When Rajinikanth And Vijayakanth Appeared Together In Manathil Uruthi Vendum

Veteran actor Vijayakanth made his debut in the Tamil entertainment industry in 1979 and left an indelible mark through his films in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite limited collaborations, he shared a strong bond with superstar Rajinikanth, with whom he appeared in only one film titled Manathil Uruthi Vendum.

Throughout their four-decade-long careers, Rajinikanth and Vijayakanth collaborated on the popular song Vangaala Kadale from Manathil Uruthi Vendum. Their cameo appearance alongside lead actress Suhasini Mani Ratnam in the song became iconic and continues to resonate with audiences today.

Directed by K Balachander, Manathil Uruthi Vendum is a Tamil drama released in 1987. The film features an ensemble cast including Suhasini Mani Ratnam and Vivek in prominent roles, with music composed by Ilayaraja and produced by Rajam. The storyline revolves around a divorced nurse, portrayed by Suhasini, who becomes the sole breadwinner for her large family. Her encounter with a supportive novelist leads to a new chapter in her life.

Sadly, Vijayakanth passed away in December 2023 at the age of 71, following complications from Covid-19. At the time of his demise, Rajinikanth was filming his upcoming movie Vettaiyan. Upon hearing the news, Rajinikanth halted the shoot and rushed to Chennai to attend Vijayakanth’s funeral, paying his final respects to the esteemed actor.

Expressing his grief to the media at Tuticorin airport, Rajinikanth praised Vijayakanth’s resilience, stating, “My heart aches. Vijayakanth was a man with great willpower. I last saw him at the DMDK’s general body meeting and hoped he would recover from his health issues. His passing is a significant loss for the people of Tamil Nadu."

Vijayakanth’s contribution to the Tamil film industry is immense, with his memorable performances and dedication earning him widespread respect and admiration. Despite their limited collaboration, his camaraderie with Rajinikanth remains a cherished aspect of Tamil cinema history, exemplifying the unity and mutual respect among actors in the industry.