When the blockbuster film Leo was released last year, the on-screen chemistry between Thalapathy Vijay and Trisha Krishnan instantly reminded audiences of their earlier collaboration in Ghilli, which hit theatres 20 years ago.

This iconic film was re-released in a remastered 4K version on April 20 this year, receiving a phenomenal response worldwide. Remarkably, it grossed an estimated 30–50 crores during its re-release, surpassing Titanic to become the highest-grossing re-release in Indian cinema history.

Although the Vijay-Trisha pairing is now considered iconic, did you know Trisha wasn’t the first choice for the role?

After the re-release of Ghilli, several stars of the Tamil film industry reflected on the 20-year journey of this cult classic. Actress Kiran Rathod, in one such interview, revealed that she was originally approached to play the female lead. At the time, Kiran was deeply in love with someone outside the industry, and this influenced many of her career decisions, including turning down Ghilli. Following her decision, director Dharani cast Trisha in the role, which became a turning point in her career. Kiran admitted that after Ghilli became a massive hit, she regretted her choice to decline the role.

Kiran Rathod gained recognition in Tamil cinema through her role in the 2002 film Gemini, starring alongside Vikram. She went on to appear in successful films like Villain and Kamal Haasan’s Anbe Sivam. Known for her charm and screen presence, Kiran enjoyed a brief period as a leading actress, receiving multiple offers during that time. However, her stint as a leading lady didn’t last long, and she later transitioned to supporting roles.

Source / Image Credit : Zee News