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Don't bet on Rajinikanth's political debut - he is scared of failure

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TS Sudhir
TS SudhirJun 22, 2017 | 15:21

Don't bet on Rajinikanth's political debut - he is scared of failure

Superstar Rajinikanth, otherwise a recluse, has over the past month or so, been rather generous in giving appointments, meeting a cross-section of people. This, among other things, has been taken as an indication that he is mulling a political entry.

No surprise then the talk during these meetings, at least from the versions of those speaking outside, seemed to have revolved around not his films, but the possibility of a second innings at 66.

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Last week, actor Kasturi Shankar met the actor on her birthday and tweeted: "Had the opportunity to discuss and understand his political views and plans. Feeling Hopeful.'' The use of the word "plans" suggested that Rajinikanth had worked out his future course of action in the political arena.

This week, among many other people, Rajinikanth met representatives of the Hindu Makkal Katchi, a right-wing group that as its name suggests, espouses a Hindutva ideology. Its founder Arjun Sampath came out of Rajini's residence in Poes Garden in Chennai and told the media: "We have requested him to take the political plunge. He told us he is seriously considering it."

One does not know if Rajini indeed said so in so many words and that it is an accurate representation of what's on his mind. But sources close to the actor say he is not too pleased with "everyone interpreting his mind the way they want to''.

In an interview, the editor of Thuglak magazine S Gurumurthy, who says he is Rajinikanth's friend, has articulated that the superstar has made up his mind and is only looking at the timing of his announcement.

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Gurumurthy says there exists a political vacuum now and it is the best time for Rajini to take the plunge. He also believes the actor will launch his own party and suggests he must have an alliance with the BJP.

Most believe Rajinikanth, who is shooting for son-in-law Dhanush's production Kaala at the moment, will wind up his portion and could make an announcement sometime in mid-August. With the Tamil Nadu government headed by Edappadi Palaniswami precariously balanced, even a minor political tremor could bring it down. So if Rajini is seriously thinking of turning neta, his time started yesterday.

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But those watching every move of his very closely are most worried about his ambivalence. Rajinikanth told a senior actor who met him this week that he will enter politics only if he is "100 per cent sure of electoral victory''. This is being interpreted to mean that while the decision is being given serious thought, he could always drop the entire project if he feels the arithmetic is not in his favour.

It is obvious that he would want his political plank, partners, timing of announcement worked out to ensure he does an NT Rama Rao, who launched the Telugu Desam Party in 1982 and became CM of Andhra Pradesh in eight months. But those who understand politics want him to realise that if and when he takes the decision, it will have an inevitable risk element.

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In the same breath, Rajinikanth also reportedly talks about his health. "I have to look after my health also,'' he said, alluding to his hospitalisation. His friends wonder if he will, at the last minute, cite health reasons to cry off.

This is why no one knows if Rajini has bought into the idea of a neta's role completely. He is conscious of his image as a demi-god now and remains wary of tasting the embarrassment of a failure at this stage of life.

This remains a serious concern. While the possible combo of a Narendra Modi and a Rajinikanth sounds formidable on paper, it also needs to be borne in mind that even Rajini cannot turn every product into gold.

Take the example of films like Kochadaiiyaan and Lingaa which were box office duds, that could not be saved despite the superstar's phenomenal fan following.

The suspense surrounding his political plunge is also taken as an indication of his reluctance. A politician is meant to be seen as a person overeager to serve the people and the impression gaining ground is that Rajini is almost being compelled to don a new avatar.

How the discerning Tamil Nadu electorate reacts to this image of an unenthusiastic politician will be key to Rajinikanth's success. Or failure.

Last updated: June 23, 2017 | 13:59
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