The megastar has okayed his next film, so what happens to politics?
Everybody in Tamil Nadu, it seems, has an opinion on superstar Rajinikanth entering politics. A Ganesh Nadar presents a cross-section of views on the actor's chances in the electoral arena.
Suresh Krissna, who directed superstar Rajnikanth in films like Annamalai, Baasha and Veera, speaks about his book on the star, My Days with Baasha.
Members of fan clubs of various leading actors, including Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan and Vijay, also held prayers, wishing that the singer whose golden voice mesmerised generations for over five decades recover soon.
K V Anand, noted Tamil film director and cinematographer died in Chennai early on Friday due to cardiac arrest, sources close to his family said.
Rajinikanth said he stood by his comments made on Periyar, maintaining that they were factual and refused to apologise as demanded by fringe Dravidian outfits. DMK chief advised him to exercise caution while expressing views on Periyar.
Mary Kom was felicitated by superstar Rajinikanth
Tamil Nadu has time and again proved that it needs a decisive leader even if corrupt, rather than an indecisive leader, however good-hearted, good-natured and honest he may be, writes N Sathiya Moorthy.
If Muslims face trouble I will be the first person to raise voice for them, says the Tamil superstar.
It would be good if all political parties understood the advantages, he said.
From Aurora Talkies to IMax Wadala, 2.0's Mumbai celebration.
While we wait to see just how good Brahmastra is and how well it does at the box office, Joginder Tuteja looks at how sci-fi movies have done in recent times.
In his first political remarks since December 31 last when he announced he will enter politics, Rajinikanth, who has a large fan following, said there was a 'vacuum for a good leader' in the state politics currently.
'If you impose Hindi, not just Tamil Nadu, no southern state will accept that. Many states in northern parts will also not accept that'
In a brief one minute video clip, Rajinikanth thanked all those who welcomed his political plunge.
>Ask any true Rajini fan and they'll agree that it's been 20 years since the superstar has produced anything bigger or better than Padayappa. And Darbar, at least going by the trailer, doesn't seem to get any closer to that benchmark 1999 film, says Divya Nair.
Stars from the south Indian movie industry have stepped up to do what they can to help out.
Rediff.com's Rajesh Karkera and Divya Nair bring you the action from the Kaala screening at Mumbai's Aurora theatre.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The untimely demise of noted actor Vivekh has left many saddened. His comic timing and intelligent dialogues entertained people." "Both in his films and his life, his concern for the environment and society shone through. Condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti," the prime minister tweeted.
'Diwali will be meaningful only when we eradicate the darkness in our hearts.'
'Rajinikanth's movies create trends, not follow them.'
Looking back at Rajinikanth's film journey.
Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modi's swearing-in scheduled on Thursday, but did not divulge if the veterans would participate.
'Almost everyone in the team favours a digital release for RRR except Raja sir (Director S S Rajamouli), who won't hear of it.'
Kannada actress Rukmini Vijayakumar played superstar Rajinikanth's sister in Kochadaiyaan.
South actors go to vote in Tamil Nadu.
The new entrants in Tamil Nadu politics, actor-turned-politicians Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have decided to stay away from the elections, reports T E Narasimhan.
Rajinikanth's visible electoral strength is his constant mouthing of the term, 'aanmiga arasiyal', or 'spiritual politics', without he having to explain what it is. By implication, it is all that what Dravidian politics is not about. It may imply anti-corruption, being against Periyar's forgotten anti-god, anti-Brahmin dictum, but also ends up covering 'Tamil pride', which begins with Tamil language where, as a Maratha from Karnataka, he has more to defend himself. However, in the contemporary national context, aanmiga arasiyal is seen as a front for Rajini to market his brand of 'soft Hindutva' but identified even more with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in political terms, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
After a gap of 10 years, the DMK snatched the reins of power from arch rival AIADMK, with its president M K Stalin leading the party to a stellar performance and in the process, helming the state as chief minister for the first time.
If I come on board, I must bring something special to the project. Else, there is no point to it.
The hits and misses of the week.
Greater Chennai Corporation said the actor paid Rs 6,56,000 towards property tax for his marriage hall at Kodambakkam. The Rs 6 lakh plus tax for 2020-21 first half year includes 'late pay penalty' of Rs 9,386, the civic body said, adding it was paid by way of a cheque.
If the Congress lost in Tamil Nadu in 1967, never to return, or the DMK and the AIADMK have kept their place in power and electoral politics since then, it owes not to their love or hatred for gods or for one religion over another. Instead, they had always been linked to performance and incumbency/anti-incumbency factors. There may be something in such constructs for Rajini's strategic team to consider, especially if the superstar is to enter direct politics by around this time next year. But then, they would need to brush up their homework more than at present, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
Rajinikanth and Kamalahaasan's new generation movies of the twenty-first century may make bigger money than their earlier films but leave behind a lesser impact. That would make the difference between their success and failure as politicians, says N Sathiya Moorthy.
There is action, drama, emotion, comedy -- everything in equal measure and lots of stylish sequences featuring Rajinikanth. Clearly, Darbar is a visual treat for fans, says Divya Nair.
The very timing of the Phalke Award on Rajini now, days ahead of Tamil Nadu voting in the assembly election, may have taken away the seriousness and credibility attaching to the Centre's decision, making it sound every bit political, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.
The celebration plans have been cancelled due to the catastrophic floods in Chennai.
Tamil actor Dhanush talks about his Bollywood debut and being superstar Rajinikanth's son-in-law.
