh Bachchan will be doing a full-fledged Hindi remake of Kabali.

Says Amitabh Bachchan, “Rajini is phenomenal. The largest, the best and truly the boss. Outside of Tamil Nadu, people have no idea what he is all about. The adulation, the following is incomparable. We are friends and colleagues. I abhor epithets, but for him I will make an exception, for he is truly exceptional.”

A source close to the project reveals, “The reason why Rajini’s Tamil films don’t do well when dubbed in Hindi is because they are very culture-specific. Kabali is set in the Tamil community in Malaysia. The flavour, culture and dialogues are all particular to the Tamil community.”

In the past, many of Amitabh’s films have been remade into Tamil, with Rajinikanth in the lead. These include Deewaar (remade in Tamil as Thee), Don (Billa in Tamil) and Namak Halaal (Velaikaran in Tamil).

If the Hindi remake of Kabali is actually happening, this will be the first time it happens the other way round.

Amitabh and Rajinikanth go back a long way. Big B made a guest appearance in Andha Kanoon in 1983, in which Rajinikanth played the lead and the two have remained close friends since. Amitabh admires Rajini’s modesty — his rise from the grassroots to superstardom.

Amitabh says of the star, “Look where he came from and what he has become. Sheer hard work, talent and the belief that he could do it. And he did! A fantastic example for the youth. Despite his extraordinary career he has remained a simple, down-to-earth person.”

Big B reveals details from the Tamil superstar’s life. “Do you know, a Fiat car he bought when he had attained his early success remained with him till recently. Rajini is terrific company on set and a fine gentleman. He’s religious, traditional and charitable too.” He also praised the star’s parenting skills, saying, “For me, the way your offspring turns out is the truest reflection of your achievements.”