Can Rajinikanth become the BOSS in real?

Announcing his political entry and naming it ‘Spiritual Politics’, Super Star Rajinikanth has quenched the two decade old thirst of his fans. Though he is not at the peak of his stardom now, the veteran actor has created some debates in both the visual and print media.

Since the day of his political announcement, the 68-year old actor has been hitting the headlines. With his recent meeting with M.Karunanithi, the doyen of DMK, the veteran actor has created hot discussions among people. When The Covai Mail Team asked the public about his strategic move, people aired their views freely. Here they are:

Manickam Gounder, Chairman & MD, MAK Controls and Systems

In this modern era of Internet and technology, communication happens at the touch of a button. When a Star like Rajini does something, it turns out to be hot news that calls for instant debates in various mediums and reaches the mass audience in no time.

Even if Rajini gets a minimal role in the upcoming elections, Seeman, Chief-Coordinator, Naam Tamilar Katchi, will never let Rajini taste even a glimpse of victory. But, the Super Star will play a major role in the upcoming elections as a King Maker though not as the King.

However, claiming that he is not of Tamil origin does not seem to be a sound argument. When we say that only sons of the soil have the right to develop Tamil Nationalism and save Tamil tradition, culture etc., it sounds absolutely parochial, like the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra. How many of us know that Mahakavi Bharati was not of proper Tamil origin? He was a Telugu Brahmin.

His contribution to Tamil Literature and his role in promoting Indian nationalism among the people of Tamil Nadu with his revolutionary poetry cannot be forgotten, in a narrow-minded discussion on the origin of his birth. Even, Periyar, who was the man behind the Dravidian movement that gave a death blow to Congress, the National party in Tamil Nadu, is not of Tamil origin either.  It is time for people to think rationally and discuss policies rather than personalities.

A.Manimaran, Creative Director

There are no strong opponents for him. Since the DMK and AIADMK appear to have lost their way, Rajini seems to believe that he will sneak in easily. But, if he had started his party in 1996, people would have got a different perspective towards his entry.  2021 legislative elections are clearly three years away, which is a long time in politics. Though as an Indian citizen Rajini has every right to contest in Tamil Nadu, floating a party of his own, I will vote for him only after learning about his political ideology and policies.

Vinu, Assistant Director

I like him only as an actor. When there is a political drama happening in the state, Rajini is trying to exploit the situation, with an eye on the most coveted position of  chief minister’s post.

The formula is very old and Tamil Nadu has already seen Anna, Karunanithi, M.G.R and Jayalalitha, who took the throne using cinema as a tool. We are fed up with such people from the world of fantasy. We need some one with wisdom, who are not from a shadow world.

It could be anyone. There are no criteria to come to politics. All we need is a visionary leader, even Kamal Hassan’s ideology seems to be acceptable, when he says that he will not sit in the CM post.

Srenivasan Thiru, Photographer 

Rajini’s move looks to me an unwanted one. I feel that it will again become a fan based politics like that of M.G.R, whose heir also followed the same running the state. It is unfortunate that there are people who believe still that their heroes would be as good in real life as in films—the attitude that has put Tamil Nadu in the present state.

If the actor gets on to the ground addressing people’s issues and if his policy sounds acceptable, then people may accept him. What he is going to do from now on will decide everything.  If he has a sensible approach like Kamal Hassan, then there is a chance. As of now, there is no silver line in the sky.

S.Rajashri, Designer

Since 1967, it’s the two Dravadian parties that have been ruling the state and there has arisen a need to bring about a change in Tamil Nadu politics. People, especially youngsters like me, are craving for a change.

I see his decision as a perfect master plan, waiting all these years for the veteran politicians to fall to make his entry. I welcome this move of Rajini. But, he should not let people down, as politicians usually do.

He doesn’t have to do anything new or impose any new ideology. All he has to do is just solve the prevailing issues the state faces. That itself would be a great solace for people who face endless woes in their daily lives.

S.Manoj, Student     

If the Super Star wanted to change the system, he should have entered politics much earlier. However, to clean society at least a period of five years will be required. Anyway he is late, but we have already seen enough new politicians in recent times. Rajini is the latest entry.

His entry has not gained any overwhelming support among the people, because he has never raised his voice for the Tamil people. Even, when people faced political drama and suffered natural calamities, he remained aloof minding his own business and never bothered to support them.

But, with plenty of time to come for the legislative elections, he may play a major role with no real robust party defying him.

Lakshmanan, Entrepreneur  

I will always remain a fan of actor Rajini. But, when it comes to politician Rajini, we will have to wait for some more years. If he had had the courage to take the plunge during 1996, people would have extolled him.

But now with no rivalry on the ground, proclaiming it as a war seems to be like playing a game on no man’s land. People think that just by entering politics they can win elections. But, on the ground, the reality is that one has to spend a huge amount of money to achieve success. If Rajini has the guts to spend without any hesitation, then he may win. Else he will be a failure.

  • Tamil Meganathan.