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Pooja Hegde Joins hands with Rajinikanth for ‘Coolie’ Dance Number

February 27, 2025, 12:57 pm

Bollywood actress Pooja Hegde has officially joined action entertainer ‘Coolie’ with the well-known director Lokesh Kanagaraj. She will be seen with superstar Rajinikanth.

Sun Pictures, the film’s production house, spilled the beans via social media that the actress is part of the dance number in the film. Set to be one of the highlights of the film, the music for this number is by Anirudh Ravichander.

Post by Sun Pictures

Sun Pictures shared the update on social media, “Yes, you guessed it right! @hegdepooja from the sets of Coolie.” The announcement was joined by an image of Hegde showing off her fiery look in a striking red, high-slit number appearing as though she was caught in mid-dance step from the film.

Yes, you guessed it right!❤️‍? @hegdepooja from the sets of #Coolie @rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @iamnagarjuna @nimmaupendra #SathyaRaj #SoubinShahir @shrutihaasan @anbariv @girishganges @philoedit @Dir_Chandhru @PraveenRaja_Off pic.twitter.com/SThlymSeog

— Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) February 27, 2025

One of the most highly anticipated films of the year, ‘Coolie’ boasts an all-star cast including the great Nagarjuna Akkineni, Upendra Rao, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Soubin Shahir.

The news has surfaced that there would be a cameo from none other than Aamir Khan from Bollywood in this film, which will also showcase Rajinikanth in an avatar chalked with Daring Action, thus marking the movie as a must-watch for fans.

Revealing Tomorrow 11 AM!❤️‍? #Coolie @rajinikanth @Dir_Lokesh @anirudhofficial @iamnagarjuna @nimmaupendra #SathyaRaj #SoubinShahir @shrutihaasan @anbariv @girishganges @philoedit @Dir_Chandhru @PraveenRaja_Off pic.twitter.com/G9BqJcbobF

— Sun Pictures (@sunpictures) February 26, 2025

Fans Reaction to Pooja Hegde

Fans were quick to jump in the comments, showering love for her look and excitement for the movie. One fan wrote, “Wow. This is amazing.PoojaHegde??.” This marks the third time Hegde has done an entire dance number as a special appearance in a film. Having left audiences awestruck through her dances in ‘Rangasthalam’ opposite Ram Charan and ‘Arabic Kuthu’ with Thalapathy Vijay.

Coolie is set to give an encore of her dance moves and screen presence. Meanwhile, Pooja Hegde is preparing for Retro, directed by Karthik Subbaraj, where she partners with Suriya. With a list of various other projects coming her way, the actress is clearly not one to be ignored.

Veteran Actor Rajinikanth Admitted To Apollo Hospital In Chennai

October 1, 2024, 2:06 am

Chennai: Veteran Actor Rajinikanth was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai late Monday night, where he is scheduled to undergo a heart-related procedure on Tuesday, according to hospital sources. They confirmed that the 76-year-old actor’s condition is stable. However, there has been no official statement from either the hospital or his family.

Must Read: Mithun Chakraborty Honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Rajinikanth, who has been actively working on two films—’Vettaiyan’, directed by Gnanavel Raja and set for release on October 10, and ‘Coolie’, by Lokesh Kanagaraj—had only recently returned to Chennai. The actor had undergone a kidney transplant in Singapore a decade ago and had stepped back from his anticipated political entry, citing health concerns.

Also Read: Devara Box Office Collection Day 4: Jr NTR’s Film Suffers Significant Decline, Rakes In ₹12 Crore

Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Grooves to Rajinikanth’s ‘Manasilayo’ | Watch

September 29, 2024, 6:03 pm

Indian chess Grandmaster D Gukesh recently posted a video on social media where he is seen dancing to Rajinikanth’s popular song, ‘Manasilayo.’ In the clip, Gukesh swaps his strategic chess moves for some energetic dance steps, grooving with friends and family while wearing traditional attire. Clad in a red kurta, veshti, and sunglasses, he perfectly follows the catchy song’s hook steps. Towards the end, the chess prodigy walks up to the camera, flashes a smile, and signs off. “Manasilayo…with my family friends!” he wrote in the caption.

Watch:

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A post shared by Rhevaa Sudarsan Raj (@rhevaas_0211)

The 18-year-old, who played a pivotal role in India’s first-ever gold medal win at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, is currently enjoying a break. Gukesh’s outstanding performance at the event saw him win 9 out of 10 games, helping secure the gold medal for the Indian team. His victory propelled India to the top and earned him high praise.

Reflecting on his determination during the Chess Olympiad, Gukesh shared, “Since what happened last time, where we came so close to team gold, this time I thought I would do whatever it takes to win the gold for India. I didn’t focus on individual performance, I just wanted the team to win.” He even skipped the popular Bermuda party at the Olympiad to concentrate fully on his game.

Now ranked in the world’s top 20 and approaching chess legend Viswanathan Anand’s rating, Gukesh, along with his teammates, was recently honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. His next major challenge will be facing Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren at the World Championship in Singapore, scheduled for November 20 to December 15, with a prize of $2.5 million awaiting the winner.

Rajinikanth Brings Swag To Onam, Dances To Vettaiyan Song On Coolie Set – Watch

September 15, 2024, 10:13 pm

Recently, Rajinikanth recanned his shot on the sets of Coolie in the hope of replicating an entertaining moment for everyone on the set. The legendary actor was seen dancing to the Manasilaayo song on the Coolie set on the festive occasion of Onam.

Rajinikanth dances to Manasilaayo on Coolie Set

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A post shared by Sun Pictures (@sunpictures)

Recently, Sun Pictures posted a behind-the-scenes video from the action-drama Coolie, which is currently being filmed. During the clip, Rajinikanth and his crew could be seen listening to the *Manasilaayo* track from *Vettaiyan* on their smartphones and then ending it in a flash dance. The green shirt, white *mundu*, and black sunglasses had been donned by Rajinikanth, and style was radiating from his style. At the end of the track, Lokesh Kanagaraj-the director as well as the crew-appreciated him with a standing applause for his dance moves. Sun Pictures captioned the post, “Superstar is celebrating Onam in style from the sets of #Coolie (fire and blast emojis).”

The fans bombarded the post with comments as one mentioned, “Need this energy at 70’s (shocked emoji) Thalaivaa.” Another one said, “Age is just a number. Appearance with half bald doesn’t matter. If you have energy and an enjoyable soul, that’s enough.”. Charismatic soul… Thalaivaa (fire and heart emojis)”. One user said, “I’m sure I won’t live till the 70s but if i do, I just want 5% of his energy and style (fire and crying emojis)”. Another comment read, “Best part is Thalaivar calling Loki to dance (laughing and heart emojis).

Lokesh Kanagaraj Reveals Rajinikanth’s Coolie Character

Superstar @rajinikanth sir as #Deva in #Coolie ??

Thank you so much for this @rajinikanth sir ?❤️

It’s going to be a blast ??@anirudhofficial @anbariv @girishganges @philoedit @Dir_Chandhru @sunpictures @PraveenRaja_Off pic.twitter.com/TJxsgGdFfI

— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) September 2, 2024

Earlier in the week, the director behind *The Family Man* (M. Muruganandam) shared the character of Superstar Rajinikanth from *Coolie*. He also shared a picture on Twitter, writing, “Superstar @rajinikanth sir as #Deva in #Coolie…Thank you so much for this @rajinikanth Sir…It’s going to be a blast (blast, smiling and heart emojis).”

Upcoming Rajinikanth Movies 2023

Next film from the sets of Thalaivar is the *Vettaiyan* directed by T.J. Gnanavel and produced by Lyca Productions, featuring Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, and Abhirami. The film will hit the screen on October 10.

Superstar Rajinikanth’s ‘Vettaiyan’ to Hit Theatres on This Date

August 20, 2024, 4:30 am

Superstar Rajinikanth’s highly anticipated film, “Vettaiyan,” directed by TJ Gnanavel, is set to premiere in theaters on October 10, 2024. The announcement came from Lyca Productions on Monday via their official Instagram account, where they also revealed a new poster featuring Rajinikanth. The post excitedly declared, “Target locked! VETTAIYAN is set to hit cinemas worldwide from October 10th, 2024! Superstar as Supercop! Releasing in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada!”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lyca Productions (@lycaproductions)

Earlier this month, to celebrate Fahadh Faasil’s birthday, the filmmakers shared a special behind-the-scenes photo on their X account, featuring Fahadh alongside Indian cinema icons Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan. Lyca Productions also released the first-look image of Fahadh from “Vettaiyan,” wishing him a happy birthday and praising his artistry and dedication.

“Vettaiyan” will be Rajinikanth’s 170th film. The production company previously revealed the film’s title teaser on Rajinikanth’s 73rd birthday. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, Manju Warrier, and Dushara Vijayan. Anirudh Ravichander is composing the film’s music.

Watch: Rajinikanth’s Sweet Gesture For His Grandson

July 26, 2024, 4:14 pm

Rajinikanth, the iconic actor known for his larger-than-life roles, recently showed his down-to-earth side in a heartwarming Instagram post by his daughter, Soundarya Rajinikanth.

‘Best in everything you do’

Soundarya Rajinikanth recently shared heartwarming Instagram photos of her father, Rajinikanth, taking his grandson to school. The post revealed that when her son was reluctant to go to school, Rajinikanth stepped in personally to drop him off. This touching gesture highlights the actor’s deep involvement in his family’s everyday life, showing that even a superstar like Rajinikanth plays a loving and supportive role as a grandfather.

Soundarya wrote, “My son didn’t want to go to school this morning (sun emoji)… and SUPERHERO THATHA dearest took him to school himself (hug and heart emojis) you are the best in EVERY ROLE you play .. on and off screen my darling appa (heart eyes, kiss and love emojis) #BestGrandfather #BestFather #JustTheBest.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soundarya Rajinikanth (@soundaryaarajinikant)

Connecting with Fans

By sharing this story, Soundarya not only provides fans with a glimpse into her father’s private life but also reinforces the idea that family life transcends celebrity status. Rajinikanth’s act of kindness resonates with many who have faced similar situations with their own families. It’s a reminder that love and support are central to family relationships, regardless of one’s public image.

The Essence of Family Life

Rajinikanth’s involvement in his grandson’s school day highlights the essence of family: being there for each other through everyday challenges. It’s a reminder that behind the fame and accolades, celebrities like Rajinikanth are deeply invested in their families, sharing in both the struggles and joys of everyday life.

Rajinikanth’s role as a supportive grandfather offers a touching example of how even the most famous personalities are grounded by their familial roles. This personal story helps fans connect with the actor on a more intimate level, showing that despite his superstar status, he remains deeply engaged in the everyday experiences of family life.

Rajinikanth Attends Another High-Profile Billionaire Wedding Following Ambani Celebrations

July 24, 2024, 1:24 am

After participating in the wedding celebrations of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai, superstar Rajinikanth traveled to Kerala for another grand event. He and his wife were seen at the wedding of MA Salim’s daughter, the director of Lulu Group, in Kerala.

Yusuff Ali, the billionaire chairman and managing director of Lulu Group and Salim’s cousin, also attended the wedding. Ali oversees Lulu Group, which operates 256 hypermarkets and malls across the Gulf and India. His personal net worth is over $8.9 billion, as reported by Forbes.

According to Mathrubhumi news, MA Salim’s daughter Naurin wed Manjalamkuzhi Abdullah at the Hyatt Regency Convention Centre in Thrissur. Yusuff Ali was spotted greeting guests at the venue, which was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers for the opulent event.

The billionaire businessman was captured on film welcoming Rajinikanth to his niece’s wedding. Malayalam actor Joju George was also seen greeting the superstar.

Check out the video below:

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A post shared by Aswal Puthren|Kozhikode To You (@kozhikode_to_you)

An Instagram fan page for Yusuff Ali also featured him singing with performers at the event.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by M.A.Yusuffali Fan Page (@ma.yusuffali)

The wedding drew a diverse crowd of businessmen, politicians, and celebrities. Notable attendees included former President Ram Nath Kovind, former Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, UAE Minister of Finance Abdullah Bin Tauq Al Marri, producer Gokulam Gopalan, businessman Joy Alukkas, among others.

Earlier, Rajinikanth had attended the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai, where he mingled with guests such as Amitabh Bachchan and Jasprit Bumrah. The Ambani wedding, held on July 12 at Jio World Centre, featured Rajinikanth dancing in the baraat with several Bollywood celebrities.

After the Kerala wedding, Rajinikanth returned to Chennai on Sunday. At the airport, he spoke to the media, praising Kamal Haasan’s film ‘India 2’, which was released on July 12. He also posed for photos with fans before leaving.

Rajinikanth, Ram Charan to Mahesh Babu Grace Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant’s Wedding

July 12, 2024, 11:23 pm

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, accompanied by his wife Latha and daughter Soundarya, graced the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Mumbai. Rajinikanth looked dignified in a traditional Mundu, perfectly complementing the festive occasion. His attire was a testament to his timeless style and cultural pride.

Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu attended the event with his wife Namrata Shirodkar and their daughter Sitara Ghattamaneni. Mahesh Babu chose an elegant all-black ensemble, while Namrata and Sitara opted for matching beige lehenga-choli sets, exuding sophistication and grace.

Tamil cinema’s celebrated couple, Suriya and Jyotika, were also present, looking harmonious in their ivory and pastel outfits. Their coordinated ensembles added a touch of elegance to the celebration.

Tollywood superstar Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela made a striking appearance in traditional attire, showcasing their impeccable style and cultural roots.

South Indian superstar Prithviraj Sukumaran and his wife Supriya Menon attended the wedding in stylish beige outfits, adding to the event’s charm with their coordinated looks.

Lady superstar Nayanthara looked ethereal in an ivory saree, accompanied by her filmmaker husband Vignesh Shivan, who wore a matching mundu and shirt, both exuding elegance and grace.

Tollywood actor Rana Daggubati and his wife Miheeka Daggubati were also in attendance, bringing their unique style to the grand event.

Actor Venkatesh Daggubati looked graceful in an off-white sherwani set, adding a regal touch to the celebration with his traditional yet stylish appearance.

Lastly, Pooja Hegde dazzled in a yellow lehenga choli set, accentuated with a matching potli, exuding charm and elegance, and adding vibrant color to the wedding festivities.

The presence of these celebrities add glamour and excitement to Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding, making it a memorable event filled with style, tradition, and joy.

Superstar Rajinikanth Shines In Golden Kurta At Anant Ambani’s Wedding

July 12, 2024, 7:36 pm

Superstar Rajinikanth arrived with his family at the highly anticipated wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant on Friday. Rajinikanth was clad in a golden-toned kurta pyjama set as he posed alongside his wife Latha Rajinikanth and daughter.

This look of Rajinikanth showcases his simplicity and positive aura by choosing such a peaceful color.

Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding: Rajinikanth snapped with family at star-studded event

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/m0lp4z7bCd #Rajinikanth #AnantAmbani #RadhikaMerchant pic.twitter.com/R9TJ1Ws34L

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 12, 2024

Other stars from the Kapoor family, including Anil Kapoor in a black suit and Arjun Kapoor in a customized kurta inscribed with “MERE YAAR KI SHAADI HAI,” were also spotted looking dashing in their outfits. Additionally, WWE champion John Cena’s appearance in his blue Indian attire and unique shoes further highlighted the global influence and appeal of Indian culture.

Anant-Radhika wedding: Arjun Kapoor’s customised “mere yaar ki shadi hai” kurta a showstealer

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/RNMmqEAzAT #ArjunKapoor #AnantAmbani #RadhikaMerchant pic.twitter.com/1zPL4ov0pW

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 12, 2024

#WATCH | Actor Anil Kapoor arrives at Jio World Convention Centre to attend Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding pic.twitter.com/36HiAB2Yx3

— ANI (@ANI) July 12, 2024

Director Lokesh Kanagaraj Drops Rajinikanth’s Stylish Still From ‘Coolie’

June 27, 2024, 12:50 am

Superstar Rajinikanth’s eagerly awaited look from his upcoming film ‘Coolie’ was unveiled by director Lokesh Kanagaraj himself on X on Wednesday.

Following the filmmaker’s post, fans filled the comment section with praise. One fan wrote, “Rs 1000 crore loading,” while another simply exclaimed, “Thalaivaa.” Numerous others expressed their excitement with fire emojis.

Take a look at Rajinikanth’s fresh appearance in Coolie here:

Look test for #Coolie ?
On floors from July pic.twitter.com/ENcvEx2BDj

— Lokesh Kanagaraj (@Dir_Lokesh) June 26, 2024

Not much information has been disclosed about ‘Coolie,’ but previously, the producers shared a teaser featuring Rajinikanth using a belt made of gold watches to confront thugs. The teaser was presented in monochrome, highlighting only the gold elements in their original color.

Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, ‘Coolie’ marks his first collaboration with Rajinikanth and is being produced on a grand scale by Sun Pictures, with production commencing in September 2023.

Reports suggest that Sivakarthikeyan also plays a significant role in the film, while composer Anirudh Ravichander is handling the music. The release date has yet to be announced.

Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth Join Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu’s swearing-in ceremony

June 12, 2024, 2:47 pm

Megastars Chiranjeevi and Rajinikanth attended the swearing-in ceremony of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu as the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday. The event took place at Gannavaram Mandal, Kesarapalli IT Park in Vijayawada, where both stars were seen in white outfits.

Actor-politician Nandamuri Balakrishna greeted Chiranjeevi and Rajinikanth upon their arrival. Balakrishna also interacted with Union Ministers Chirag Paswan and Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and was seen conversing with former Tamil Nadu CM O. Panneerselvam on stage.

N. Chandrababu Naidu took oath as Chief Minister for the fourth time, with this being his second term since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Nitin Gadkari were among the notable attendees.

Naidu first served as CM from 1995 to 2004 and then from 2014 to 2019 after the state’s bifurcation. Present at the ceremony were Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh, Union Minister Rammohan Naidu, and Nandamuri Balakrishna. The TDP-BJP-Janasena National Democratic Alliance, led by Naidu, achieved a landslide victory in the recent elections, securing a majority in the 175-member Andhra Pradesh assembly with 135 MLAs. The Janasena Party holds 21 seats, and the BJP has 8, while the opposition YSR Congress Party has 11 legislators.

Rajinikanth And Ilaiyaraaja Mourn The Passing Of Media Icon Ramoji Rao

June 8, 2024, 3:59 pm

Tributes started pouring in for media mogul Ramoji Rao after since he passed away on Saturday morning.

Renowned actor Rajinikanth expressed his sorrow on X, stating, “I am deeply saddened on hearing the demise of my mentor and well wisher Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. The man who created history in Journalism, Cinema and a great kingmaker in Politics. He was my guide and inspiration in my life. May his soul rest in peace.”

I am deeply saddened on hearing the demise of my mentor and well wisher Shri Ramoji Rao Garu. The man who created history in Journalism, Cinema and a great kingmaker in Politics. He was my guide and inspiration in my life. May his soul rest in peace. @Ramoji_FilmCity

— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) June 8, 2024

Rao passed away on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at Star Hospital in Telangana’s Hyderabad. He was 87. Rao’s legacy is vast, encompassing numerous successful business ventures and media productions. Under his leadership, Eenadu became a major force in Telugu media.

His other business ventures include the film production house Usha Kiran Movies, the film distribution company Mayuri Film Distributors, the financial services firm Margadarsi Chit Fund, and the hotel chain Dolphin Group of Hotels. He was also the head of the ETV Network of television channels.

In 2016, he received the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India, from then-President Pranab Mukherjee.

His mortal remains have been kept at The Ramoji Film City, where several renowned figures arrived to pay their last respects to Ramoji Rao.

Music composer Ilaiyaraaja also offered his condolences.

“May his soul rest in peace,” Ilaiyaraaja said.

Telugu Producer Daggubati Suresh Babu also expressed his grief.

“It is an extremely sad day. Anyone who wants to learn about leadership can learn from him. I met him a couple of times and each meeting was inspiring. I convey my deepest condolences to the family. He is one of the most important people for the Telugu pride,” Daggubati Suresh Babu said.

Offering his condolences, actor and producer Nandamuri Kalyan Ram said, “My film journey started with ‘Toli Choopulone’ movie which was produced by Usha Kiran production which was established by Ramoji Rao. He has given opportunities to many actors, writers and artists like me. May his soul rest in peace.”

Film producer Mohan Babu also recalled Ramoji Rao’s immense contribution to society.
“I shared good relations with Ramoji Rao. He used to call me often…He is a kingmaker in the media industry,” Mohan Babu said.

Rajinikanth Honoured With UAE ‘Golden Visa’

May 24, 2024, 12:33 pm

Rajinikanth has been granted a golden visa by the UAE’s Department of Culture and Tourism, an honor he received with gratitude. The actor expressed his thanks to the Abu Dhabi government and his friend, businessman MA Yusuff Ali, for their support in securing the visa.

In a video shared on X, Rajinikanth conveyed his appreciation for the Abu Dhabi government’s assistance and warm hospitality. He stated, “I am deeply honored to receive the prestigious UAE Golden visa from Abu Dhabi Govt.

“My heartfelt thanks to the Abu Dhabi government, and also to my good friend Mr. Yusuff Ali, CMD of Lulu Group, for facilitating this visa and for all the support.”

Benefits:

He can own a property
He can visit any time
He can reside for 10 years
Can sponsor family members & even domestic staff

Thalaivar #Rajinikanth receives THE Golden Visa from the UAE (DUBAI) govt, through chairman and MD of LULU group.

Benefits:

* He can own a property.
* He can visit any time.
* He can reside for 10 years.
* Can sponsor family members & even domestic staff.

And many more ? pic.twitter.com/2y8F6k3yvJ

— Rana Ashish Mahesh (@RanaAshish25) May 23, 2024

Rajinikanth was presented with the golden visa by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, in recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry and lasting impact. The ceremony took place in the presence of MA Yusuff Ali.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Rajinikanth enjoyed spending time with Yusuff Ali, highlighting their enduring friendship. They were seen sharing candid moments at Yusuff’s residence, and Rajinikanth took a ride in Yusuff’s luxurious car.

On the global stage, Rajinikanth completed filming for ‘Vettaiyan,’ set to be released in October. The film also features Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati. Additionally, he is actively involved in ‘Coolie’ with Lokesh Kanagaraj.

Happy Birthday Mohanlal: ‘Lalettan’ Was Offered a Role in This Rajinikanth Film but Turned It Down

May 21, 2024, 7:00 am

Mohanlal, one of Malayalam cinema’s biggest and most celebrated names, turns 64 today (May 21). The veteran actor, who began his career nearly four decades ago, enjoys a huge fan following because of his powerful performances and striking screen presence. While everyone knows about his unparalleled body of work, not many may be aware of the fact that he once turned down an offer to star in a Rajinikanth film.

Mohanlal Rejected Rajinikanth’s ‘Sivaji’

‘Sivaji’ (2007) is widely regarded as one of Rajinikanth’s most popular films.. The action entertainer was directed by Shankar and marked his first collaboration with ‘Superstar’. The maverick filmmaker approached Mohanlal to play the antagonist opposite the mass hero in the film. ‘Lalettan’ expressed an interest in the role and had a discussion with Shankar about the same.

Things, however, did not go as planned and the Malayalam star refused to allocate bulk dates for ‘Sivaji’. In an interview with Rediff, a few years ago, the ‘Complete Actor’ revealed that he would have had to turn down several Malayalam movies to work on Rajinikanth’s film, something he did not want to do.

“Yes, Shankar met me and narrated the storyline. It was a negative character I found quite interesting, but they wanted many days from me spread over an entire year. It meant letting go of many of my Malayalam projects, which I didn’t want to. I want the good relationship I have in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to stay that way. It was a good villain’s role though,”her had said.

‘Sivaji’ eventually hit screens in 2007 and emerged as a blockbuster. The film featured Rajinikanth in the role of an engineer who strives for the public’s welfare only to face opposition from a business tycoon. Its cast included Shriya Saran, Suman, and Vivekh.

Busy Time For Mohanlal

Coming back to Mohanlal, he will soon be seen in ‘Barroz’. The fantasy drama features the legend in a new avatar and marks his debut as a director. It is slated to hit screens on September 12. ‘Lalettan’ will also be seen in ‘L2’. The film is a follow-up to Lucifer. Additionally, Mohanlal is part of Vishnu Manchu’s highly ambitious film ‘Kannappa’.

Amitabh Bachchan Hugs Rajinikanth on Set of Vettaiyan

May 3, 2024, 9:42 pm

Excitement is soaring among fans as new glimpses from the sets of the upcoming film Vettaiyan have surfaced on social media. The photos capture a heartwarming moment between two legendary actors, Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, igniting a buzz of anticipation.

In these captivating images, both Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are seen dressed impeccably in suits, exuding timeless charm and elegance. The first snapshot showcases the iconic duo striking a dignified pose side by side, embodying their decades-long contributions to Indian cinema.

However, the highlight of these pictures is the heartfelt embrace shared between Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, accompanied by warm smiles. This moment of camaraderie between the two stalwarts has captured the hearts of fans and industry enthusiasts alike.

What adds to the excitement is that Vettaiyan marks a significant milestone as it heralds Amitabh Bachchan’s debut in Tamil cinema. The inclusion of such esteemed actors like Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Dushara Vijayan in the film’s stellar cast further raises anticipation for what promises to be a cinematic masterpiece.

As fans eagerly await more updates and teasers from Vettaiyan, the camaraderie and chemistry between Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan on set have already set high expectations for this much-anticipated film. Stay tuned for more exciting developments from the world of entertainment!

Rajinikanth heads to Hyderabad for ‘Vettaiyan’ shoot

March 9, 2024, 12:20 pm

Megastar Rajinikanth is gearing up for his upcoming film ‘Vettaiyan’ and recently headed to Hyderabad for its shooting. In videos captured by paparazzi, Rajinikanth was seen making his way towards the airport entrance.

Speaking to the media, Rajinikanth revealed, “75 per cent of the shoot is over. As of now, the next movie is not finalised.” Directed by TJ Gnanavel, ‘Vettaiyan’ also stars legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan, actors Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Dushara Vijayan, and Ritika Singh. The film is scheduled for release in the latter part of 2024.

Rajinikanth has collaborated with producer Sajid Nadiadwala for this project. Nadiadwala Grandson recently shared a picture of Rajinikanth with Sajid Nadiadwala, expressing excitement about the collaboration. “It’s a true honour to collaborate with the legendary Rajinikanth Sir! Anticipation mounts as we prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey together,” Nadiadwala shared on X.

It’s a true honour to collaborate with the legendary @rajinikanth Sir! Anticipation mounts as we prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey together!
– #SajidNadiadwala @WardaNadiadwala pic.twitter.com/pRtoBtTINs

— Nadiadwala Grandson (@NGEMovies) February 27, 2024

Rajinikanth’s last appearance was in his daughter Aishwarya’s film ‘Lal Salaam’. The Tamil-language sports drama addresses themes of caste oppression and religious discrimination, receiving mixed reviews. Rajinikanth plays an extended cameo as Moideen Bhai, while Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth star in the lead roles.

Anant-Radhika’s Pre Wedding: Rajinikanth Calls it ‘Mesmerizing’

March 4, 2024, 4:11 pm

After attending the three-day-long pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, superstar Rajinikanth praised the function.

He could be seen leaving Jamnagar wearing his white suit in the paparazzi-captured videos.
Rajnikanth discussed his experience with the media and stated, “The way Nita and Mukesh Ambani conducted the pre-wedding functions is mesmerizing. They brought down the Kailasha and ‘Baikuntha’ to this world. I wish a very very happy married life to Anant and Radhika.”

On Sunday, Rajinikanth and his family came to the function.

On day 3 he wore a beige veshti and a white shirt.

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant kicked off their three-day pre-wedding celebrations on Friday.

Anant, the youngest son of Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani, is hosting pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and guests are traveling from all over the world to attend.

Nita Ambani, the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, talked about pre-wedding event of her son Anant Ambani with Radhika Merchant.
She emphasized the value of culture and the arts and expressed how “passionate” she is about them, stating, “Throughout my life I have been inspired by arts and culture. It has deeply moved me and I am very passionate about it.”

While talking about her son’s wedding she mentioned, “When it came to my youngest son Anant’s wedding with Radhika, I had two important wishes – first, I wanted to celebrate our roots…Jamnagar holds special place in our hearts and has a profound significance. Gujarat is where we come from, it’s where Mukesh and his father built the refinery and I started my career by converting this arid and desert like area into a lush green township and a vibrant community.”

Rajinikanth is currently shooting Vettaiyan, which is helmed by TJ Gnanavel. The film also features Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rana Daggubati, Fahadh Faasil, and Amitabh Bachchan. The movie is scheduled for release in the latter part of 2024.
Rajinikanth and legendary producer Sajid Nadiadwala have teamed up.
Grandson recently shared a photo of Rajinikanth and Sajid Nadiadwala.

“It’s a true honour to collaborate with the legendary Rajinikanth Sir! Anticipation mounts as we prepare to embark on this unforgettable journey together,” Nadiawala said in a post on X.
More details regarding the duo’s collaboration are awaited.

Rajinikanth’s Thalaivar nirantharam is highlighted in the Vettaiyan first look poster

January 15, 2024, 2:07 pm

Since its initial announcement under the working title Thalaivar 170, TJ Gnanavel’s Vettaiyan, starring Rajinikanth, has been creating a lot of buzz. It is one of the most anticipated Tamil films of 2024. When the star-studded cast, which included Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier, was revealed, the excitement peaked. Fans are now extremely excited as Team Vettaiyan has released the official first look poster for the film. The poster, which was released on Pongal, features Rajini as a dominant figure at the top, wearing wayfarer glasses and swaggering in a salt-and-pepper ensemble.

CM Stalin of Tamil Nadu wishes Rajinikanth a happy birthday

December 12, 2023, 10:48 am

Star Rajinikanth received a heartfelt birthday wish on Tuesday from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Stalin posted in Tamil on X, the former Twitter platform, wishing Rajinikanth a happy birthday. I hope you’ll keep making people happy with your joyful and fulfilling successful movies.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Rajinikanth is basking in the success of ‘Jailer’. He plays a man seeking to avenge the death of his cop son in the movie. Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, and Jackie Shroff were seen in important cameos in the film.
In the coming months, he will be seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in ‘ ‘Thalaivar 170’. It is being directed by TJ Gnanavel. Bachchan and Rajinikanth last worked together in the 1991 film ‘Hum’, directed by Mukul Anand.

Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s ‘Lal Salaam’ teaser talks religion and sports

November 13, 2023, 3:25 pm

Superstar Rajinikanth is essaying a cameo in his daughter, Aishhwarya Rajinikanth’s film, Lal Salaam. The teaser of the film was released on Diwali and started to trend on social media.
In the teaser, we see two teams playing cricket – Vishnu Vishal, a Hindu, is in one team as a batsman and Vikranth, a Muslim, is a bowler in the other. A cricket match between their two teams is set to begin and you hear on a loudspeaker – “You’ve seen an India-Pakistan match on TV, have you seen it in real life?” The cricket match eventually leads to riots and we see how politics plays a role in this.
And then Superstar Rajinikanth, who plays Moideen Bhai in this film, appears on screen and says a very powerful dialogue. “You’ve melded religion with sports. And you’ve poisoned the minds of children. This is not right,” he states.

Given that Rajinikanth’s Jailer was a superhit, his fans are looking forward to this film in January. Superstar took to his social media to wish everyone a Happy Diwali and launched the Lal Salaam teaser on Sunday. Fans wrote on Thalaivaa’s profile that they were waiting to catch the film in theatres.

Lal Salaam is Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s third feature film directorial and the movie will release for Sankranti i.e. January 2024. She is donning the director’s hat after eight years.

Lal Salaam stars Vishnu Vishal, Vikranth, Thambi Ramaiah and Rajinikanth, in an extended cameo. Cricketer Kapil Dev makes an appearance as himself in the film. The music is by AR Rahman and the movie is produced by Lyca Productions, who produced Rajinikanth’s Darbar.

‘Thalaivar 170’: First Look Of Rajinikanth Out

October 4, 2023, 2:55 pm

Makers of Rajinikanth starrer ‘Thalaivar 170’ unveiled the first look of the superstar on Wednesday.

The Official page of Lyca Productions took to X to unveil the first look of the superstar.

They wrote, “Lights Camera Clap & ACTION. With our Superstar @rajinikanth and the stellar cast of Thalaivar 170 the team is all fired up and ready to roll! Hope you all enjoyed the Thalaivar feast. Now it’s time for some action! We’ll come up with more updates as the shoot progresses.”

Lights ☀️ Camera ?️ Clap ? & ACTION ?

With our Superstar @rajinikanth ? and the stellar cast of #Thalaivar170?? the team is all fired up and ready to roll! ?️

Hope you all enjoyed the #ThalaivarFeast ? Now it's time for some action! We'll come up with more updates as the… pic.twitter.com/gPUXsPmvEQ

— Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) October 4, 2023

In the monochrome picture, Rajinikanth is dressed in a black suit, a black shirt, and black sunglasses.

TJ Gnanavel directs Thalaivar 170. After 32 years, Amitabh Bachchan will reunite with star Rajinikanth in this film.

Ritika Singh, Manju Warrier, Tushara Vijayan, Rana Daggubati, and Fahadh Faasil have also been cast as extras.

Rajinikanth is expected to play a retired police officer in the film. Earlier, he was seen leaving the Chennai airport on his way to Kochi to shoot his next film.

Rajinikanth arrives at SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s residence in Lucknow

August 20, 2023, 10:52 am

On Sunday, Tamil actor Rajinikanth arrived at Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav’s residence in Lucknow as part of his trip to Uttar Pradesh. Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, was also met by him on Saturday at his residence in Lucknow. For the screening of his movie “Jailer,” which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Keshav Prasad Maurya, the actor flew into the city on Friday evening.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth expressed his excitement about the kind of positive response his film is getting from the audience and its success. “…It’s God’s blessing that the movie is becoming a hit,” he told .

Rajinikanth had previously been in Ranchi, Jharkhand. On Friday, he paid a visit to the state’s well-known Chhinnamasta Temple and offered prayers there. He went to Ranchi’s “Yagoda Ashram” and meditated for an hour. He then met with C P Radhakrishnan, the governor of Jharkhand, at the Raj Bhavan.

UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya praised the actor for his acting skills and said, “I also got a chance to watch a film titled ‘Jailer’. I had watched Rajinikanth’s many films and he is such a talented actor that even though there is not much content in the movie still he with his performance, he increases the importance of the film.”
‘Jailer,’ which was released in theatres on August 10, has grabbed the box office by storm. In India, the film’s eight-day total collection stood at Rs 235.65 crore (as of August 17). The film was released in several languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi.
Rajinikanth plays a man seeking to avenge the death of his cop son in ‘Jailer’. Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, and Jackie Shroff are in important cameos.

Viral Video: Japan Ambassador’s Dance To Kaavaalaa Is A Must Watch

August 17, 2023, 2:22 pm

The ‘Jailer’ song ‘Kaavaalaa’ featuring Tamannaah Bhatia and Rajinikanth has become very popular. After the video of a Japanese man dancing to the song went viral, now Hiroshi Suzuki, Ambassador of Japan to India created a video with Japanese YouTuber Mayo San in which he is seen shaking his legs on the track.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote in the caption, “Kaavaalaa dance video with Japanese YouTuber Mayo san(@MayoLoveIndia) My Love for Rajinikanth continues … @Rajinikanth #Jailer #rajinifans..Video courtesy: Japanese Youtuber Mayo san and her team”

Kaavaalaa dance video with Japanese YouTuber Mayo san(@MayoLoveIndia)?????
My Love for Rajinikanth continues … @Rajinikanth #Jailer #rajinifans

Video courtesy : Japanese Youtuber Mayo san and her team pic.twitter.com/qNTUWrq9Ig

— ONO Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan (@JapanAmbIndia) August 16, 2023

Videos of many social media users dancing to this popular song have been posted online.

Earlier also Suzuki posted a video in which he was seen flipping his glasses like Rajnikanth. He was seen taking the help of another person to do it in the right way. He wrote along with the video, Vannakkam!

@Rajinikanth, #Japan also loves you a lot!#Jailer #rajinifans”

Sung by Shilpa Rao and Anirudh Ravichander, the lyrics were penned by Arunraja Kamaraj. The dance moves of Tamannaah and Rajinikanth and the beats of the song from ‘Jailer’ made it viral and trending.

During the song launch, Tamannaah spoke about the song’s success.

She told News Agency, “People have given so much love. The song is trending so much that normally we promote films but now this song has promoted us so much that we literally have to come out and talk about the love that people have given us and made it a trend. Jailer of course is a film that has been dubbed in Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. So, it will; definitely reach out to. It’s rooted Tamil film which hopefully will reach out to all the audience.”

Helmed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Rajinikanth plays the role of Jailer Muthuvel Pandian. The film is touted to be an action-packed entertainer and has a stellar star cast that includes Priyanka Mohan, Shiva Rajkumar, Jackie Shroff, Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayakan in prominent roles.

Jailer Twitter Review

August 10, 2023, 10:20 am

Rajinikanth’s Jailer has finally reached the theatres for audiences to watch and enjoy. The first day-first show kickstarted early morning, and fans shared their reviews on social media platforms. The first reviews of the film have been positive. Fans can’t stop raving about watching their favorite superstar Rajinikanth on the big screen. The interval and climax scenes are said to be the biggest highlights of Jailer. Anirudh Ravichander’s music and songs are another big plus point of Jailer.

The film also features Shiva Rajkumar as the lead antagonist in Jailer, which features Ramya Krishnan, Yogi Babu, Vasanth Ravi, Vinayakan, and others in supporting roles. Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff and Mohanlal are also part of Jailer. Bankrolled by Sun Pictures, Vijay Kartik Kannan is the director of photography.

Rajnikanth’s Much Awaited ‘Jailer’ Trailer Out

August 3, 2023, 1:44 pm

The trailer of Rajinikanth’s upcoming movie ‘Jailer’ was launched on 2 August 2023. Jailer is an upcoming Tamil action film directed by Nelson and produced by Kalanithi Maran.

The movie stars Rajinikanth, Tamannaah Bhatia, Jackie Shroff, Mohanlal, Sunil, Ramya Krishnan, Vinayakan, and Mirnaa Menon along with other supporting cast.

The production house Sun Pictures shared the Jailer trailer on their Instagram handle, captioning, “Meet Tiger Muthuvel Pandian The much awaited #JailerShowcase is out now.”

The video introduced Rajinikanth’s character ‘Tiger’ Muthuvel Pandian, with two different avatars. He plays the role of the father of a police officer in the movie. The video has some action scenes showing how an ordinary man fights bad guys with swords and guns.

Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff can also be seen in a never seen before avatar. He also describes Rajinikanth’s character saying, “You have only seen him as a father of a Policeman but I’m familiar with his other face that you are not aware of.”

The fans showered their love in the comment section as soon as the trailer was posted. One of the users wrote, “Nelson cooking something very bigg.” Another fan commented, “goosebumps.” One commented, ” Telegu fans eagerly waiting for Jailer”.

Recently the Tamil version of the ‘Kaavaalaa’ track was released and the Hindi version titled ‘Tu Aa Dilbara’ was also released after some time. While sharing the poster starring Rajinikanth and Tamannaah, they wrote, “It’s time to get into the #TuAaDilbara fever! The Hindi version of #Kaavaalaa is out now!”

Must Read! It’s A Wrap For Rajinikanth’s Jailer

June 2, 2023, 4:08 pm

The shooting for the upcoming action film ‘Jailer’ starring legendary actor Rajinikanth has finally come to an end.

Taking to Twitter, production house Sun Pictures shared a string of pictures from the cake-cutting celebration on the film’s sets which features the star cast and the crew members of the film. “It’s a wrap for #Jailer! Theatre la sandhippom #JailerFromAug10,” they wrote.

Last year, the makers of the film released Rajnikanth’s first look poster and treated fans with the news of the commencement of the film’s shoot.

In the poster, Rajinikanth was seen wearing an off-white shirt and khaki trousers. He was also seen keeping his hands at the back and a full-sleeved off-white shirt.

The film’s announcement has left fans excited. It seems like ‘Jailer’ will be an action thriller. The ‘Lingaa’ actor has teamed up with filmmaker Nelson Dilipkumar for this project.

According to Variety, a US-based media outlet, the film’s plot is still under wraps, and it belongs to the action genre. The cast includes Kannada-language cinema star Shiva Rajkumar, Malayalam-language cinema legend Mohanlal and Tamannaah Bhatia, and Ramya Krishnan from the Baahubali franchise. Kalanithi Maran produces for Sun Pictures.

Meanwhile, Rajinikanth will also be seen in the upcoming film ‘Lal Salaam’.
Recently, the makers of ‘Lal Salaam’ unveiled the first look poster of their film which shows Rajinikanth as Moideen Bhai walking in the middle of what is believed to be communal riots in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1993.

Sharing the first look, Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwaryaa, who has helmed the film, took to Instagram and wrote,”#Moideenbhai … welcome…#lalslaam cannot caption when your heart is racing ! #blessed.”

Rajinikanth will be seen playing an extended cameo in Lal Salaam. It went on floors earlier this year.

The film was launched with a pooja ceremony last year on November 5. Sharing pictures from the event, Aishwarya wrote on her Twitter page: “When your FATHER trusts in you… When you believe GOD is by you. MIRACLES happen in true. After 7 long years. The journey begins again with grateful and joyful tears (sic).”

The film features Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in lead roles. It will have music scored by AR Rahman.

Rajinikanth’s new look as Moideen Bhai in ‘Laal Salaam’ Unveiled; Fans React

May 8, 2023, 2:29 pm

Megastar Rajinikanth’s first look from his upcoming film ‘Lal Salaam’ is out.

The poster shows Rajinikanth as Moideen Bhai walking in the middle of what is believed to be communal riots in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1993. Sharing the first look, Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwaryaa, who has helmed the film, took to Instagram and wrote,”#Moideenbhai … welcome…#lalslaam cannot caption when your heart is racing! #blessed.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth (@aishwaryarajini)

Lyca Productions shared the poster in English and Tamil and called Rajinikanth ‘everyone’s favourite Bhai.’

However, the first look of Rajinikanth as Moideen Bhai failed to receive thumbs up from all. Some people commented on the editing.

“What is this? What have you done to Thalaivar,” a social media user commented.

“Take it down, very bad photoshop it,” another one wrote.
“Worst photoshop,” an Instagram user commented.

Fans also heaped praises on Thalaiva and said the project looks interesting.

“Can’t wait for this. Looks interesting,” a fan commented.
Rajinikanth will be seen playing an extended cameo in Lal Salaam. It went on floors earlier this year.

The film was launched with a pooja ceremony last year on November 5. Sharing pictures from the event, Aishwarya wrote on her Twitter page: “When your FATHER trusts in you.. When you believe GOD is by you. MIRACLES happen in true. After 7 long years. The journey begins again with grateful and joyful tears (sic).” The film features Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in lead roles. It will have music scored by AR Rahman.

Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwaryaa files complaint after Rs. 3.6 lakh worth of jewellery get stolen

March 20, 2023, 1:53 pm

Rajinikanth’s daughter Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth has filed a complaint after someone stole 60 sovereigns of gold and diamond jewellery from her locker. She said, some of her house servants were aware of the locker. The Teynampet Police Station in Chennai has taken due cognizance of her complaint and has registered a case under section 381 of the IPC.

As per a report the jewellery that has been stolen from her house was worth a whopping Rs. 3.60 lakh. The case was registered back in February, when the filmmaker was greeted by an empty locker on 10 Feb. A report further added that the filmmaker had amassed a collection of jewellery for the last 18 years.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Aishwaryaa is ready to don the director’s cap again with her next project titled Lal Salaam. In the film, her father-megastar Rajinikanth, will appear in a cameo. She had launched a Pooja ceremony on 5 November. Sharing pictures from the event, the filmmaker wrote on her Twitter page, “When your FATHER trusts in you…When you believe GOD is by you. MIRACLES happen in true. After 7 long years. The journey begins again with grateful and joyful tears.” For the unversed, the film’s first look poster was released on the day the project was announced.

IS THE CINEMA-POLITICS CONNECT STILL STRONG IN TAMIL NADU?

January 6, 2021, 3:15 am

As 2020 drew to a close, so did the political ambitions of superstar actor Rajinikanth. However, what is interesting is that this journey ended without having ever started, as Rajinikanth never officially entered the arena of Tamil Nadu politics. After a wait of nearly three decades, on December 3rd 2020, Rajinikanth announced that he would officially launch his party at the end of the month, and would contest the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021 from 234 seats. However, things took an unexpected turn prior to the announcement, as on December 29th, citing ill-health and the COVID-19 pandemic Rajinikanth announced that he will no longer be launching his party.

In a three page statement that he posted on Twitter, Rajinikanth detailed several reasons for his decision. The actor has suffered from fluctuations in his blood pressure, following which he was hospitalised in Hyderabad on Dec 25. The doctors issued an advisory stating that he should avoid any activity that increases the risk of contracting COVID-19, including participating in film shoots. “Nobody can understand my pain in making this decision,” the actor stated.

Media, fans, and political analysts alike had been awaiting a response from Rajinikanth about the launch of his political career for almost three decades. In fact, he became notoriously known in the media for his famous one-liner “only time will tell” as a standard response to all questions about the launch of his political career and party. While fans were hoping 2021 would mark the start of his political journey, it has in fact marked its end. The question that arises now is, why did one of the most popular actors in Indian cinema, decide to join politics? And more importantly, why did he constantly delay this decision for over 25 years? Let’s take a deeper look at the political leanings of Rajinikanth since 1996, reasons for this constant delay and Tamil Nadu’s connection with politics and cinema over the decades.

RAJINIKANTH’S ‘POLITICAL ACCIDENT’

The start of Rajinikanth’s political leanings can be traced back to 1996. Perhaps this is a fact not very well known to most people, but the former Prime Minister of India, Narasimha Rao offered to make Rajinikanth the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu if he contested as a Congress candidate in the 1996 Assembly elections. However, declining the offer, Rajinikanth ended up instead offering his support to G.K.Moopanar, the founder of Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) who were set to ally with the DMK.

Rajinikanth campaigned against the AIADMK- Indian National Congress (INC) alliance especially targeting the then incumbent Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa by stating that if she were to become the CM again, only god would be able to save Tamil Nadu. His speech against her ended up humbling the AIADMK-INC combine, as they could muster up just four seats. In fact, Jayalalithaa herself could not retain her seat and lost from Bargur.

However, Rajinikanth’s support for the DMK and TMC was short-lived. During the 1998 general elections, the party sought the actor’s support, managing to win only 9 seats out of 39. Years later speaking at a press conference, the actor said that his support for the DMK was a political “accident”. “About 21 years ago, I was involved in a political accident. It was during the time that I announced my support to a political party. It was the support of my fans and the people of Tamil Nadu who ensured victory for that party. I realise it was a mistake,” the actor said.

In 2004, yet again, Rajinikanth’s political allegiance changed yet again, as he announced his support for the AIADMK and BJP alliance for the General Elections. The actor did not apologize about his earlier comment on Jayalalithaa and her governance and instead said he was supporting the AIADMK-BJP alliance due to their resolve to find a solution to the state’s growing water crisis. However, this time his support did not yield any benefit for the alliance, and they failed to secure even a single seat in the Lok Sabha.

TAMIL NADU ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS: 1991 VS 199619911996SEAT SHARESEAT SHARE

1991

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN RAJINIKANTH’S POLITICAL TRAJECTORY? POPULARITY VS POPULAR VOTE

A fan wears a shirt printed with actor Rajinikanth’s photo. ANI

Rajinikanth’s touch with politics in 2021, however, should be seen as a completely different affair. He has been open to the idea of a formal political entry since 2017. The actor mentioned that his party would embark on a path of “spiritual politics’’ which would be “honest and corruption free.” He created the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) in 2017 as a platform to facilitate his entry into active politics. He has been a vocal supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and his natural inclination since 2017 has been towards the BJP. In fact, Rajinikanth was one of the first to congratulate the BJP leaders after the announcement of the scrapping of Article 370 in 2019.

However, with all that said, Rajinikanth’s political endeavours would be dependent on his own identity and the members of his fan club (RMM) rather than the BJP itself. The BJP, which was looking into gaining a foothold in Tamil Nadu, would use Rajinikanth’s popularity to propel their image into the state. Undoubtedly, the actor’s entry would have broken the pro-caste and cash for votes system common in Tamil Nadu electoral politics. He would have been driven by his identity as a larger than life superstar actor creating ripples in ways similar to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Dr. M.G.Ramachandran.

All said and done, what could have been the ramifications of Rajinikanth entering the 2021 Assembly Elections? Firstly, if Rajinikanth had chosen to contest alone, he would have not only eroded DMK’s vote bank but also played spoilsport for both the AIADMK and BJP. The main regional players- the DMK and AIADMK have a constant vote share of about 18-20% which would’ve been dented had Rajinikanth made a formal entry. The two other regional parties – Seeman’s Naam Tamizhar Katchi (NTK) and Kamal Hassan’s MNM would also have faced a similar situation. Although Seeman was set to rely largely on the anti-Rajinikanth vote bank, Kamal Hassan expressed more than once his willingness to join hands with Rajinikanth.

Secondly, fixing and sustaining an alliance with Rajnikanth could have become a major stress factor for the AIADMK-BJP combine. The AIADMK which has been marred by twin-leadership issues courtesy of Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami and Deputy CM O.Panneerselvam had just resolved the issue with Edappadi Palaniswami being chosen as their CM candidate. If the BJP were to add Rajinikanth to the alliance , AIADMK’s leadership would’ve seen that as a direct threat to their grip on power. BJP on the other hand lacks an independent and a powerful CM face and thus their only option would have been to go with Rajinikanth.

Thirdly, Tamil Nadu’s electoral politics and other dynamics in the state have changed significantly in the past few years. While Rajinikanth’s cross-cutting popularity is still paramount in 2021, the changes in vote bank politics and social media over the years would have gravely affected his ability to consolidate a major vote share. Political campaigning in Tamil Nadu in the recent past has been rife with using political consultancies and IT Wings to run smear campaigns against any opposition. In fact, Rajnikanth has faced the brunt of such smear campaigns in the past, and it would gravely affect his ability to consolidate his vote bank.