Irrfan's film "Madaari" is all set to release on July 22, the day when Rajinikanth's much-awaited "Kabali" hits the screens.
When asked about the clash, Irrfan said, "It is not a clash, he is a big man, a big actor who is known across the globe. I can't be his equal. My film is coming with his, which is my good fortune.
"We will be happy if our film earns a little bit more money than what we have invested... I respect him a lot as a person. I need to take another birth to compete with him," the "Piku" star said.
The 49-year-old actor was speaking at the special screening of "Madaari" held exclusively for children.
The "Jazbaa" actor said he wants children to watch Indian cinema which is going through a huge change.
"I want our kids to watch the cinema we are making today. Often they watch Hollywood movies and series, so they are not able to watch our cinema.
"The new cinema which is coming today, which can engage young audience, we should make them watch otherwise young audience bachegi nahi apne paas, sab Hollywood dekhege," he said.
Directed by Nishikant Kamat, the drama-thriller also stars Jimmy Shergill.
Irrfan, who has been busy with back-to-back city tours for promoting the film, said he hates promotions and finds it an "extremely boring aspect of filmmaking".