When Karikaalan, the hero of the new Rajinikanth movie 'Kaala', says "land and water are our rights, come together, let's fight", Tamilians say this happens only on screen, not in real life.
Soon after a youth in a hospital in Thoothukudi asked actor-turned politician Rajinikanth 'who are you?', NanthanpaRajinikanth (It's me, Rajinikanth) started trending on Twitter. His reaction to the protest invoked massive reproval from the Tamil people.
Speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport on his return from Thoothukudi, an irate Rajini said, as a reply to a question, that "this problem (police action on protestors) started after police was attacked. Those anti-social elements attacked police... If you are protesting for everything, Tamil Nadu will soon become a barren land."
Shameful remarks from RajniKanth.
— JAYESH.S.B (@sbjayesh) May 30, 2018
He described #Sterlite protesters as anti social elements. Is he justifying the #SterliteKillings?
Forget about his super hero charecters with makkal in movies. #நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த் pic.twitter.com/DIyT3zbRiT
Earlier, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Panaliswami had also said that anti-social elements became violent during the protest.
Anti social elements attacking police in #Thoothukudi #நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த் pic.twitter.com/qzeXNFfUZU
— Shabbir Ahmed (@Ahmedshabbir20) May 30, 2018
Rajinikanth the first AI Robot created by Modi Government.#நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த் pic.twitter.com/W3gYgjoq2K
— Keerthi🌹 (@TheDesiEdge) May 31, 2018
#நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த்
— . (@ItsMeOffl) May 30, 2018
Expectation vs Reality pic.twitter.com/xENxCjOQ1k
#நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த் This is second time in history after jallikattu entire state scolding him... pic.twitter.com/1mQG31otyS
— Thirunavukkarasu (@thi6u) May 30, 2018
#நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த்
— Veera Prasanth (@iamveera3) May 31, 2018
Rajinikanth is the version 2 of H. Raja
No difference..
While AIADMK welcomed his statement, many on Twitter accused him of siding with the ruling parties in the state and the Centre. Trolls apart, many opined that "he is showing his true colours''.
The upcoming movie 'Kaala' and its director Pa Ranjith are also being discussed on Twitter. 'Never expect Karikaalan (Rajini's character) in real life,'' someone tweeted.
#நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த்
— The Great Dictator.! (@tittoantony) May 30, 2018
He is just talking in Real Life, exactly opposite to this in his Reel Life. pic.twitter.com/VOmyOsbuvW
Fringe Elements found Mr.@rajinikanth f y i#Thoothukudi #sterliteprotestshootout #நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த் pic.twitter.com/OrFhw9o8Ny
— Pirai Kannan (@piraikannan) May 30, 2018
From today onwards let's call this guy a super star. Mr @rajinikanth , thanks for introducing this pearl from the pearl city.#யார்நீங்க #நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த் pic.twitter.com/xIEDfudyz8
— சைக்கிள்காரன் (@CycleKaaran) May 30, 2018
He also found supporters, mostly from his fanbase and AIADMK and BJP workers.
Just a visit triggered entire TN. This s the power of super star. What's wrong in his comments? #RajiniInThoothukudi #நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த்
— Hari Prabhakaran (@Hariadmk) May 30, 2018
Lets accept the fact that a visit to Tuticorin got Worldwide Trends. That's the Power of Rajinikanth whether you accept it or not. You can troll or be afraid, but fact is his presence is rattling many and the trolls confirmed it today #நான்தான்பாரஜினிகாந்த்
— Prabhu 🏏 (@Cricprabhu) May 30, 2018
Rajini was embarrassed by an anti-Sterlite protestor when he asked 'who are you' to Rajini while visiting them in a hospital. When the actor replied that his name is Rajinikanth and he came from Chennai, the young man shot back: “I know that. But I would like to ask why you came today and not when we were on the streets demanding the closure of Sterlite Cooper?”.
Ironically, the song from the movie, which has gone viral, goes like this:
"We have lost our right
We have lost our life
Reckless!
You think our life is pointless
You can be the voice
but you sell your words, deafen ears, dry your tears
Land and water are our rights
Come together, let's fight
To create a revolution
Come together, let's fight
To save our generation
Come together, let's fight" (Translation: Youtube CC from the original song.)
Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks