The iconic superstar of Tamil cinema has once again made certain remarks that mark a clear departure from the traditional Tamil politics. Rajinikanth has said that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is not a threat to Muslims, and in case they face any trouble, “I will be the first person to raise voice for them”.
The legendary actor also said, “The government has assured that Indian people will have no issues in respect of CAA. Some political parties are instigating people against CAA for their selfish interests.” At the same time, he has also termed National Popular Register (NPR) as “essential”.
What the Tollywood icon has said yet again corroborates his nationalist, pro-India narrative- a clear departure from a strong sense of regionalism and Dravidian sub-nationalism that has dominated Tamil politics till date.
Even after the abrogation of Article 370, Rajinikanth had hailed the bold decision taken by the Modi government. In fact, he had gone on to liken Prime Minister Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Lord Krishna and Arjuna respectively.
His stand was in sharp contrast to the stance taken by other regional political parties in Tamil Nadu. Actor turned politician, Kamal Haasan, had for instance, termed the move a “clear assault on democracy”. But for Rajinikanth, national interest remained the primary consideration.
In fact, Rajinikanth is the only superstar and politician from Tamil Nadu who has dared to go against the dominance of Dravidian narrative in the state. Recently, Rajinikanth had spoken about a controversial 1971 rally carried out by Periyar EV Ramasamy.
The legendary actor mentioned how Hindu deities, Bhagwan Ram and Sita were insulted in the rally with a ‘naked’ image of the deities and a garland of slippers. Rajinikanth, of course, faced a huge backlash from Dravidian outfits in the region. But the superstar didn’t relent and held on to news articles in order to corroborate his version.
Even though Rajinikanth proved his version, Dravidian outfits launched intense protests against the upcoming politician who is expected to contest the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu scheduled for next year.
To speak against Periyar is near suicidal in a state like Tamil Nadu. If there is anything common to AIADMK and DMK, the two main regional players in the state, it is their affinity with Periyar. But Rajinikanth has not shied away from raising legitimate questions on his legacy.
Tamil Nadu has always been influenced by Tamil cinema. And Tamil cinema has, in turn, thrived upon Dravidian propaganda. It was more than five decades ago that the state last saw a national party in power. The first non-congress Government was formed under the leadership of C. N. Annadurai, who had been a story and dialogue writer for more than 10 movies.
Annadurai’s rise to power also marked the rise of Tamil cinema in the state’s political affairs and the overwhelming dominance of Dravidian narrative in Tamil Nadu. M. Karunanidhi, who held Dravidian ideology dear to him, was also a screenwriter before he went on to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for around two decades across five different terms.
Karunanidhi’s close friend, MGR who also became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, was also widely known for rising in Tamil politics through his movies with subtle Dravidian propaganda. It was MGR who had broken away from the DMK to form a new faction called AIADMK. Till his death in 1987, MGR remained invincible.
Even today, Tamil Nadu politics remains dominated by Tamil cinema and as a necessary corollary- Dravidian propaganda. Tamil Nadu is fond of actors and other professionals from the industry.
The state has seen hundreds of actors joining the Dravidian parties to establish their political presence. The list that started with Annadurai, Karunanidhi, MGR, and Jayalalithaa does not stop anywhere to find an alternative from non-cinema background.
It is in such state of affairs in Tamil Nadu that Rajinikanth has shown the appetite to challenge the dominance of Tamil narrative in the state. He is ready to rise against Dravidian sub-nationalism so that pan India nationalism can make a substantial impact in the state, even if that means inviting the outrage of strong regional, Dravidian outfits.
Rajinikanth’s popularity is just at another level in the state of Tamil Nadu, probably greater than even all those actors and screenwriters who have dominated Tamil politics till now. He also aspires to contest the next Assembly elections and yet he has challenged the dominance of Dravidian sentiment in Tamil politics.
With the kind of fame and glory that Rajinikanth enjoys, the legendary superstar has a lot to lose. He however is the only famous personality in Tamil Nadu who is ready to put all his reputation at stake for the larger cause of pan India nationalism.