Superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming film Kaala is one-month away for it's theatrical release. Directed by Kabali maker Pa. Ranjith, the film marks Rajinikanth's first association with his son-in-law and national award actor Dhanush. Kaala also stars an ensemble cast including veteran Bollywood actor Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Anjali Patel, Samuthirakani and Pankaj Tripathi.

However, not many are aware that Malayalam superstar Mammootty was initially offered a crucial role in Kaala. In fact, the film was supposed to be the re-union of both the legendary actors after the 1991 Mani Ratnam blockbuster Thalapathi.

In a recent interview, Pa. Ranjith revealed that he had approached Mammootty to play an pivotal role in Kaala.

“It is a fact that we had approached Mammootty Sir for a crucial role during the initial days of Kaala. However, the interaction could not go beyond that and nothing materialised. I would cherish working with a star like Mammootty, but that’s not in Kaala", Pa. Ranjith said.

Rajinikanth will be seen essaying a man from Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli who escapes to Mumbai as a child and goes on to become a powerful don living in Dharavi slums of Mumbai. The film is scheduled to release worldwide on April 27.