In a recent encounter with the press, legendary actor Rajinikanth stepped forward to address the controversy surrounding his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s comments on those who label him a ‘Sanghi’. The term ‘Sanghi’ is commonly used in political discourse to refer to individuals who support right-wing ideology. Rajinikanth, who holds the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke award, highlighted that his daughter never deemed the term derogatory.
This clarification came to light during the audio launch event of Aishwarya’s forthcoming movie, ‘Lal Salaam’, in which Rajinikanth plays a pivotal cameo role. Aishwarya stated that she found it unfair for people to call her father a Sanghi merely because he expresses his spiritual convictions openly. “Rajinikanth is not a Sanghi,” Aishwarya made it clear, in response to the assumptions made by others based on her father’s spiritual stance.
Furthermore, Aishwarya elaborated that her father’s willingness to partake in ‘Lal Salaam’ was indicative of his unbiased political views. In the film, Rajinikanth assumes the character of Moideen Bhai, a Muslim gentleman who takes action amidst a turmoil that escalates into hostility between Hindu and Muslim communities, transforming a cricket field into a zone of conflict. The teaser of ‘Lal Salaam’, which has already been released, hints at a narrative that delves into the political manipulations that drive wedges within religious groups.
The movie, which is set to premiere on February 9, features actors Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal in leading roles. Complementing the star-studded lineup, the film’s score has been composed by the acclaimed musician AR Rahman, and it even features cricket legend Kapil Dev in a cameo appearance. The supporting cast of ‘Lal Salaam’ includes Senthil, Jeevitha, Thambi Ramaiah, Ananthika Sanilkumar, Vivek Prasanna, and Thangadurai. Lyca Productions has financed the film, while Pravin Baaskar takes charge of editing and Vishnu Rangasamy orchestrates the cinematography.
The elder daughter of Rajinikanth, Aishwarya is not new to the director’s chair, as ‘Lal Salaam’ is her third directorial feature after ‘3’ and ‘Vai Raja Vai’. In addition to these directorial efforts, she has helmed a documentary titled ‘Cinema Veeran’, paying tribute to stunt choreographers, and has authored a book, ‘Standing on An Apple Box: The Story of A Girl Among the Stars’. An interesting development in her career is the announcement that she will soon be making her Bollywood directorial debut with the film ‘Oh Saathi Chal’.
This clear affirmation by Rajinikanth and his support for his daughter’s statements have become the talk of the town among cinema and political commentators alike. Aishwarya’s statements and the subsequent endorsement from her superstar father underline a distinction between personal spiritual beliefs and political affiliation. The incident has drawn considerable attention on social media platforms, with discussions oscillating between commendation for Aishwarya’s outspokenness and scrutiny of the implications of her remarks.
‘Lal Salaam’ arrives amid heightened anticipation, promising not only an enthralling storyline but also a deep introspection into the societal and religious complexities that prevail in contemporary times. With a cast that includes cinematic and sports celebrities, and a theme that resonates with current events, the film is expected to stir engaging conversations among audiences from all walks of life.
As the industry and fans gear up for ‘Lal Salaam’s’ release, the spotlight remains on Rajinikanth and Aishwarya, who continue to navigate through the waves of public opinion and media scrutiny with a resolute stance on their personal and creative expressions.
