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.
It would be good if all political parties understood the advantages, he said.
From Aurora Talkies to IMax Wadala, 2.0's Mumbai celebration.
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'
>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.
In a brief one minute video clip, Rajinikanth thanked all those who welcomed his political plunge.
Stars from the south Indian movie industry have stepped up to do what they can to help out.
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.'
Rediff.com's Rajesh Karkera and Divya Nair bring you the action from the Kaala screening at Mumbai's Aurora theatre.
'Almost everyone in the team favours a digital release for RRR except Raja sir (Director S S Rajamouli), who won't hear of it.'
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.
'Rajinikanth's movies create trends, not follow them.'
Looking back at Rajinikanth's film journey.
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.
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.
If I come on board, I must bring something special to the project. Else, there is no point to it.
Kannada actress Rukmini Vijayakumar played superstar Rajinikanth's sister in Kochadaiyaan.
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.
South actors go to vote in Tamil Nadu.
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.
The hits and misses of the week.
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.
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.
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.
Having kick-started their preparations for the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021, Delhi Capitals is looking to make a fresh start for the final phase of the season, which is scheduled to begin from September 19 in UAE.
While EC Secretary General Umesh Sinha would be visiting Tamil Nadu next week, Deputy Election Commissioner Sudip Jain would be in West Bengal in the coming days, sources said.
Time and again sequels have done well at the box office, as is apparent with the blockbuster success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, the biggest Bollywood grosser of 2022 so far.
A catchy title is always key to hold audience attention and when it is unique and distinctive, it is even better.
The celebration plans have been cancelled due to the catastrophic floods in Chennai.
'Kaala's sin is not that it is presented as a mouthpiece for its director Pa Ranjith's political viewpoints, but that it makes a travesty of them.' 'Ranjith turns Marx into merchandise, all the while functioning as a hired hand for Brand Rajinikanth,' points out Sreehari Nair.
Tamil actor Dhanush talks about his Bollywood debut and being superstar Rajinikanth's son-in-law.
'On the first day of a Rajnikanth movie, there is usually a lot of noise in theatres as fans dance and rejoice with every dialogue and action.' 'But in this movie, the fans were quiet. They did not find anything to shout about.'
The Congress MP from Sivaganga also slammed the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-Bharatiya Janata Party alliance and said the people of Tamil Nadu do not want a government which has any "stain, scent or shadow" of the BJP as its 'Hindi-Hindutva' agenda "irritates" them.
He was a nine-time MLA, one-time Lok Sabha member and former finance minister of Tamil Nadu and a close friend of former Chief Minister late Karunanidhi.
With the 'Tamizhar Munnetra Padai' planning to picket the actor's house at Poes Garden, security was stepped up there.
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