Why it's time for Rajinikanth to emerge from the shadows of the BJP
Given Tamil Nadu's volatile political situation, actor Rajinikanth 's political debut was well-timed. On the last day of 2017, the actor became the biggest newsmaker of the year. Fans lapped up his announcement, Twitter buzzed with wishes from celebrities and his cynics finally had an answer to the 'will he, won't he' question that has dominated the state for over 20 years. Six months on, the contrast between Rajinikanth seen on the big screen and Rajinikanth the politician is stark in several ways.
Rajinikanth is undoubtedly a darling of the masses, a status carefully built by playing roles that largely featured him as a messiah on-screen. Rajinikanth's films have always had commercially viable scripts, which have often portrayed him questioning the establishment and fighting for the rights of the working class.
In the evergreen classic Baasha (1995), Rajini excelled in the role of a don who helps his community in typical Robinhood style. In Sivaji (2007), the actor stands up against the corrupt. Even in the iconic Mullum Malarum (1978), his character Kali, a winch operator with utter contempt for the elite, is easily relatable to the working middle-class.
While some Tamil nationalist parties often point to his Maharashtrian and Kannadiga roots, perhaps as a riposte, you have his recent films like Kabali and Kaala where he fights for the upliftment of the Tamil community, standing by and encouraging his people to fight against the exploiters.
All these roles have been in stark contrast to the superstar's real life politics. Unlike cinema, there are no second takes in politics, perception is the key. With repeated references to spiritual politics, coupled with the actors take on recent events such blaming 'anti-social' elements for the Tuticorin violence, it makes one wonder if he is toeing the line of the ruling BJP at the Centre.
Take for instance, Rajinikanth 's views on the Centre's idea to conduct simultaneous polls for Lok Sabha and state assemblies. While, the Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have said it will decimate the federal structure of our country, the actor has extended support to the proposal saying it would save time and money.
"Holding polls together is definitely a welcome move. It should come. Everyone should welcome it. It will save time and money. I hope all the political parties appreciate the advantage and extend their support," Rajinikanth said.
The central government even found support from the actor on the controversial Chennai-Salem greenfield highway project that has been a bone of contention in the state. Rajinikanth welcomed the project and called it necessary for the development and growth of the country, but added that people whose farmland is acquired for the project should be adequately compensated.
Rajinikanth said, "Big projects like these will help create jobs and provide opportunities for people. While there will be people who oppose the project, the government should ensure that adequate compensation is provided."
The actor's Tuticorin visit to meet those injured in the May 22 violence set the stage for an analysis of Rajinikanth — the politician. From facing tough questions from an angry youth injured in the Tuticorin police firing to losing his cool at a press briefing, the superstar trended for all the wrong reasons. While most parties condemned the police firing in Tuticorin, many saw Rajinikanth 's statement as a reflection of the BJP's position on the issue.
Rajinikanth 's close association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP's eagerness to get actor on its side is not lost on the people of the state. On several occasions the actor has called the Prime Minister a "good friend". Modi has visited Rajinikanth twice in Chennai in recent times.
It is not going to be easy for the superstar to convince his electorate that he is indeed the harbinger of change for Tamil Nadu. It's time Rajinikanth emerged from the shadows of the BJP.
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