While fresh or unusual casting creates a lot of buzz and curiosity, reunion of actors are equally looked forward to, especially if it comes after a long interlude. As 'Drishyam' hits the silver screen today, movie buffs will get to see Ajay Devgn and Tabu sharing screen space after 16 years - they were last seen together in 'Thakshak' (1999). This film, however, will have sparks flying between the duo as Tabu plays a cop and Ajay, a common man, who inadvertently lands in a precarious situation and tries hard to outdo her.
Ajay Devgn (left) and Tabu at a promotional event in Delhi.
Speaking about their reunion, the actress has admitted that she didn't have to think twice before giving her nod to the project as she believes Ajay is her "trump card". On the other hand, Ajay reportedly said: "Working with Tabu in 'Drishyam' was no different from working with her in the '90s. We are childhood friends, our real life equation helps us work in perfect tandem. Since we have been busy with our respective work, there wasn't much interaction before the film took off. But we started from where we had left off. That's the strength of every friendship."
Hitlist takes a look at other actors who reconnected after a hiatus...
Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol
The last time: 'My Name Is Khan' (2010)
After the break: 'Dilwale' (upcoming)
Lowdown: The on-screen power couple of the '90s have teamed up for the Rohit Shetty film, which is currently being shot in Bulgaria. The pair has delivered several blockbusters like 'Baazigar', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Karan Arjun', 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. It is said that Rohit got close buddy Ajay Devgn to cajole wife Kajol to do the film. And with SRK already on board, the actress apparently didn't need much motivation to say yes, although there were reports that she demanded Rs 5 crore to sign on the dotted line. With this pairing, Dilwale is arguably the most anticipated film of 2016.
Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia
The last time: 'Leela' (2002)
After the break: 'Dabangg' (2010)
Lowdown: They had co-starred in quite a few films like 'Insaaf' (1987), 'Aakhri Adalat' (1988), 'Batwara' (1989) and 'Khoon Ka Karz' (1991). Almost over a decade later, they united for 'Leela' in which Kapadia played a professor and married to Khanna, a renowned poet. The film, however, failed to work at the box-office. Eight years later, they came together for the Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha-starrer which was a superhit.
Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah
The last time: 'Black and White' (2008)
After the break: 'Dil Dhadakne Do' (2015)
Lowdown: These two veterans garnered much appreciation as the Mehra couple in the recent Zoya Akhtar ensemble movie. They not only brought a sting to their interactions as expected from a husband and a wife in a loveless marriage, but seemed perfectly cast as the parents of Priyanka Chopra and Ranveer Singh. Even though they were working together after a gap of seven years, Shefali felt her co-star hadn't changed at all. "He is as dedicated and committed as he was before," she had been quoted as saying.
Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta
The last time: 'Salaam Namaste' (2005)
After the break: 'Happy Ending' (2014)
Lowdown: The dimpled actress did a cameo in the Raj Nidimoru and Krishna DK film as one of Saif's many ex-girlfriends. An excited Preity even tweeted pictures of them together on the sets, saying: "Cannot believe That the first time we shot together was 16 years ago ! Unbelievable." The first time that they were paired opposite each other was for 'Kya Kehna' (2000) and the last was 'Salaam Namaste' - call it sheer coincidence, but both the films had Saif impregnating Preity by accident. On their latest collaboration, Saif had said, "She is a dear friend. She was at my wedding with Kareena (Kapoor). She even took me to the hospital once, when I fell off a bike and nearly killed myself! We go way back. I am very happy to have acted with her again. We have a screen history that helps the role and it's very cool of her to do a special part for us in the film."
Naseeruddin Shah and Pankaj Kapoor
The last time: 'Finding Fanny' (2014)
After the break: 'Maqbool' (2003)
Lowdown: The two maverick actors, who happen to be brothers-in-law, are apparently wary of being cast together (Naseer's wife Ratna Pathak and Pankaj's wife Supriya Pathak are sisters). They did star in the Vishal Bhardwaj film, but had no scenes together. According to buzz, Naseer and Pankaj had a fallout over a film long time ago and since then, they avoid each other. However, the put the rumours to rest by starring in Homi Adajania's film last year. In fact, Naseer helped Pankaj overcome water phobia during the shoot. The duo has done quite a few films in the past together, which includes 'Mandi', 'Khamosh', 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron', 'Jalwa' and 'Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho'.