(This article is authored by Alar) 

Kamal Haasan, who has always shown his fascination for Mani Ratnam’s vision in films, took to Twitter and penned a special note on the filmmaker’s birthday. Mani Ratnam, who is credited for helming some of the critically acclaimed films, turned 67 on June 2. Ratnam recently directed Ponniyin Selvan II, which featured Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Trisha, Karthi, and Sobhita Dhulipala in the lead roles, and have the special narrative voice over of the legendary actor.

In his note, Haasan called Ratnam a “doyen of Indian cinema who has touched the hearts of millions through his art” and one who transformed dialogues into a lovely visual experience. He wrote, "If one were to count life by the happiness that they create around them and if age is calculated by the friends around you, my dear #ManiRatnam you are going to be a much older man today!,"

"A doyen of Indian Cinema who has touched the hearts of millions through his art and one who transformed dialogues into a lovely visual experience." Haasan also shared a throwback picture with Ratnam, which seems to be from the film’s audio launch event, and expressed his heartful wishes for the living legend.

The two cinema legends are set to collaborate for a new film, KH234 which will mark their first project in 35 years since 1987’s action-drama Nayakan. The new film, which is Haasan’s 234th feature effort, will be jointly produced by the actor’s Raaj Kamal Films International, Ratnam’s Madras Talkies and Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giant Movies.

Kamal Haasan’s birthday wish for Ratnam was met with a lot of love and appreciation from fans and celebrities alike. Many wished Ratnam a happy birthday and expressed their eagerness to watch the duo’s new film. Haasan last featured in Lokesh Kanagraj’s Vikram. He is currently working on Indian 2, which is directed by Shankar. Ratnam most recently directed the two-part epic Ponniyin Selvan -I & II, based on Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel of the same title.

If one were to count life by the happiness that they create around them and if age is calculated by the friends around you, my dear #ManiRatnam you are going to be a much older man today! A doyen of Indian Cinema who has touched the hearts of millions through his art and one who… pic.twitter.com/FoFz4pqaHh

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 2, 2023