By Subhash K Jha

The last time they got together it was for the film Andha Kanoon in in1983. And now theBig B Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth come together in a most unexpected way. They would both be at Cannes in May this year attending the Cannes Film Festival with their respective films.

While the Big B would represent his first Hollywood film The Great Gatsby in Cannes Rajnikanth would be unveiling the trailer of his new film Kochadaiyaan at the Festival.

The film's co-producer Dr Murli Manohar confirms Rajnikanth's presence in Cannes at the same time as the Big B. `It's a big moment in the history of Indian cinema. Rajniji is as excited as a child about the way Kochadaiyaan has turned out.

Technique-wise it takes Indian cinema to another level altogether. Rajniji has shown the rough cut of the film to his close friends. The other day A R Rahman saw the rough cut and was blown away. `

Kochadaiyaan will be finally completed on July 15. The release date is to be decided by the end of May.

Apparently Rajnikanth has been advised against long air travel. But he is in no mood to stop himself from making that long journey to Cannes this May.

Says a source close to the project, `He is adamant on going. He has become extremely frail. But whenever anyone mentions his delicate health to Rajniji he gives the example of Mr Bachchan who has braved the most serious illnesses and done exactly what he wanted and gone exactly where he wanted in his career. `