Rajinikanth addresses questions over not wishing CM Vijay on birthday
Rajinikanth addressed criticism over not publicly wishing CM Vijay on his birthday, saying they had spoken privately, while reflecting on the scrutiny he faces for both speaking and staying silent.
Superstar Rajinikanth addressed questions about his relationship with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay at the launch event of his next film, Dharman, on Wednesday. When asked by reporters why he had not publicly wished Vijay on his birthday, the actor clarified that the two had spoken privately.
The question came shortly after Rajinikanth delivered a speech that appeared to touch upon the criticism he has faced in recent months over his public silence and comments on various issues. While he did not refer to any specific incident, the actor reflected on how both speaking and staying silent often attract scrutiny.
Soon after the event concluded, as Rajinikanth was leaving, the media asked him why he had not wished Vijay on his birthday. Responding in Tamil, Rajinikanth said, "We have already spoken (privately)."
As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay turned 52 on June 22, wishes poured in from prominent personalities from politics and cinema, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Those who wished him included Kamal Haasan, Keerthy Suresh, Khushboo Sundar, Mohanlal, Trisha and several other celebrities from the entertainment industry.
Rajinikanth's comments come amid criticism from sections of social media over his decision not to publicly wish Vijay on his birthday. The actor had also faced similar questions when Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu's chief minister earlier this year, even though Rajinikanth was among the first to react after Vijay's TVK won the election by a considerable margin.
In recent months, Rajinikanth has frequently been the subject of online debates and memes, with discussions ranging from his decision not to enter politics to comparisons with Vijay's growing political influence in the state.
Dharman launched with grand ceremony
The event also marked the official launch of Rajinikanth's next film, Dharman, which is being directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Kamal Haasan under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner.
Speaking at the launch, Ashwath described the film as a blend of Padayappa and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. Rajinikanth also revealed that Ashwath was the fourth filmmaker to be associated with the project after names such as Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthy had previously been linked to it.
According to the makers, Rajinikanth will play a "deadly doctor" in the film. Simran and Raashi Khanna are part of the cast, while the technical team includes Anirudh Ravichander as music composer, Niketh Bommi as cinematographer and Pradeep E Ragav as editor. Action choreographer duo Anbariv have also been roped in for the project.
Superstar Rajinikanth addressed questions about his relationship with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay at the launch event of his next film, Dharman, on Wednesday. When asked by reporters why he had not publicly wished Vijay on his birthday, the actor clarified that the two had spoken privately.
The question came shortly after Rajinikanth delivered a speech that appeared to touch upon the criticism he has faced in recent months over his public silence and comments on various issues. While he did not refer to any specific incident, the actor reflected on how both speaking and staying silent often attract scrutiny.
Soon after the event concluded, as Rajinikanth was leaving, the media asked him why he had not wished Vijay on his birthday. Responding in Tamil, Rajinikanth said, "We have already spoken (privately)."
As Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay turned 52 on June 22, wishes poured in from prominent personalities from politics and cinema, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Those who wished him included Kamal Haasan, Keerthy Suresh, Khushboo Sundar, Mohanlal, Trisha and several other celebrities from the entertainment industry.
Rajinikanth's comments come amid criticism from sections of social media over his decision not to publicly wish Vijay on his birthday. The actor had also faced similar questions when Vijay took oath as Tamil Nadu's chief minister earlier this year, even though Rajinikanth was among the first to react after Vijay's TVK won the election by a considerable margin.
In recent months, Rajinikanth has frequently been the subject of online debates and memes, with discussions ranging from his decision not to enter politics to comparisons with Vijay's growing political influence in the state.
Dharman launched with grand ceremony
The event also marked the official launch of Rajinikanth's next film, Dharman, which is being directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Kamal Haasan under the Raaj Kamal Films International banner.
Speaking at the launch, Ashwath described the film as a blend of Padayappa and Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu. Rajinikanth also revealed that Ashwath was the fourth filmmaker to be associated with the project after names such as Sundar C and Cibi Chakravarthy had previously been linked to it.
According to the makers, Rajinikanth will play a "deadly doctor" in the film. Simran and Raashi Khanna are part of the cast, while the technical team includes Anirudh Ravichander as music composer, Niketh Bommi as cinematographer and Pradeep E Ragav as editor. Action choreographer duo Anbariv have also been roped in for the project.
