<p>In what came as a surprise to many, two of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema and new political entrants Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan met at the former&rsquo;s residence at Poes Garden in Chennai.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a>: Earlier visuals of Kamal Hassan leaving from Rajinikanth&#39;s residence after their meeting, in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/EpvdDMS8rb">pic.twitter.com/EpvdDMS8rb</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965170448978862080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The meeting, which lasted for less than 15 minutes, came ahead of &nbsp;Haasan&rsquo;s official entry into politics on February 21, when he plans to reveal his party name and unveil the party flag at a public meeting in Madurai.</p>

<p>The two actors addressed the media separately after the meeting.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&rsquo;s a courtesy call, not a political meeting. I came to inform him about my political tour. He wished me good luck: Kamal Haasan after meeting Rajinikanth <a href="https://t.co/VrgXSkGDQP">pic.twitter.com/VrgXSkGDQP</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965161722385453056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;It&rsquo;s a courtesy call, not a political meeting. I came to inform him about my political tour. He wished me good luck.&#39;&#39; said Kamal Haasan after meeting Rajinikanth.</p>

<p>Only time will tell, was all Kamal Haasan&#39;s response to a question on forming an alliance with Rajinikanth.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Kamal (Haasan) wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. I pray to God that he attains success. He has not entered politics for fame or money but only to serve people of the state: Rajinikanth, after Kamal Haasan met him at his residence in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/Q3sVsZ9q9s">pic.twitter.com/Q3sVsZ9q9s</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/965160012829085696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&#39;&#39;Kamal (Haasan) wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. I pray to God that he attains success. He has not entered politics for fame or money but only to serve people of the state,&#39;&#39; said Rajinikanth after meeting Kamal Haasan at his residence in Chennai.</p>


The meeting, which lasted for less than 15 minutes, came ahead of Haasan’s official entry into politics on February 21

In what came as a surprise to many, two of the biggest stars in Tamil cinema and new political entrants Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan met at the former’s residence at Poes Garden in Chennai. #TamilNadu: Earlier visuals of Kamal Hassan leaving from Rajinikanth's residence after their meeting, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/EpvdDMS8rb — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × The meeting, which lasted for less than 15 minutes, came ahead of Haasan’s official entry into politics on February 21, when he plans to reveal his party name and unveil the party flag at a public meeting in Madurai. The two actors addressed the media separately after the meeting. It’s a courtesy call, not a political meeting. I came to inform him about my political tour. He wished me good luck: Kamal Haasan after meeting Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/VrgXSkGDQP — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × ''It’s a courtesy call, not a political meeting. I came to inform him about my political tour. He wished me good luck.'' said Kamal Haasan after meeting Rajinikanth. Only time will tell, was all Kamal Haasan's response to a question on forming an alliance with Rajinikanth. Kamal (Haasan) wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. I pray to God that he attains success. He has not entered politics for fame or money but only to serve people of the state: Rajinikanth, after Kamal Haasan met him at his residence in Chennai pic.twitter.com/Q3sVsZ9q9s — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2018 × ''Kamal (Haasan) wants to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. I pray to God that he attains success. He has not entered politics for fame or money but only to serve people of the state,'' said Rajinikanth after meeting Kamal Haasan at his residence in Chennai.

Kamal Haasan meets Rajinikanth ahead of his state tour

<p>&#39;Superstar&#39; Rajinikanth on Friday said the Supreme Court verdict reducing the quantum of water to Tamil Nadu from Cauvery river was &quot;very disappointing&quot; and urged the state government to file a review petition.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-haasan-shocked-with-cauvery-dispute-verdict-33065">Kamal Haasan &#39;shocked&#39; with Cauvery dispute verdict</a></p>

<p>&quot;Since the final verdict by the Supreme Court on the Cauvery water sharing amounts to further affecting the livelihood of the farmers in Tamil Nadu, it is very disappointing,&quot; the actor said in a tweet in Tamil.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">காவிரி நீர் பங்கீட்டில் உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தின் இறுதி தீர்ப்பு தமிழக விவசாயிகளின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை மேலும் பாதிப்பதாக உள்ளதால் மிகுந்த ஏமாற்றமளிக்கிறது.மறு பரிசீலனை மனு தாக்கல் செய்ய தமிழகஅரசு நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும்.</p>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/964482122906976257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The actor, who recently announced his&nbsp;political plunge, said that the Tamil Nadu government should take steps to file a review petition on the matter.</p>

<p>The Supreme Court directed Karnataka would get additional 14.75 &nbsp;thousand million cubic &nbsp;(TMC) water and Tamil Nadu would now get 177.25 TMC water instead of 192 TMC in its verdict on the 120-year-old dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The court said the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a &quot;higher pedestal&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, reacting to the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cauvery-dispute-supreme-court-verdict-33045">Supreme Court verdict&nbsp;</a>in the Cauvery dispute, actor Kamal Haasan said he was shocked at the reduction in the supply of water for Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p><em>(With PTI inputs)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Supreme Court on Friday raised the 270 tmcft share of Cauvery water for Karnataka by 14.75 tmcft and reduced Tamil Nadu's share while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from the river basin

'Superstar' Rajinikanth on Friday said the Supreme Court verdict reducing the quantum of water to Tamil Nadu from Cauvery river was "very disappointing" and urged the state government to file a review petition. Also read: Kamal Haasan 'shocked' with Cauvery dispute verdict "Since the final verdict by the Supreme Court on the Cauvery water sharing amounts to further affecting the livelihood of the farmers in Tamil Nadu, it is very disappointing," the actor said in a tweet in Tamil. காவிரி நீர் பங்கீட்டில் உச்சநீதிமன்றத்தின் இறுதி தீர்ப்பு தமிழக விவசாயிகளின் வாழ்வாதாரத்தை மேலும் பாதிப்பதாக உள்ளதால் மிகுந்த ஏமாற்றமளிக்கிறது.மறு பரிசீலனை மனு தாக்கல் செய்ய தமிழகஅரசு நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) February 16, 2018 × The actor, who recently announced his political plunge, said that the Tamil Nadu government should take steps to file a review petition on the matter. The Supreme Court directed Karnataka would get additional 14.75 thousand million cubic (TMC) water and Tamil Nadu would now get 177.25 TMC water instead of 192 TMC in its verdict on the 120-year-old dispute between the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The court said the issue of drinking water has to be placed on a "higher pedestal". Earlier, reacting to the Supreme Court verdict in the Cauvery dispute, actor Kamal Haasan said he was shocked at the reduction in the supply of water for Tamil Nadu. (With PTI inputs)

Rajinikanth disappointed with Supreme Court verdict reducing water to Tamil Nadu

<p>Actor and producer Dhanush announced the release date of his film <em>Kaala</em> featuring south Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Twitter on Saturday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mark the date !! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kaalaa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kaalaa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/april27?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#april27</a> the don of dons is back <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Superstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Superstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thalaivar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thalaivar</a> <a href="https://t.co/FMakkwM5ee">pic.twitter.com/FMakkwM5ee</a></p>
&mdash; Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhanushkraja/status/962317758095503360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Dhanush shared an&nbsp;official poster of the film and wrote that the film will be releasing on April 27.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Kaala i</em>s a gangster film directed by Pa. Ranjith and produced by Dhanush&#39;s production house Wunderbar Films.</p>

<p>The film revolves around Rajinikanth&#39;s character, who runs away from Tirunelveli in his childhood to Mumbai and becomes a powerful don living in the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai.</p>

<p>According to reports, Vidya Balan was approached to play the lead role in the movie but she turned down the offer after which Huma Qureshi was roped in.</p>

<p>Huma Qureshi is playing the&nbsp;role of Rajinikanth&#39;s&nbsp;ex-girlfriend in the film.</p>


The film is scheduled to release on April 27

Actor and producer Dhanush announced the release date of his film Kaala featuring south Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Twitter on Saturday. Mark the date !! #kaalaa #april27 the don of dons is back #Superstar #thalaivar pic.twitter.com/FMakkwM5ee — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) February 10, 2018 × Dhanush shared an official poster of the film and wrote that the film will be releasing on April 27. Kaala is a gangster film directed by Pa. Ranjith and produced by Dhanush's production house Wunderbar Films. The film revolves around Rajinikanth's character, who runs away from Tirunelveli in his childhood to Mumbai and becomes a powerful don living in the slums of Dharavi, Mumbai. According to reports, Vidya Balan was approached to play the lead role in the movie but she turned down the offer after which Huma Qureshi was roped in. Huma Qureshi is playing the role of Rajinikanth's ex-girlfriend in the film.

Dhanush announces release date of 'Kaala' starring Rajinikanth

<p>With rumours rife over Tamil Nadu superstar Kamal Haasan allying with superstar Rajinikanth, the latter when asked about the possibilities of the alliance between the two, said &#39;&#39;only time will answer this question&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan announced their political ambitions, rumours have been rife with both forming an alliance. However, with both actors skirting the issue, people are anxious about their future course of action.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Only time will answer this question: Rajinikanth on whether he will ally with Kamal Haasan. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajinikanth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajinikanth</a> <a href="https://t.co/HsarmnFcdN">pic.twitter.com/HsarmnFcdN</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/961508495009992704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Haasan will announce his political party&rsquo;s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu&rsquo;s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram &mdash; his hometown &mdash; and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai.</p>

<p>Asked about the possibility of forming an alliance with Rajinikanth, Haasan said recently said: &ldquo;Our ideologies must match for the alliance to happen.&rdquo;</p>

<p>In January, Rajinikanth had extended his wishes to Haasan for announcing his political debut. &ldquo;I wish him all the best,&rdquo; 67-year-old had said.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan also greeted &nbsp;Rajinikanth when he made an announcement about his political ambitions.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Asked about the possibility of forming an alliance with Rajinikanth, Haasan said recently said “Our ideologies must match for alliance to happen.”

With rumours rife over Tamil Nadu superstar Kamal Haasan allying with superstar Rajinikanth, the latter when asked about the possibilities of the alliance between the two, said ''only time will answer this question''. Since the Superstar Rajinikanth and Ulaganayagan announced their political ambitions, rumours have been rife with both forming an alliance. However, with both actors skirting the issue, people are anxious about their future course of action. Only time will answer this question: Rajinikanth on whether he will ally with Kamal Haasan. #Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/HsarmnFcdN — ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2018 × Meanwhile, Haasan will announce his political party’s name on February 21 at Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram and begin a state-wide tour the same day. The tour will be held in phases. He will begin the journey from Ramanathapuram — his hometown — and later visit people from the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai. Asked about the possibility of forming an alliance with Rajinikanth, Haasan said recently said: “Our ideologies must match for the alliance to happen.” In January, Rajinikanth had extended his wishes to Haasan for announcing his political debut. “I wish him all the best,” 67-year-old had said. Kamal Haasan also greeted Rajinikanth when he made an announcement about his political ambitions.

'Only time will answer this question': Rajinikanth on alliance with Kamal Haasan

<p>Rajinikanth- Akshay Kumar&#39;s &quot;2.0&quot; will not be releasing as declared earlier in April.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trade analyst&nbsp;Surendhar MK told an entertainment website that the film has been pushed further by a few months along with Ramesh Bala, another analyst who took to Twitter to announce the change in dates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-20-to-be-first-south-indian-film-to-release-in-saudi-arabia-28463" target="_blank"><em>Also Read:&nbsp;Rajinikanth&#39;s &#39;2.0&#39; to be first south Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia?</em></a></p>

<p>Bala wrote: &quot;<s>@</s>superstarrajini - <s>@</s>akshaykumar &#39;s <s>#</s>2Point0 release will not happen in April.. The release is most likely to be postponed by 2 to 3 months..&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">. <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@superstarrajini</a> - <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> &#39;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2Point0?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2Point0</a> release will not happen in April.. The release is most likely to be postponed by 2 to 3 months.. <a href="https://t.co/dOBYRZUzH5">pic.twitter.com/dOBYRZUzH5</a></p>
&mdash; Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/958220886837944320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to sources close to the film, work on &quot;2.0&quot;&nbsp;is not anywhere close to completion and that it will take some more time to hit the theatres. The post-production work is expected to wrap up by the month of July and so the makers are eyeing an August release for the film.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-teaser-launch-of-superstar-rajinikanths-20-will-happen-on-this-date-28520" target="_blank"><em>Also Read:&nbsp;Teaser launch of superstar Rajinikanth&#39;s &#39;2.0&#39; will happen on this date</em></a></p>

<p>The film has been in news for quite some time now -- for its talented star cast, VFX, Akshay Kumar&#39;s look among other things.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;2.0&quot; was supposed to release on Diwali 2017, was pushed to&nbsp;January 2018 release owing to pending VFX work and was then finally shifted to April when the makers failed to meet the deadline.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Trade analyst Surendhar MK announced that the film has been pushed further by a few months

Rajinikanth- Akshay Kumar's "2.0" will not be releasing as declared earlier in April. Trade analyst Surendhar MK told an entertainment website that the film has been pushed further by a few months along with Ramesh Bala, another analyst who took to Twitter to announce the change in dates. Also Read: Rajinikanth's '2.0' to be first south Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia? Bala wrote: "@superstarrajini - @akshaykumar 's #2Point0 release will not happen in April.. The release is most likely to be postponed by 2 to 3 months.." . @superstarrajini - @akshaykumar 's #2Point0 release will not happen in April.. The release is most likely to be postponed by 2 to 3 months.. pic.twitter.com/dOBYRZUzH5 — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 30, 2018 × According to sources close to the film, work on "2.0" is not anywhere close to completion and that it will take some more time to hit the theatres. The post-production work is expected to wrap up by the month of July and so the makers are eyeing an August release for the film. Also Read: Teaser launch of superstar Rajinikanth's '2.0' will happen on this date The film has been in news for quite some time now -- for its talented star cast, VFX, Akshay Kumar's look among other things. "2.0" was supposed to release on Diwali 2017, was pushed to January 2018 release owing to pending VFX work and was then finally shifted to April when the makers failed to meet the deadline.

Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar's '2.0' postponed again, won't release in April

<p>Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has extended his wishes to actor Kamal Haasan for announcing his political debut.</p>

<p>&quot;I wish him all the best,&quot; said the 67-year-old.</p>

<p>On that note, Haasan, on Tuesday, announced that he will undertake a state-wide tour of Tamil Nadu from February 21 and will also announce the name of his political party and its ideology at the beginning of his journey.</p>

<p>He further announced that the tour will be undertaken in multiple phases.</p>

<p>On this tour, which will be flagged off from his hometown of Ramanathapuram, the &#39;Dasavatharam&#39; actor will be proceeding to the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai, where he will be interacting with locals.</p>

<p>On a related note, Haasan, earlier in September, had said he would be willing to work with Rajinikanth, if the superstar decided to enter politics.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, actor R Madhavan also extended his support to Kamal Haasan for his entry in politics.</p>


Haasan will announce the name of his party and the ideology it will follow on February 21

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has extended his wishes to actor Kamal Haasan for announcing his political debut. "I wish him all the best," said the 67-year-old. On that note, Haasan, on Tuesday, announced that he will undertake a state-wide tour of Tamil Nadu from February 21 and will also announce the name of his political party and its ideology at the beginning of his journey. He further announced that the tour will be undertaken in multiple phases. On this tour, which will be flagged off from his hometown of Ramanathapuram, the 'Dasavatharam' actor will be proceeding to the districts of Madurai, Dindigul and Sivagangai, where he will be interacting with locals. On a related note, Haasan, earlier in September, had said he would be willing to work with Rajinikanth, if the superstar decided to enter politics. Earlier in the day, actor R Madhavan also extended his support to Kamal Haasan for his entry in politics.

Wish him all the best: Rajinikanth to Kamal Haasan on political debut

<p>In view of Rajinikanth&#39;s fans planned goat sacrificing ceremony on January 7, the animal welfare association, PETA India, has issued a letter to Rajinikanth requesting him to forbid his fans from going ahead with the event.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The power you already hold can help make a positive difference to the lives of all living beings and we are therefore writing to respectfully request that you use it now to stop the planned slaughter of goats in your name.&rdquo; PETA Public Policy Lead Nikunj Sharma noted in the letter.</p>

<p>&ldquo;The plan of your fans to kill goats in a temple is cruel and an apparent violation of Indian laws,&rdquo; he added.</p>

<p>According to the PETA release, killing an animal outside a slaughterhouse violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@superstarrajini</a>&nbsp;fans announced plans to slaughter goats in his name, PETA sent the superstar an urgent plea calling on him to stop them. Find out how you, too, can help spare these goats&#39; lives:&nbsp;<a href="https://t.co/sLLdvywZf5">https://t.co/sLLdvywZf5</a> <a href="https://t.co/EhzW91jmnU">https://t.co/EhzW91jmnU</a></p>
&mdash; PETA India (@PetaIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/PetaIndia/status/949287946271694848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The petition, published on PETA India official website, also calls for public petitioning to the District Collector of Madurai, the Superintendent of Police of Madurai, and the Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu to dissuade such an event from taking place.</p>

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth announced his political entry on December 31, 2017.</p>

<p>The news left his fans, loyalists and wellwishers in a state of joy.</p>

<p>Fans-led processions took to the streets and celebrated the beginning of the Thalaivar&#39;s political journey.&nbsp;</p>


According to the PETA release, killing an animal outside a slaughterhouse violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001

In view of Rajinikanth's fans planned goat sacrificing ceremony on January 7, the animal welfare association, PETA India, has issued a letter to Rajinikanth requesting him to forbid his fans from going ahead with the event. “The power you already hold can help make a positive difference to the lives of all living beings and we are therefore writing to respectfully request that you use it now to stop the planned slaughter of goats in your name.” PETA Public Policy Lead Nikunj Sharma noted in the letter. “The plan of your fans to kill goats in a temple is cruel and an apparent violation of Indian laws,” he added. According to the PETA release, killing an animal outside a slaughterhouse violates the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. After @superstarrajini fans announced plans to slaughter goats in his name, PETA sent the superstar an urgent plea calling on him to stop them. Find out how you, too, can help spare these goats' lives: https://t.co/sLLdvywZf5 https://t.co/EhzW91jmnU — PETA India (@PetaIndia) January 5, 2018 × The petition, published on PETA India official website, also calls for public petitioning to the District Collector of Madurai, the Superintendent of Police of Madurai, and the Director General of Police of Tamil Nadu to dissuade such an event from taking place. Superstar Rajinikanth announced his political entry on December 31, 2017. The news left his fans, loyalists and wellwishers in a state of joy. Fans-led processions took to the streets and celebrated the beginning of the Thalaivar's political journey.

PETA requests Rajinikanth to dissuade his fans from slaughtering goats

<p>As momentum grows for superstar Rajinikanth&#39;s movie &quot;2.0&quot;, there is now an official teaser launch date with us.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The teaser for Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar-Amy Jackson starrer&nbsp;&quot;2.0&quot; will be launched at&nbsp;Natchathira Vizha 2018, Malaysia on January 6.</p>

<p>The teaser launch like its music launch in&nbsp;Burj Khalifa in Dubai on October 27 last year will be a grand affair.</p>

<p>The announcement was made by&nbsp;south film critic and trade expert, Sreedhar Pillai, who tweeted:&nbsp;&ldquo;#2PointO teaser to be released at the #NatchathiraVizha2018, Malaysia on Jan 6, says @Karthi_Offl . @superstarrajini will be there at the event.&quot;</p>

<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-20-to-be-first-south-indian-film-to-release-in-saudi-arabia-28463" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Rajinikanth&#39;s &#39;2.0&#39; to be first south Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia?</a></strong></em></p>

<p>The film is perhaps one of the most anticipated films of the year, apart from being India&#39;s most expensive feature film till date too -- made on a budget of over Rs 400 crore.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;2.0&quot;&nbsp;is not only special because superstar Rajinikanth will take forward the story of prequel &quot;Enthiran&quot;&nbsp;but with this film, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will make his debut in the Tamil film industry. Amy Jackson will be essaying the female lead in the film and plays&nbsp;an important role.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was earlier announced on November 27 that the film will have its<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-20-to-have-its-digital-premiere-on-amazon-prime-25242" target="_blank"> digital premiere</a> on Amazon Prime Video.</p>


The movie also stars Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar in the role of an antagonist and is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster 'Enthiran'

As momentum grows for superstar Rajinikanth's movie "2.0", there is now an official teaser launch date with us. The teaser for Rajinikanth-Akshay Kumar-Amy Jackson starrer "2.0" will be launched at Natchathira Vizha 2018, Malaysia on January 6. The teaser launch like its music launch in Burj Khalifa in Dubai on October 27 last year will be a grand affair. The announcement was made by south film critic and trade expert, Sreedhar Pillai, who tweeted: “#2PointO teaser to be released at the #NatchathiraVizha2018, Malaysia on Jan 6, says @Karthi_Offl . @superstarrajini will be there at the event." Also Read: Rajinikanth's '2.0' to be first south Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia? The film is perhaps one of the most anticipated films of the year, apart from being India's most expensive feature film till date too -- made on a budget of over Rs 400 crore. "2.0" is not only special because superstar Rajinikanth will take forward the story of prequel "Enthiran" but with this film, Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar will make his debut in the Tamil film industry. Amy Jackson will be essaying the female lead in the film and plays an important role. It was earlier announced on November 27 that the film will have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video.

Teaser launch of superstar Rajinikanth's '2.0' will happen on this date

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150" target="_blank">Tamil Nadu actor Rajnikanth</a> who is all set to enter politics, visited DMK chief Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Talking to the media, the Tamil actor said that Karunanidhi&nbsp;is the senior most politician in the country and he&nbsp;took his blessings before entering into politics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that he respects the DMK chief and that they share a very good friendship.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>DMK Working President and Karunanidhi&#39;s son MK Stalin was also present in the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is senior most politician in the country. I respect him a lot. We have a very good friendship. I took his blessings as I am entering politics. I am feeling very happy after meeting him: Rajinikanth after meeting DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/WYhiTgouTi">pic.twitter.com/WYhiTgouTi</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948572149580677121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Chennai: Rajinikanth met DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai; DMK Working President MK Stalin was also present <a href="https://t.co/APgJ8y7dfB">pic.twitter.com/APgJ8y7dfB</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/948573077880713216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-politicians-in-tamil-nadu-should-worry-thalaivar-is-coming-now-28175" target="_blank">Tamil superstar Rajnikanth </a>announced his much-awaited&nbsp;entry into politics on Sunday.</p>

<p>The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections.</p>


Talking to the media, the Tamil actor said that Karunanidhi?is the senior most politician in the country and he?respects him a lot

Tamil Nadu actor Rajnikanth who is all set to enter politics, visited DMK chief Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday. Talking to the media, the Tamil actor said that Karunanidhi is the senior most politician in the country and he took his blessings before entering into politics. He added that he respects the DMK chief and that they share a very good friendship. DMK Working President and Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin was also present in the meeting. He is senior most politician in the country. I respect him a lot. We have a very good friendship. I took his blessings as I am entering politics. I am feeling very happy after meeting him: Rajinikanth after meeting DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai pic.twitter.com/WYhiTgouTi — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Chennai: Rajinikanth met DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai; DMK Working President MK Stalin was also present pic.twitter.com/APgJ8y7dfB — ANI (@ANI) January 3, 2018 × Tamil superstar Rajnikanth announced his much-awaited entry into politics on Sunday. The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the next assembly elections.

Rajinikanth meets DMK president Karunanidhi

<p>Even before superstar Rajinikanth&#39;s film &quot;2.0&quot; comes out on the floor, there is happy news ringing for the south Indian project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If reports published in a leading daily are to be believed, &quot;2.0&quot; could become the first major south Indian movie to launch in the highly conservative Saudi Arabian market.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Saudi Arabian government had shut down all of its cinema halls in the 1980s and since then no movies have released in that country.</p>

<p>With the new Saudi Arabian government trying to project a new and modern image&nbsp;of the nation, there&nbsp;is&nbsp;news that&nbsp;they will&nbsp;be opening&nbsp;their cinema halls&nbsp;from March 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has propelled the makers of 2.0 to&nbsp;make efforts to launch the&nbsp;highly-anticipated film&nbsp;in the nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-rajinikanths-20-to-have-its-digital-premiere-on-amazon-prime-25242" target="_blank">Also Read:&nbsp;Rajinikanth&#39;s &#39;2.0&#39; to have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime</a></strong></em></p>

<p>As quoted in the daily,&nbsp;Raju Mahalingam, COO of Lyca Productions, said, &quot;The overall revenue for a big film production can increase by 30 per cent. Since movies have now begun to open in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in India, we hope to release them in all three languages in Saudi Arabia too. A new market in West Asia, where a substantial number of Tamil and Malayalees stay, will be a big boost for our movies.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The film is directed by Shankar and will be a sequel to the&nbsp;2010 blockbuster &quot;Enthiran&quot;, which had Rajinikanth in the lead role and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the heroine.</p>

<p>In &quot;2.0&quot;, Bollywood star&nbsp;Akshay Kumar will play the antagonist and Amy Jackson will be seen as Rajinikanth&rsquo;s love-interest. AR Rahman is producing music in the film with Nirav Shah on camera and Anthony at editing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The movie is projected as the most expensive movies India has ever seen and is&nbsp;produced by A Subhashkaran under his banner Lyca Productions on a budget of Rs 450 crores.</p>

<p>The mega-budget sci-fi movie is expected to release in three languages, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.</p>

<p>&quot;2.0&quot;&nbsp;was initially scheduled to hit the screens during the Republic Day weekend but its release has been pushed to April 15, 2018.</p>


There is news that Saudi Arabia is all set to re-open its cinema halls from March 2018 and if all goes through as planned then superstar Rajinikanth starrer '2.0' will be released there.

Even before superstar Rajinikanth's film "2.0" comes out on the floor, there is happy news ringing for the south Indian project. If reports published in a leading daily are to be believed, "2.0" could become the first major south Indian movie to launch in the highly conservative Saudi Arabian market. The Saudi Arabian government had shut down all of its cinema halls in the 1980s and since then no movies have released in that country. With the new Saudi Arabian government trying to project a new and modern image of the nation, there is news that they will be opening their cinema halls from March 2018. This has propelled the makers of 2.0 to make efforts to launch the highly-anticipated film in the nation. Also Read: Rajinikanth's '2.0' to have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime As quoted in the daily, Raju Mahalingam, COO of Lyca Productions, said, "The overall revenue for a big film production can increase by 30 per cent. Since movies have now begun to open in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu in India, we hope to release them in all three languages in Saudi Arabia too. A new market in West Asia, where a substantial number of Tamil and Malayalees stay, will be a big boost for our movies.” The film is directed by Shankar and will be a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster "Enthiran", which had Rajinikanth in the lead role and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as the heroine. In "2.0", Bollywood star Akshay Kumar will play the antagonist and Amy Jackson will be seen as Rajinikanth’s love-interest. AR Rahman is producing music in the film with Nirav Shah on camera and Anthony at editing. The movie is projected as the most expensive movies India has ever seen and is produced by A Subhashkaran under his banner Lyca Productions on a budget of Rs 450 crores. The mega-budget sci-fi movie is expected to release in three languages, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. "2.0" was initially scheduled to hit the screens during the Republic Day weekend but its release has been pushed to April 15, 2018.

Rajinikanth's '2.0' to be first south Indian film to release in Saudi Arabia?

<p>Taking one step further towards launching a party, top actor Rajinikanth today launched an android mobile application and web page to enable people to become members of his fans association which could be later transformed into a political outfit.</p>

<p>A day after declaring his political entry, the actor launched a mobile app &quot;Rajini Mandram,&quot; now available in google playstore alongside a twitter account &quot;@officialairrm,&quot; and a dedicated web page www.Rajinimandram.Org.</p>

<p>The initiative is to enable his fans and the general public to become members of his &#39;Akila Indiya Rajinikanth Rasigar Mandram&#39; (All India Rajinikanth Fans Association).</p>

<p>In a video clip posted on Twitter, he urged the members of his registered and unregistered fan clubs and those in general public who seek a change in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu to come under one umbrella.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajinikanth also thanked those who congratulated him on his political plunge.</p>

<p>He appealed to his fans and general public &quot;desiring a good political change in Tamil Nadu,&quot; to become members of the association.</p>

<p>&quot;Let us all together usher in a good change in Tamil Nadu,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The actor had said yesterday that after strengthening the various fan clubs by bringing in the general public, the association could be transformed into a political party ahead of the next assembly polls.</p>

<p><br />
For enrolling as members, fans or members of the public should register their name and voter ID number either through the mobile app or the web page.</p>

<p>Both the mobile app and webpage featured a message from Rajinikanth found in the clip.</p>

<p>The app, web page and the official letter head of the &#39;mandram&#39; which carried the actor&#39;s audio-visual message in print featured prominently the association&#39;s logo.<br />
The logo is a &#39;baba mudra&#39; against a blue backdrop encircled by a serpent in black.</p>

<p>The mudra has significance in yoga and it features the ring and middle fingers held by the thumb even as the little and index fingers are in an upright position.</p>

<p>In Hindu spiritual tradition, the serpent is a symbol representing awakened consciousness through yogic pursuits.</p>

<p>&quot;Truthfulness, hardwork, growth,&quot; and &quot;think good, speak good, do good and only good will happen,&quot; are the slogans featured on the letter head, app and web page.</p>

<p>The charismatic actor has said this will be the guiding line for his proposed party.</p>

<p>By launching the app, Rajinikanth has gone one step ahead of his fellow-actor Kamal Haasan.</p>

<p>Amid expectations of Haasan&#39;s political entry, on November seven his birthday last year, he had said &quot;#KH&quot;, an app, will serve as a &#39;digital platform&#39; and &#39;whistleblower.&#39;</p>

<p>He had said it was being tested and he could give a complete picture of it by January.</p>

<p>Haasan had hit out at the AIADMK regime over alleged corruption drawing the ire of ministers.&nbsp;After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31,&nbsp;South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">???????? <a href="https://t.co/jnqZv1iWGz">pic.twitter.com/jnqZv1iWGz</a></p>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/947792973114220545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>(With PTI inputs)</p>


Rajinikanth also thanked people for supporting him and welcoming his political entry

Taking one step further towards launching a party, top actor Rajinikanth today launched an android mobile application and web page to enable people to become members of his fans association which could be later transformed into a political outfit. A day after declaring his political entry, the actor launched a mobile app "Rajini Mandram," now available in google playstore alongside a twitter account "@officialairrm," and a dedicated web page www.Rajinimandram.Org. The initiative is to enable his fans and the general public to become members of his 'Akila Indiya Rajinikanth Rasigar Mandram' (All India Rajinikanth Fans Association). In a video clip posted on Twitter, he urged the members of his registered and unregistered fan clubs and those in general public who seek a change in the political landscape of Tamil Nadu to come under one umbrella. Rajinikanth also thanked those who congratulated him on his political plunge. He appealed to his fans and general public "desiring a good political change in Tamil Nadu," to become members of the association. "Let us all together usher in a good change in Tamil Nadu," he said. The actor had said yesterday that after strengthening the various fan clubs by bringing in the general public, the association could be transformed into a political party ahead of the next assembly polls. For enrolling as members, fans or members of the public should register their name and voter ID number either through the mobile app or the web page. Both the mobile app and webpage featured a message from Rajinikanth found in the clip. The app, web page and the official letter head of the 'mandram' which carried the actor's audio-visual message in print featured prominently the association's logo. The logo is a 'baba mudra' against a blue backdrop encircled by a serpent in black. The mudra has significance in yoga and it features the ring and middle fingers held by the thumb even as the little and index fingers are in an upright position. In Hindu spiritual tradition, the serpent is a symbol representing awakened consciousness through yogic pursuits. "Truthfulness, hardwork, growth," and "think good, speak good, do good and only good will happen," are the slogans featured on the letter head, app and web page. The charismatic actor has said this will be the guiding line for his proposed party. By launching the app, Rajinikanth has gone one step ahead of his fellow-actor Kamal Haasan. Amid expectations of Haasan's political entry, on November seven his birthday last year, he had said "#KH", an app, will serve as a 'digital platform' and 'whistleblower.' He had said it was being tested and he could give a complete picture of it by January. Haasan had hit out at the AIADMK regime over alleged corruption drawing the ire of ministers. After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for. ???????? pic.twitter.com/jnqZv1iWGz — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) January 1, 2018 × (With PTI inputs)

Rajini goes digital to mobilise volunteers for party

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-fooled-for-15-years-no-more-donald-trumps-tweet-to-pakistan-28253">We&#39;ve been fooled for 15 years, no more: Donald Trump&#39;s tweet to Pakistan</a></p>

<p>United States President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of &nbsp;&#39;lies&#39; and &#39;deceit&#39;, threatened to cut $255 million in aid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-urges-fans-to-come-together-and-register-on-his-new-website-28255">Rajinikanth urges people to come under one umbrella to change TN political landscape</a></p>

<p>After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-plans-takeover-of-charities-run-by-islamist-figure-us-has-targeted-28237">Pakistan plans takeover of charities linked to Hafiz Saeed</a></p>

<p>Pakistan&#39;s government plans to seize control of charities and financial assets linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who Washington has designated a terrorist, according to officials and documents.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ten-people-killed-in-iran-unrest-on-sunday-state-television-28251">Ten people killed in Iran unrest on Sunday: State television</a></p>

<p>Ten people were killed during street protests in Iran on Sunday, state television said on Monday.</p>

<p>The nationwide protests have drawn in tens of thousands of people and represent the boldest challenge to Iran`s leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. Calls for more demonstrations on Monday raised the possibility of prolonged instability.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-exchange-list-of-nuclear-installations-28249">India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations</a></p>

<p>India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.</p>


We've been fooled for 15 years, no more: Donald Trump's tweet to Pakistan United States President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of 'lies' and 'deceit', threatened to cut $255 million in aid. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. Rajinikanth urges people to come under one umbrella to change TN political landscape After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for. Pakistan plans takeover of charities linked to Hafiz Saeed Pakistan's government plans to seize control of charities and financial assets linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who Washington has designated a terrorist, according to officials and documents. Ten people killed in Iran unrest on Sunday: State television Ten people were killed during street protests in Iran on Sunday, state television said on Monday. The nationwide protests have drawn in tens of thousands of people and represent the boldest challenge to Iran`s leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. Calls for more demonstrations on Monday raised the possibility of prolonged instability. India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

WION Evening News Brief, January 1, 2018

<p>As Tamil Superstar <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150">Rajinikanth announced his much-anticipated entry into politics</a>, wishes poured in from fans and eminent personalities from all across.</p>

<p>Bollywood&#39;s megastar Amitabh Bachchan also congratulated his long-time friend Rajinikanth and conveyed his wishes on the&nbsp;start of his political journey.</p>

<p>&quot;My dear friend, my colleague and a humble considerate human, RAJNIKANTH, announces his decision to enter politics .. my best wishes to him for his success !!,&quot; read Mr Bachchan&#39;s tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T 2758 - My dear friend , my colleague and a humble considerate human, RAJNIKANTH, announces his decision to enter politics .. my best wishes to him for his success !!???? <a href="https://t.co/dByrmlZb2c">pic.twitter.com/dByrmlZb2c</a></p>
&mdash; Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/947346711621414912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Thalaiva responded to Sr. Bachchan tweeting, &quot;Thank you very much for your kind wishes respected Amithji.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you very much for your kind wishes respected amithji ???? <a href="https://t.co/9qcSXkE9QI">https://t.co/9qcSXkE9QI</a></p>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/947385858851708928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Other personalities who congratulated Rajini sir on his political debut included celebrated Indian actors like Kamal Hassan, Mohan Babu and Riteish Deshmukh.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I wish my good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@superstarrajini</a> the very best. I am sure he will be the much needed Change.</p>
&mdash; Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) <a href="https://twitter.com/themohanbabu/status/947384876466020357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;I congratulate Rajinikanth on his social sentiment and his political arrival... Welcome!,&quot; <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/welcome-welcome-kamal-haasan-on-rajinikanth-joining-politics-28154">Kamal Hassan tweeted</a>.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ta">??????? ????????? ???? ???????????? ??????? ??????????? ?????????????. ???? ????</p>
&mdash; Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ikamalhaasan/status/947329791815950337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;He gave his heart &amp; soul to his art form and people&rsquo;s love made him Superstar Rajini,&quot; read Riteish&nbsp;Deshmukh&#39;s tweet.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He gave his heart &amp; soul to his art form and people&rsquo;s love made him <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@superstarrajini</a> ... am sure the nobility of his intention will receive as much love, as he announces his political entry. I wish you all the very best &amp; super success sir. ???????????? <a href="https://t.co/EoG3LCmZiG">pic.twitter.com/EoG3LCmZiG</a></p>
&mdash; Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riteishd/status/947336386402758656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Other personalities who congratulated Rajini sir on his political debut included Kamal Hassan, Riteish Deshmukh and Mohan Babu

As Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth announced his much-anticipated entry into politics, wishes poured in from fans and eminent personalities from all across. Bollywood's megastar Amitabh Bachchan also congratulated his long-time friend Rajinikanth and conveyed his wishes on the start of his political journey. "My dear friend, my colleague and a humble considerate human, RAJNIKANTH, announces his decision to enter politics .. my best wishes to him for his success !!," read Mr Bachchan's tweet. T 2758 - My dear friend , my colleague and a humble considerate human, RAJNIKANTH, announces his decision to enter politics .. my best wishes to him for his success !!???? pic.twitter.com/dByrmlZb2c — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 31, 2017 × The Thalaiva responded to Sr. Bachchan tweeting, "Thank you very much for your kind wishes respected Amithji." Thank you very much for your kind wishes respected amithji ???? https://t.co/9qcSXkE9QI — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) December 31, 2017 × Other personalities who congratulated Rajini sir on his political debut included celebrated Indian actors like Kamal Hassan, Mohan Babu and Riteish Deshmukh. I wish my good friend @superstarrajini the very best. I am sure he will be the much needed Change. — Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) December 31, 2017 × "I congratulate Rajinikanth on his social sentiment and his political arrival... Welcome!," Kamal Hassan tweeted. ??????? ????????? ???? ???????????? ??????? ??????????? ?????????????. ???? ???? — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) December 31, 2017 × "He gave his heart & soul to his art form and people’s love made him Superstar Rajini," read Riteish Deshmukh's tweet. He gave his heart & soul to his art form and people’s love made him @superstarrajini ... am sure the nobility of his intention will receive as much love, as he announces his political entry. I wish you all the very best & super success sir. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/EoG3LCmZiG — Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) December 31, 2017 ×

Amitabh Bachchan congratulates Rajinikanth on his political debut

<p>Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan congratulated his colleague and close friend Rajinikanth soon after he announced his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150">entry </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150">in</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150"> politics</a>.</p>

<p>&quot;I congratulate my brother Rajini for his social consciousness and his political entry. Welcome welcome,&quot; Kamal Haasan said.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan announced his entry into politics on his birthday last month but stopped short of launching a political party. The actor had said he would go on a tour of Tamil Nadu before officially launching a political party. Instead, he launched a mobile app for whistleblowers.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan had earlier said that he would join hands with superstar Rajinikanth if the latter ever decides to enter politics.</p>

<p>&quot;Let a signal come from here (people). Let him (Rajinikanth) join first. We will talk. Politics for me is joining hands with you. Why wouldn&#39;t I join hands with him? In the field, we discuss everything with each other. You think we won&#39;t discuss this? Or do you think we will tell you all that we discuss?&quot;, the 63-year-old actor had said.</p>

<p>While addressing the Sivaji Ganeshan Memorial event in Chennai in October, Rajnikanth, 67, said that when he asked Kamal Haasan how to be successful in politics, the actor replied: &quot;Come along with me, then I will tell you.&quot;</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders at a party event in August. Legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth was also present at the event, sparking rumours back then that the two leaders were planning to take the plunge in politics.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan congratulated his colleague and close friend Rajinikanth soon after he announced his entry in politics

Tamil megastar Kamal Haasan congratulated his colleague and close friend Rajinikanth soon after he announced his entry in politics. "I congratulate my brother Rajini for his social consciousness and his political entry. Welcome welcome," Kamal Haasan said. Kamal Haasan announced his entry into politics on his birthday last month but stopped short of launching a political party. The actor had said he would go on a tour of Tamil Nadu before officially launching a political party. Instead, he launched a mobile app for whistleblowers. Kamal Haasan had earlier said that he would join hands with superstar Rajinikanth if the latter ever decides to enter politics. "Let a signal come from here (people). Let him (Rajinikanth) join first. We will talk. Politics for me is joining hands with you. Why wouldn't I join hands with him? In the field, we discuss everything with each other. You think we won't discuss this? Or do you think we will tell you all that we discuss?", the 63-year-old actor had said. While addressing the Sivaji Ganeshan Memorial event in Chennai in October, Rajnikanth, 67, said that when he asked Kamal Haasan how to be successful in politics, the actor replied: "Come along with me, then I will tell you." Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders at a party event in August. Legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth was also present at the event, sparking rumours back then that the two leaders were planning to take the plunge in politics.

Welcome welcome: Kamal Haasan on Rajinikanth joining politics

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajnikanth-announces-entry-in-politics-28150">Rajnikanth announces entry in politics</a></p>

<p>Tamil superstar Rajnikanth today announced his much-awaited entry into politics.</p>

<p>The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party in the next assembly elections and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>&quot;My political entry is definite. In next assembly elections I will form a party and will contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu,&quot; Rajinikanth said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-at-least-2-injured-as-terrorists-attack-crpf-camp-in-pulwama-28143">J&amp;K: 1 soldier killed as terrorists attack CRPF camp in Pulwama</a></p>

<p>One soldier of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was killed and two others injured after two-three terrorists stormed a CRPF training center in Awantipora town in Kashmir&#39;s Pulwama district.</p>

<p>The terrorists first lobbed grenades and then began firing to enter the center, ANI reported.</p>

<p>The encounter is still going on.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-fumes-after-hardik-asks-nitin-patel-to-join-congress-28141">BJP fumes after Hardik asks Nitin Patel to join Congress</a></p>

<p>The BJP rejected firebrand Patidar leader Hardik Patel&#39;s proposal saying that their party leaders are loyal and cannot be lured by anyone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes following Patel&#39;s offer to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel to quit BJP along with 10 MLA&#39;s and join Congress for a more deserving position.&nbsp;</p>

<p>BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that Hardik&#39;s statement should not be given attention as &quot;he is fishing in troubled waters&quot;.</p>

<p>BJP leader Murlidhar Rao also slammed Hardik and said that BJP is party of loyal and honest leaders unlike Congress.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-cuts-proposed-on-padmavati-only-5-modifications-says-central-board-of-filmcertification-28132">Padmavati: No cuts proposed, only 5 modifications, clarifies Prasoon Joshi</a></p>

<p>The CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi has clarified that they had suggested only 5 modifications and &quot;no cuts&quot; in Sanjay Leela Bhansali&#39;s period drama Padmavati. The modifications include changing the disclaimer clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracy, changing the title to &quot;Padmavat&quot; from &quot;Padmavati&quot;, modifications in the song &quot;Ghoomar&quot;, modifying the incorrect/misleading reference to historical place and adding a disclaimer that the film, in no manner, subscribes to the practice of Sati and doesn&#39;t seek to glorify it.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-reportedly-killed-in-ongoing-protests-in-iran-government-blocks-internet-28144">3 reportedly killed in ongoing protests in Iran, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-reportedly-killed-in-ongoing-protests-in-iran-government-blocks-internet-28144">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/3-reportedly-killed-in-ongoing-protests-in-iran-government-blocks-internet-28144"> blocks internet</a></p>

<p>At least three Iranian protestors were reportedly shot dead by Iran&#39;s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday night in the ongoing protests.</p>

<p>There was no immediate confirmation of the incident, which reportedly took place in Doroud, in the Lorestan province, media reports said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Demonstrators attacked a town hall in the Iranian capital Saturday as protests spilled into a third night despite government warnings against any further &quot;illegal gatherings&quot; and moves to cut off the internet on mobiles.</p>


Rajnikanth announces entry in politics Tamil superstar Rajnikanth today announced his much-awaited entry into politics. The legendary Tamil actor, who has a cult status in Tamil Nadu, said he will form his own political party in the next assembly elections and contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu. "My political entry is definite. In next assembly elections I will form a party and will contest all constituencies in Tamil Nadu," Rajinikanth said. J&K: 1 soldier killed as terrorists attack CRPF camp in Pulwama One soldier of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was killed and two others injured after two-three terrorists stormed a CRPF training center in Awantipora town in Kashmir's Pulwama district. The terrorists first lobbed grenades and then began firing to enter the center, ANI reported. The encounter is still going on. BJP fumes after Hardik asks Nitin Patel to join Congress The BJP rejected firebrand Patidar leader Hardik Patel's proposal saying that their party leaders are loyal and cannot be lured by anyone. This comes following Patel's offer to Gujarat deputy chief minister Nitin Patel to quit BJP along with 10 MLA's and join Congress for a more deserving position. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said that Hardik's statement should not be given attention as "he is fishing in troubled waters". BJP leader Murlidhar Rao also slammed Hardik and said that BJP is party of loyal and honest leaders unlike Congress. Padmavati: No cuts proposed, only 5 modifications, clarifies Prasoon Joshi The CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi has clarified that they had suggested only 5 modifications and "no cuts" in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama Padmavati. The modifications include changing the disclaimer clearly to one that does not claim historical accuracy, changing the title to "Padmavat" from "Padmavati", modifications in the song "Ghoomar", modifying the incorrect/misleading reference to historical place and adding a disclaimer that the film, in no manner, subscribes to the practice of Sati and doesn't seek to glorify it. 3 reportedly killed in ongoing protests in Iran, government blocks internet At least three Iranian protestors were reportedly shot dead by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday night in the ongoing protests. There was no immediate confirmation of the incident, which reportedly took place in Doroud, in the Lorestan province, media reports said. Demonstrators attacked a town hall in the Iranian capital Saturday as protests spilled into a third night despite government warnings against any further "illegal gatherings" and moves to cut off the internet on mobiles.

WION morning news brief, December 31, 2017

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth today said director Shankar&#39;s &#39;2.0&#39; release has been shifted to April as some more computer graphic work has to done in the movie.</p>

<p>The 67-year-old actor, who met his fans for the fifth consecutive day here, expressed doubts whether a film of such magnitude would be made again.</p>

<p>&quot;It is because of the content. The way how we speak about the movie Chandralekha, it will be like that,&quot; the actor said.</p>

<p>The 3D sci-fi film has Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles.</p>

<p>&quot;Since there are some more CG (computer graphics) work that needs to be done, it is getting delayed. We have shifted the release to April,&quot; Rajinikanth said.</p>

<p>The movie, which was initially scheduled to release this year on Diwali was later postponed to January 25.</p>

<p>The S S Vasan-directed &#39;Chandralekha&#39; was released in 1944 and turned out to be a blockbuster.</p>

<p>Recalling his earlier days in the film world, Rajinikanth said, &quot;when I first met (late director) K Balachander, he just told me to learn Tamil and booked me for three upcoming movies.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;If I became a star after learning from Balachander sir, (Director) SP Muthuraman sir, (directors) Mani Ratnam and Suresh Krishna made me a superstar,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Praising Shankar, Rajinikanth said he made him a pan-India actor through &quot;Endhiran&quot;.</p>

<p>Referring to his upcoming movie &#39;Kaala&#39; directed by Pa Ranjith, the actor said it was shaping up well. It is expected to be released in two months, he added.</p>

<p>Appealing to his fans to focus on achieving their dreams, he said one should try to achieve them in a normal way. But, if you are unable to make your dream come true, you should not feel bad about it, he said.</p>

<p>Later talking to reporters about his plans to enter politics, he said, &quot;just wait for one more day.&quot;</p>

<p>Amid speculation over his entry in politics, Rajinikanth had said on Tuesday that he would announce his stand on December 31.&nbsp;</p>


The movie, which was initially scheduled to release this year on Diwali was later postponed to January 25.

Superstar Rajinikanth today said director Shankar's '2.0' release has been shifted to April as some more computer graphic work has to done in the movie. The 67-year-old actor, who met his fans for the fifth consecutive day here, expressed doubts whether a film of such magnitude would be made again. "It is because of the content. The way how we speak about the movie Chandralekha, it will be like that," the actor said. The 3D sci-fi film has Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar in the lead roles. "Since there are some more CG (computer graphics) work that needs to be done, it is getting delayed. We have shifted the release to April," Rajinikanth said. The movie, which was initially scheduled to release this year on Diwali was later postponed to January 25. The S S Vasan-directed 'Chandralekha' was released in 1944 and turned out to be a blockbuster. Recalling his earlier days in the film world, Rajinikanth said, "when I first met (late director) K Balachander, he just told me to learn Tamil and booked me for three upcoming movies." "If I became a star after learning from Balachander sir, (Director) SP Muthuraman sir, (directors) Mani Ratnam and Suresh Krishna made me a superstar," he said. Praising Shankar, Rajinikanth said he made him a pan-India actor through "Endhiran". Referring to his upcoming movie 'Kaala' directed by Pa Ranjith, the actor said it was shaping up well. It is expected to be released in two months, he added. Appealing to his fans to focus on achieving their dreams, he said one should try to achieve them in a normal way. But, if you are unable to make your dream come true, you should not feel bad about it, he said. Later talking to reporters about his plans to enter politics, he said, "just wait for one more day." Amid speculation over his entry in politics, Rajinikanth had said on Tuesday that he would announce his stand on December 31.

2.0 getting delayed because of CG work: Rajinikanth

<p>South Indian superstar Rajinikanth started his fan meet today in Chennai amid news of a probable political announcement.&nbsp;Expected by fans and fraternity, Rajinikanth has been at the centre of a long-expected <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-rajinikanth-has-to-learn-to-join-politics-26516" target="_blank">political entry.&nbsp;</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajinikanth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajinikanth</a> interacts with fans in Sri Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam in Chennai <a href="https://t.co/gUNLeXlFTq">pic.twitter.com/gUNLeXlFTq</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945489848005050368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Starting his&nbsp;six-day fan outreach today that will end on December 31, New Year&#39;s Eve, the star said that he will make the decision of his political debut on the last day of the meet.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am not new to politics. I got delayed.Entering is equal to victory. I will announce a decision on December 31: Rajinikanth <a href="https://t.co/0WsH67ZLeS">pic.twitter.com/0WsH67ZLeS</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945503800105648128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&quot;There is an expectation that he will spell out his stand on entering politics. He may do it or may not...only he knows...let no one speculate,&quot; a senior functionary of the All India Rajinikanth Fans Welfare Club told reporters.</p>

<p>The 67-year-old actor will meet some 1,000 fans across 18 districts in this outreach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajinikanth&#39;s fan meets come after the&nbsp;result of by-polls at the RK Nagar constituency of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, which has reinforced the sense of a political vacuum in Tamil Nadu&#39;s ruling party after her death.</p>

<p>The seat was bagged by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ttv-dhinakaran-leads-rk-nagar-bypoll-says-aiadmk-government-will-go-in-three-months-27589" target="_blank">TTV Dhinakaran</a>, an AIADMK rebel and nephew of Jayalalithaa&#39;s closest aide VK Sasikala. Both were sidelined by the ruling party in a power struggle that started days after Jayalalithaa&#39;s death in December last year.</p>

<p>Dhinakaran&#39;s victory as an independent candidate has delivered a crushing setback to the ruling AIADMK led by Chief Minister E Palaniswami or EPS and his deputy O Panneerselvam or OPS.</p>

<p>The opposition DMK, which also contested RK Nagar, failed to make a mark either.</p>

<p>In the current state of politics, the possibility of Rajinikanth&#39;s entry into politics has been debated for about two decades.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Superstar Rajinikanth will be meeting fans from Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur in Chennai today

South Indian superstar Rajinikanth started his fan meet today in Chennai amid news of a probable political announcement. Expected by fans and fraternity, Rajinikanth has been at the centre of a long-expected political entry. #Rajinikanth interacts with fans in Sri Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam in Chennai pic.twitter.com/gUNLeXlFTq — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Starting his six-day fan outreach today that will end on December 31, New Year's Eve, the star said that he will make the decision of his political debut on the last day of the meet. I am not new to politics. I got delayed.Entering is equal to victory. I will announce a decision on December 31: Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/0WsH67ZLeS — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × "There is an expectation that he will spell out his stand on entering politics. He may do it or may not...only he knows...let no one speculate," a senior functionary of the All India Rajinikanth Fans Welfare Club told reporters. The 67-year-old actor will meet some 1,000 fans across 18 districts in this outreach. Rajinikanth's fan meets come after the result of by-polls at the RK Nagar constituency of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa, which has reinforced the sense of a political vacuum in Tamil Nadu's ruling party after her death. The seat was bagged by TTV Dhinakaran, an AIADMK rebel and nephew of Jayalalithaa's closest aide VK Sasikala. Both were sidelined by the ruling party in a power struggle that started days after Jayalalithaa's death in December last year. Dhinakaran's victory as an independent candidate has delivered a crushing setback to the ruling AIADMK led by Chief Minister E Palaniswami or EPS and his deputy O Panneerselvam or OPS. The opposition DMK, which also contested RK Nagar, failed to make a mark either. In the current state of politics, the possibility of Rajinikanth's entry into politics has been debated for about two decades.

Will he or won't he join politics? Rajnikanth says decision on December 31

<p>Legendary musician AR Rahman will be joined by Rajinikanth when his multi-city tour rolls through Delhi.The power duo will come together for the final leg of the Encore - The Concert on December 23 at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex.<br />
<br />
The gig will see the<em> Kabali</em>&nbsp;star singing on stage with the music maestro for the very first time, and a special edition is being made to the set list that will include a <em>Robot-Sivaji The Boss</em>&nbsp;mash-up.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth, who is working with the 50-year-old Oscar-winning musician on Shankar`s mega-budget sci-fi action thriller<em> 2.0</em>, will be felicitating him on his completion of 25 years.<br />
<br />
The tour, which encapsulates the musical excellence of two and a half decade journey of the music legend, will bring to life some of his most iconic Bollywood melodies.<br />
<br />
The creative genius will be accompanied by singing sensations Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Mohit Chauhan, Javed Ali, Shaashaa Tirupati, Hriday Gattani, and Harshdeep Kaur on the tour.The massive production will feature a unique and one-of-a-kind stage set up, complete with state of the art paraphernalia for a truly magical experience.<br />
<br />
The promoter of the concert, Madhuvanthi Arun of Maham Enterprises stated, &quot;I am honoured that Rahman ji is celebrating his 25 years on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of my grandfather and doyen of South Indian theatre, late Shri Y G Parthasarathy, who was also the founder PSBB Schools, where Rahman ji studied. Rahman ji remembers my grandfather very fondly as one person who always encouraged him and this concert will be like a personal tribute to my grandfather&quot;.<br />
<br />
He added, &quot;Rajinikanth is confirmed to attend the event and we are curating a special segment within the concert for all the attendees as New Delhi will be the grand finale night.&quot; In the past, Rahman has publicly spoken about his respect and admiration for Rajinikanth and confessed to being a fan and how his films are always special.Rajinikanth has sung a song in 1992 for <em>Mannan</em>&nbsp;and more recently for <em>Kochaidaiyaan</em>.&nbsp;</p>


Legendary musician AR Rahman will be joined by Rajinikanth when his multi-city tour rolls through Delhi.The power duo will come together for the final leg of the Encore - The Concert on December 23 at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex. The gig will see the Kabali star singing on stage with the music maestro for the very first time, and a special edition is being made to the set list that will include a Robot-Sivaji The Boss mash-up. Rajinikanth, who is working with the 50-year-old Oscar-winning musician on Shankar`s mega-budget sci-fi action thriller 2.0, will be felicitating him on his completion of 25 years. The tour, which encapsulates the musical excellence of two and a half decade journey of the music legend, will bring to life some of his most iconic Bollywood melodies. The creative genius will be accompanied by singing sensations Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Mohit Chauhan, Javed Ali, Shaashaa Tirupati, Hriday Gattani, and Harshdeep Kaur on the tour.The massive production will feature a unique and one-of-a-kind stage set up, complete with state of the art paraphernalia for a truly magical experience. The promoter of the concert, Madhuvanthi Arun of Maham Enterprises stated, "I am honoured that Rahman ji is celebrating his 25 years on the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of my grandfather and doyen of South Indian theatre, late Shri Y G Parthasarathy, who was also the founder PSBB Schools, where Rahman ji studied. Rahman ji remembers my grandfather very fondly as one person who always encouraged him and this concert will be like a personal tribute to my grandfather". He added, "Rajinikanth is confirmed to attend the event and we are curating a special segment within the concert for all the attendees as New Delhi will be the grand finale night." In the past, Rahman has publicly spoken about his respect and admiration for Rajinikanth and confessed to being a fan and how his films are always special.Rajinikanth has sung a song in 1992 for Mannan and more recently for Kochaidaiyaan.

Rajinikanth, AR Rahman to jam together at a concert in Delhi

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth turned 67 today, with his fans leading the birthday celebrations.</p>

<p>The actor was, however, not in town, according to his publicist.</p>

<p>Enthusiastic Rajini fans celebrated their icon&#39;s birthday by conducting prayers, even as many of them thronged the city with a hope of catching a glimpse of the actor, currently busy with <em>Kala-Karikalan</em>, touted as a sequel to his 2016 hit <em>Kabali</em>.</p>

<p>Actor Dhanush, also the son-in-law of Rajinikanth, announced the launch of the film&#39;s second look coinciding with the veteran star&#39;s birthday today.</p>

<p>The picture shows Rajinikanth wearing dark glasses and a black shirt.The film, being produced by Dhanush, has already set off a buzz among his fans.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here you go !! The king of style ?? our Superstar&rsquo;s &ldquo;kaalaa&rdquo; 2nd look. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/theswagofsuperstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#theswagofsuperstar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kaalaa?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kaalaa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/happybirthdaythalaiva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#happybirthdaythalaiva</a> <a href="https://t.co/TuuA8mx2vT">pic.twitter.com/TuuA8mx2vT</a></p>
&mdash; Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) <a href="https://twitter.com/dhanushkraja/status/940287584692867074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Political and cinema world greeted the actor on his birthday.</p>

<p>In his Twitter message, Actor Amitabh Bachchan termed Rajinikanth a &quot;friend&quot; and a &quot;large-hearted colossus&quot;.&nbsp;&quot;To my dear friend, colleague and a most humble and large hearted Colossus !! Birthday greetings,&quot; he tweeted.<br />
He also uploaded a picture of himself with Rajinikanth.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T 2739 - To my dear friend, colleague and a most humble and large hearted Colossus !! Birthday greetings .. ???? ??, ???? ?? , ???? ??????? ?? !!???? <a href="https://t.co/ToIVU0LGLL">pic.twitter.com/ToIVU0LGLL</a></p>
&mdash; Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/940433356679929856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actor Akshay Kumar, his co-star in <em>2.0</em>, also greeted Rajinikanth on his birthday.&nbsp;&quot;Have always been in awe of your onscreen persona but working with you made me a bigger fan of you offscreen. They don&#39;t call you Superstar just like that. Keep shining the brightest@superstarrajini Sir,&quot; Akshay tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have always been in awe of your onscreen persona but working with you made me a bigger fan of you offscreen. They don&#39;t call you Superstar just like that :) Keep shining the brightest ?<a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@superstarrajini</a> Sir <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HappyBirthdaySuperStarRajinikanth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HappyBirthdaySuperStarRajinikanth</a></p>
&mdash; Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar/status/940426154829385728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>DMK leader MK Stalin, MDMK founder Vaiko and BJP state unit President Tamilisai Sounderrajan, actors Radhika, Kajal Aggarwal and Vikram Prabhu were among those who wished the superstar.&nbsp;&quot;#HBDSuperStarRajinikanth I, very sincerely, wish you a long, contented, happy and healthy life. @superstarrajini,&quot; tweeted Stalin.</p>

<p>Vaiko spoke to Rajinikanth over the phone and extended his birthday greetings, wishing him a long life and good health.&nbsp;In a Tamil tweet, Soundararajan greeted &quot;brother&quot; Rajinikanth on behalf of the BJP state unit.<br />
The political circle in Tamil Nadu is abuzz with speculation of the actor taking the political plunge, especially after his statement earlier this year asking his fans to &quot;prepare for war&quot;. It was seen as his hint of a political entry.</p>

<p>At a fans&#39; meeting in May this year, he said, &quot;When war comes they (professionals) will come to the rescue of their motherland.. I have a profession, work, duty and so do you. Go to your places, do your duty, take care of your vocation.. Let us face the war when it comes.&quot;<br />
<br />
He had also complained that the &quot;system is rotten&quot; in the presence of leaders like Stalin and PMK&#39;s Anbumani Ramadoss.<br />
<br />
The actor has not made any loaded statements after that but his contemporary Kamal Haasan has gone ballistic against the ruling AIADMK on corruption, hinting he might make a political plunge.</p>

<p>In 1996, Rajinikanth had publicly criticised the then AIADMK government led by the late J Jayalalithaa on the law and order front and had backed the then DMK-TMC combine, which swept the polls, routing AIADMK.</p>


Enthusiastic Rajini fans celebrated their icon's birthday by conducting prayers, even as many of them thronged the city with a hope of catching a glimpse of the actor

Superstar Rajinikanth turned 67 today, with his fans leading the birthday celebrations. The actor was, however, not in town, according to his publicist. Enthusiastic Rajini fans celebrated their icon's birthday by conducting prayers, even as many of them thronged the city with a hope of catching a glimpse of the actor, currently busy with Kala-Karikalan, touted as a sequel to his 2016 hit Kabali. Actor Dhanush, also the son-in-law of Rajinikanth, announced the launch of the film's second look coinciding with the veteran star's birthday today. The picture shows Rajinikanth wearing dark glasses and a black shirt.The film, being produced by Dhanush, has already set off a buzz among his fans. Here you go !! The king of style ?? our Superstar’s “kaalaa” 2nd look. #theswagofsuperstar #kaalaa #happybirthdaythalaiva pic.twitter.com/TuuA8mx2vT — Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) December 11, 2017 × Political and cinema world greeted the actor on his birthday. In his Twitter message, Actor Amitabh Bachchan termed Rajinikanth a "friend" and a "large-hearted colossus". "To my dear friend, colleague and a most humble and large hearted Colossus !! Birthday greetings," he tweeted. He also uploaded a picture of himself with Rajinikanth. T 2739 - To my dear friend, colleague and a most humble and large hearted Colossus !! Birthday greetings .. ???? ??, ???? ?? , ???? ??????? ?? !!???? pic.twitter.com/ToIVU0LGLL — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) December 12, 2017 × Actor Akshay Kumar, his co-star in 2.0, also greeted Rajinikanth on his birthday. "Have always been in awe of your onscreen persona but working with you made me a bigger fan of you offscreen. They don't call you Superstar just like that. Keep shining the brightest@superstarrajini Sir," Akshay tweeted. Have always been in awe of your onscreen persona but working with you made me a bigger fan of you offscreen. They don't call you Superstar just like that :) Keep shining the brightest ?@superstarrajini Sir #HappyBirthdaySuperStarRajinikanth — Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) December 12, 2017 × DMK leader MK Stalin, MDMK founder Vaiko and BJP state unit President Tamilisai Sounderrajan, actors Radhika, Kajal Aggarwal and Vikram Prabhu were among those who wished the superstar. "#HBDSuperStarRajinikanth I, very sincerely, wish you a long, contented, happy and healthy life. @superstarrajini," tweeted Stalin. Vaiko spoke to Rajinikanth over the phone and extended his birthday greetings, wishing him a long life and good health. In a Tamil tweet, Soundararajan greeted "brother" Rajinikanth on behalf of the BJP state unit. The political circle in Tamil Nadu is abuzz with speculation of the actor taking the political plunge, especially after his statement earlier this year asking his fans to "prepare for war". It was seen as his hint of a political entry. At a fans' meeting in May this year, he said, "When war comes they (professionals) will come to the rescue of their motherland.. I have a profession, work, duty and so do you. Go to your places, do your duty, take care of your vocation.. Let us face the war when it comes." He had also complained that the "system is rotten" in the presence of leaders like Stalin and PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss. The actor has not made any loaded statements after that but his contemporary Kamal Haasan has gone ballistic against the ruling AIADMK on corruption, hinting he might make a political plunge. In 1996, Rajinikanth had publicly criticised the then AIADMK government led by the late J Jayalalithaa on the law and order front and had backed the then DMK-TMC combine, which swept the polls, routing AIADMK.

Superstar Rajinikanth turns 67, wishes pour in

<p><em>&quot;To be or not to be&quot; &quot;If chance will have me king it will crown me without my stir&quot;... Shakespeare</em></p>

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth&#39;s fans are celebrating his birthday on December 12 and expect him to announce the launch of his political party. He has been dithering and delaying far too long. Expectations reached new heights in May this year when in a meeting with his fans he asked his fans to be ready for a war and he would enter politics God willing. This was by far the most definite clue that he has made the decision. Since then he has been meeting political analysts, journalists and even politicians to discuss his plan. Many seem to have advised him that this was the right time for him to take a plunge as Jayalalithaa is dead and DMK leader Karunanidhi has become completely inactive at 94.</p>

<p>More than ten thousand of his fans even gathered in the southern city of Tiruchirappalli recently under the guidance of the leader of the non-political Gandhian movement, Tamilaruvi Manian, perhaps to test the waters. Rajinikanth has consulted Manian several times before. According to Manian, Rajinikanth has made up his mind to start his own party.<br />
He has delayed it too long. Another popular star Kamal Haasan, who has been making big noises against corrupt politicians of late, has already announced his decision to start a new party. He has launched a new app for enrolling members for his new party. Another filmstar, Vijay, with a sizeable fan following, is also toying with the idea of entering politics. In view of these developments, Rajinikanth has become silent of late. People have been waiting since 1996 when he openly opposed Jayalalithaa saying if people voted for Jayalalithaa even God would not be able to save Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa was defeated&nbsp; in the election. But her defeat could not be attributed to Rajinikanth&#39;s campaign alone. People were highly dssatified with her regime following allegations of corruption and misrule. It was time when people of Tamil Nadu were looking for an alternative to both the Dravidian parties and the then prime minister Narasimha Rao openly invited him to join the Congress party. He dithered perhaps he had a brilliant film career ahead. But it should be noted that Jayalalithaa staged a comeback in the 1998 parliamentary elections winning 18 seats despite Rajinikanth&rsquo;s campaign against her.</p>

<p>He now seems to have realised that celebrity status alone can no longer win elections (he said this in a function to inaugurate a statue of Sivaji Ganesan in which Kamal Haasan was also present). True, he has the biggest fan following but can it be converted into votes? His fans have become older and more mature to vote for a filmstar who has no political background. All these years, he has been desisting from expressing his views on any political issue concerning the common man. His opponents say that he is a non Tamil. He is a Maharashtrian from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should be ruled only by a Tamil. Analysts say that he is too much of a gentleman and lacks the cunning and deceit that have become the essential qualities of a modern day politician and hence will find it difficult to survive in politics. His superstar image alone is not enough to sustain in politics of intrigues. He cannot be compared to the late political giant MG Ramachandran who was nurtured and brought up by the DMK till he outgrew it.</p>

<p>MG Ramachandran very carefully nurtured his own pro-poor and pro-people image, judiciously selecting his film roles and pitched it right when the dissatisfaction against Karunanidhi&#39;s rule was at its peak. He won and till his death none could beat him politically. Jayalalithaa, who took over his party, was lucky to forge an alliance with the Congress in 1991 and catapulted to power by a sympathy wave created by the assassination of the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The blame was squarely on the DMK which the people rightly or wrongly thought was responsible for allowing Sri Lankan LTTE to operate in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>People are becoming more and more politically aware to confuse the reel image with the real image. Actor Vijayakanthi who started his own party should be regretting now with his party totally in a shambles. In the past, the doyen Sivaji Ganesan who too had a large fan following could not make it in politics.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth&#39;s critics say that he usually makes such noises just before the release of his films which help them to become hits. His two films - Kaala and Entiran - are due for release shortly.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)</em></p>


Rajinikanth seems to have realised that celebrity status alone can no longer win elections. His fans have become older and more mature to vote for a filmstar who has no political background.

"To be or not to be" "If chance will have me king it will crown me without my stir"... Shakespeare Superstar Rajinikanth's fans are celebrating his birthday on December 12 and expect him to announce the launch of his political party. He has been dithering and delaying far too long. Expectations reached new heights in May this year when in a meeting with his fans he asked his fans to be ready for a war and he would enter politics God willing. This was by far the most definite clue that he has made the decision. Since then he has been meeting political analysts, journalists and even politicians to discuss his plan. Many seem to have advised him that this was the right time for him to take a plunge as Jayalalithaa is dead and DMK leader Karunanidhi has become completely inactive at 94. More than ten thousand of his fans even gathered in the southern city of Tiruchirappalli recently under the guidance of the leader of the non-political Gandhian movement, Tamilaruvi Manian, perhaps to test the waters. Rajinikanth has consulted Manian several times before. According to Manian, Rajinikanth has made up his mind to start his own party. He has delayed it too long. Another popular star Kamal Haasan, who has been making big noises against corrupt politicians of late, has already announced his decision to start a new party. He has launched a new app for enrolling members for his new party. Another filmstar, Vijay, with a sizeable fan following, is also toying with the idea of entering politics. In view of these developments, Rajinikanth has become silent of late. People have been waiting since 1996 when he openly opposed Jayalalithaa saying if people voted for Jayalalithaa even God would not be able to save Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa was defeated in the election. But her defeat could not be attributed to Rajinikanth's campaign alone. People were highly dssatified with her regime following allegations of corruption and misrule. It was time when people of Tamil Nadu were looking for an alternative to both the Dravidian parties and the then prime minister Narasimha Rao openly invited him to join the Congress party. He dithered perhaps he had a brilliant film career ahead. But it should be noted that Jayalalithaa staged a comeback in the 1998 parliamentary elections winning 18 seats despite Rajinikanth’s campaign against her. He now seems to have realised that celebrity status alone can no longer win elections (he said this in a function to inaugurate a statue of Sivaji Ganesan in which Kamal Haasan was also present). True, he has the biggest fan following but can it be converted into votes? His fans have become older and more mature to vote for a filmstar who has no political background. All these years, he has been desisting from expressing his views on any political issue concerning the common man. His opponents say that he is a non Tamil. He is a Maharashtrian from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should be ruled only by a Tamil. Analysts say that he is too much of a gentleman and lacks the cunning and deceit that have become the essential qualities of a modern day politician and hence will find it difficult to survive in politics. His superstar image alone is not enough to sustain in politics of intrigues. He cannot be compared to the late political giant MG Ramachandran who was nurtured and brought up by the DMK till he outgrew it. MG Ramachandran very carefully nurtured his own pro-poor and pro-people image, judiciously selecting his film roles and pitched it right when the dissatisfaction against Karunanidhi's rule was at its peak. He won and till his death none could beat him politically. Jayalalithaa, who took over his party, was lucky to forge an alliance with the Congress in 1991 and catapulted to power by a sympathy wave created by the assassination of the former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The blame was squarely on the DMK which the people rightly or wrongly thought was responsible for allowing Sri Lankan LTTE to operate in Tamil Nadu. People are becoming more and more politically aware to confuse the reel image with the real image. Actor Vijayakanthi who started his own party should be regretting now with his party totally in a shambles. In the past, the doyen Sivaji Ganesan who too had a large fan following could not make it in politics. Rajinikanth's critics say that he usually makes such noises just before the release of his films which help them to become hits. His two films - Kaala and Entiran - are due for release shortly. (Disclaimer: The author writes here in a personal capacity)

Opinion: What Rajinikanth has to learn before joining politics

<p>Rajinikanth&#39;s sci-fi thriller <em>2.0 w</em>ill have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video.<br />
<br />
The movie, also starring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the role of an antagonist, is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster <em>Enthiran</em>. S Shankar is returning as the director for the film, which is being produced by Lyca Productions.<br />
According to a statement, the subscribers of the streaming giant will access to watch the film in multiple languages such as Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.<br />
<br />
Vijay Subramaniam, Director, Content, Amazon Prime Video, said, &quot;With this momentous deal, Amazon Prime Video further enhances its robust Bollywood and regional content library.<br />
<br />
&quot;Amazon Prime Video is happy to join hands with Lyca Productions for the exclusive streaming rights for this mega-blockbuster film. Both, Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar are phenomenal actors with an unbelievable fan following that will soon get the chance to stream the sequel of Rajnikanth&#39;s memorable movie on their favourite streaming device,&quot; he added.<br />
<br />
Amy Jackson, Sudanshu Pandey, Adil Hussain and Kalabhavan Shajohn complete the supporting cast.<br />
<br />
Academy award-winning composer A R Rahman has composed the music for the project, which is said to be India&#39;s most expensive film with a budget of Rs 450 crore.</p>

<p>Subaskaran Allirajah, Chairman of the Lyca Group, said, &quot;Making movies is my passion. We are here to produce great movies. I hope these investments will take Tamil and Indian cinema to world-class standards.&quot;</p>

<p>The film is expected to hit theatres in January next year.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Amazon Prime acquires streaming rights for Rajinikanth's new film.

Rajinikanth's sci-fi thriller 2.0 will have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The movie, also starring Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in the role of an antagonist, is a sequel to the 2010 blockbuster Enthiran. S Shankar is returning as the director for the film, which is being produced by Lyca Productions. According to a statement, the subscribers of the streaming giant will access to watch the film in multiple languages such as Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. Vijay Subramaniam, Director, Content, Amazon Prime Video, said, "With this momentous deal, Amazon Prime Video further enhances its robust Bollywood and regional content library. "Amazon Prime Video is happy to join hands with Lyca Productions for the exclusive streaming rights for this mega-blockbuster film. Both, Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar are phenomenal actors with an unbelievable fan following that will soon get the chance to stream the sequel of Rajnikanth's memorable movie on their favourite streaming device," he added. Amy Jackson, Sudanshu Pandey, Adil Hussain and Kalabhavan Shajohn complete the supporting cast. Academy award-winning composer A R Rahman has composed the music for the project, which is said to be India's most expensive film with a budget of Rs 450 crore. Subaskaran Allirajah, Chairman of the Lyca Group, said, "Making movies is my passion. We are here to produce great movies. I hope these investments will take Tamil and Indian cinema to world-class standards." The film is expected to hit theatres in January next year.

Rajinikanth's '2.0' to have its digital premiere on Amazon Prime

<p>&quot;Cleanliness is godliness,&quot; tweeted legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth as he extended his support Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s &quot;Swachhata Hi Seva&quot; cleanliness mission.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I extend my full support to our hon. Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi">@narendramodi</a> ji&rsquo;s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwachhataHiSeva?src=hash">#SwachhataHiSeva</a> mission. Cleanliness is godliness.</p>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/911090911609733120">September 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Tamil actor, 66,&nbsp;sparked rumours that he would be joining politics when he declared in May that&nbsp;that god-willing he would join politics.</p>

<p>(Also Read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/can-rajinikanth-be-bjps-lucky-charm-in-tamil-nadu-17088"> Can superhero Rajinikanth be BJP&rsquo;s lucky charm in Tamil Nadu?</a>)<br />
<br />
He was invited to a DMK event in Tamil Nadu along with Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan, who is also rumoured to take the political plunge soon.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan has said that he would be willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
His Twitter post comes a day after Kamal Haasan met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chennai.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan was invited by Kejriwal to join politics to fight corruption and communalism. He has however, ruled out joining the BJP.</p>

<p>The fortnight from September 15 till Gandhi Jayanti is being celebrated as &#39;Swachhta Hi Seva&#39;.</p>

<p>Celebrities such as Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar have also pledged their support to the Swachhta movement.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Rajinikanth, star of films like &quot;Apoorva Raagangal&quot;, &quot;Sivaji&quot; and &quot;Enthiran&quot;, was last seen on the silver screen in 2016&#39;s &quot;Kabali&quot;. He is currently filming &quot;2.0&quot;, the sequel to the 2010 film &quot;Enthiran&quot;.</p>


The Tamil actor, 66,?has sparked rumours that he would be joining politics

"Cleanliness is godliness," tweeted legendary Tamil actor Rajinikanth as he extended his support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Swachhata Hi Seva" cleanliness mission. I extend my full support to our hon. Prime Minister @narendramodi ji’s #SwachhataHiSeva mission. Cleanliness is godliness. — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) September 22, 2017 × The Tamil actor, 66, sparked rumours that he would be joining politics when he declared in May that that god-willing he would join politics. (Also Read: Can superhero Rajinikanth be BJP’s lucky charm in Tamil Nadu?) He was invited to a DMK event in Tamil Nadu along with Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan, who is also rumoured to take the political plunge soon. Kamal Haasan has said that he would be willing to work with Rajinikanth if the superstar ever decided to enter politics. His Twitter post comes a day after Kamal Haasan met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in Chennai. Kamal Haasan was invited by Kejriwal to join politics to fight corruption and communalism. He has however, ruled out joining the BJP. The fortnight from September 15 till Gandhi Jayanti is being celebrated as 'Swachhta Hi Seva'. Celebrities such as Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar have also pledged their support to the Swachhta movement. Rajinikanth, star of films like "Apoorva Raagangal", "Sivaji" and "Enthiran", was last seen on the silver screen in 2016's "Kabali". He is currently filming "2.0", the sequel to the 2010 film "Enthiran".

Cleanliness is godliness, tweets Rajinikanth in support of PM Modi's campaign

<p>Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, whose entry into <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rajinikanth-kamal-haasan-attend-dmk-event-spark-rumours-of-joining-politics-18844">politics has been a matter of speculation</a>, has made clear his intentions of forming a political party.</p>

<p>The actor, while speaking at a public event Friday, said that he would join hands with superstar Rajinikanth if the latter ever decides to enter politics.</p>

<p>&quot;Let a signal come from here(people). Let him (Rajinikanth) join first. We will talk. Politics for me is joining hands with you. Why wouldn&#39;t I join hands with him? In the field, we discuss everything with each other. You think we won&#39;t discuss this? Or do you think we will tell you all that we discuss?&quot;</p>

<p>In a recent interview to <em>The Quint</em>, Kamal Haasan said that no political party can offer him the platform that matches his reformatory goals in politics.</p>

<p>In the same interview, he hinted that he will launch a political party.</p>

<p>On the question of ideology, Haasan said that one should take the good part from all the ideologies - Gandhian, Marxism, Periyar - and avoid the bad.</p>

<p>The actor&#39;s recent meeting with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave rise to speculation that the actor might join CPI (M).</p>

<p>But he rubbished the speculation doing the rounds in media saying it isn&#39;t imperative that he would join a political party merely because he is meeting a leader from that party.</p>


The actor said that he would join hands with superstar Rajinikanth if the latter ever decides to enter politics

Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, whose entry into politics has been a matter of speculation, has made clear his intentions of forming a political party. The actor, while speaking at a public event Friday, said that he would join hands with superstar Rajinikanth if the latter ever decides to enter politics. "Let a signal come from here(people). Let him (Rajinikanth) join first. We will talk. Politics for me is joining hands with you. Why wouldn't I join hands with him? In the field, we discuss everything with each other. You think we won't discuss this? Or do you think we will tell you all that we discuss?" In a recent interview to The Quint, Kamal Haasan said that no political party can offer him the platform that matches his reformatory goals in politics. In the same interview, he hinted that he will launch a political party. On the question of ideology, Haasan said that one should take the good part from all the ideologies - Gandhian, Marxism, Periyar - and avoid the bad. The actor's recent meeting with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave rise to speculation that the actor might join CPI (M). But he rubbished the speculation doing the rounds in media saying it isn't imperative that he would join a political party merely because he is meeting a leader from that party.

Kamal Haasan's entry into politics: Not whether, but when

<p>Famous Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan once again sparked rumours of their political ambitions after they graced a DMK event on Thursday (August 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both the actors, who have a huge fan following in Tamil Nadu, attended an event to mark 75 years of the founding of DMK mouthpiece &quot;Murasoli.&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK&#39;s mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/W0IGfR0f3A">pic.twitter.com/W0IGfR0f3A</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895644117962706945">August 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders. Rajinikanth was seated among the audience in the front row. &nbsp;Asked whether he was joining politics, Kamal Haasan said that in 1983, DMK chief Karunanidhi sent him a telegram asking him to join the party and that he had not been able to give him an answer till now.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK&#39;s mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. <a href="https://t.co/SPn3g6hsZW">pic.twitter.com/SPn3g6hsZW</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/895617323599446018">August 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan sat next to DMK Working President MK Stalin, who had backed him after a strident attack by Tamil Nadu Ministers for being critical of the government, and other senior party leaders.</p>

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<p>The participation of the two stars at the DMK event assumes significance in view of their recent statements suggesting that they could be joining politics.</p>

<p>Other celebrities who attended the celebrations included former cricket board chief, industrialist N Srinivasan and actor Prabhu, son of late actor Sivaji Ganesan.</p>

<p>Kamal Haasan has taken on the ruling AIADMK (Amma) government over alleged corruption. Several state ministers had attacked the actor after he asked his followers to use social media to lodge graft complaints, and questioned the contribution of his fan clubs to the welfare of the people of the state.</p>

<p>Chief Minister K Palaniswami had challenged him to join politics.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by the two Dravidian parties - the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - since 1956.</p>

<p>Their top leaders have been closely associated with the film industry.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>Actor Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the Tamil Nadu government on corruption issue, on Thursday shared the dais with opposition DMK leaders at a party event in Chennai. Superstar Rajinikanth chose to sit among the audience (WION)</p>
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The participation of the two actors at the DMK event assumes significance in view of their recent statements suggesting that they could be joining politics

Famous Tamil superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan once again sparked rumours of their political ambitions after they graced a DMK event on Thursday (August 10). Both the actors, who have a huge fan following in Tamil Nadu, attended an event to mark 75 years of the founding of DMK mouthpiece "Murasoli." Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin, Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/W0IGfR0f3A — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2017 × Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the ruling AIADMK government for alleged corruption, shared the stage with DMK leaders. Rajinikanth was seated among the audience in the front row. Asked whether he was joining politics, Kamal Haasan said that in 1983, DMK chief Karunanidhi sent him a telegram asking him to join the party and that he had not been able to give him an answer till now. Tamil Nadu: Rajinikanth at the 75th anniversary celebrations of DMK's mouthpiece Murasoli, in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/SPn3g6hsZW — ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2017 × Kamal Haasan sat next to DMK Working President MK Stalin, who had backed him after a strident attack by Tamil Nadu Ministers for being critical of the government, and other senior party leaders. × The participation of the two stars at the DMK event assumes significance in view of their recent statements suggesting that they could be joining politics. Other celebrities who attended the celebrations included former cricket board chief, industrialist N Srinivasan and actor Prabhu, son of late actor Sivaji Ganesan. Kamal Haasan has taken on the ruling AIADMK (Amma) government over alleged corruption. Several state ministers had attacked the actor after he asked his followers to use social media to lodge graft complaints, and questioned the contribution of his fan clubs to the welfare of the people of the state. Chief Minister K Palaniswami had challenged him to join politics. Tamil Nadu politics has been dominated by the two Dravidian parties - the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) - since 1956. Their top leaders have been closely associated with the film industry. Watch: Actor Kamal Haasan, who has taken on the Tamil Nadu government on corruption issue, on Thursday shared the dais with opposition DMK leaders at a party event in Chennai. Superstar Rajinikanth chose to sit among the audience (WION) ×

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan attend DMK event, spark rumours of joining politics

<p>Members of a fringe pro-Tamil outfit today burnt an effigy of actor Rajinikanth, opposing his entry into politics.</p>

<p>With the &quot;Tamizhar Munnetra Padai&quot;&nbsp;planning to picket the actor&#39;s house at Poes Garden, security was stepped up there.<br />
<br />
The slogan-raising activists burnt an effigy of the actor at the busy Cathedral Road, police said, adding that scores of members of the outfit were detained.</p>

<p>The activists raised slogans against Rajinikanth&#39;s possible entry into politics, an issue which has gained steam following his hints last week that he could take the plunge.</p>

<p>The actor&#39;s Kannada origins are often a focal point of discussion in Tamil Nadu, with pro-Tamil groups raising the pitch whenever the Cauvery river water sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka escalates.</p>

<p>The &quot;Kabali&quot;&nbsp;actor&nbsp;had, however, last week asserted his Tamil identity, saying his native place was a village in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>&quot;<em>Naan pachai Tamizhan</em> (I am a pure Tamil)....If you ask me to get out and throw me away, I will land only in the Himalayas (which he frequents) and not in any other state,&quot; he had said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Rajinikanth, who met his fans and clicked pictures with them last week, today posed for photographs with the family members of his staff and &quot;close friends,&quot; sources close to the veteran actor said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Rumours of the Tamil megastar entering politics have increased after he hinted last week that he could take the plunge

Members of a fringe pro-Tamil outfit today burnt an effigy of actor Rajinikanth, opposing his entry into politics. With the "Tamizhar Munnetra Padai" planning to picket the actor's house at Poes Garden, security was stepped up there. The slogan-raising activists burnt an effigy of the actor at the busy Cathedral Road, police said, adding that scores of members of the outfit were detained. The activists raised slogans against Rajinikanth's possible entry into politics, an issue which has gained steam following his hints last week that he could take the plunge. The actor's Kannada origins are often a focal point of discussion in Tamil Nadu, with pro-Tamil groups raising the pitch whenever the Cauvery river water sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka escalates. The "Kabali" actor had, however, last week asserted his Tamil identity, saying his native place was a village in Krishnagiri district in Tamil Nadu. "Naan pachai Tamizhan (I am a pure Tamil)....If you ask me to get out and throw me away, I will land only in the Himalayas (which he frequents) and not in any other state," he had said. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth, who met his fans and clicked pictures with them last week, today posed for photographs with the family members of his staff and "close friends," sources close to the veteran actor said. (PTI)

Security stepped up outside Rajinikanth's home after protests over entry in politics

<p>India is set to imagine Sanskrit epic &#39;Mahabharata&#39;&nbsp;in the form of the most expensive film ever made in Indian history. The movie has a budget of $155 million and is being financed by B.R. Shetty, an Indian entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahabharata is the world&rsquo;s largest written poem ever with about 1.8 million words in total. Dated between 8th and 9th centuries, the book follows the story of two paternal cousins who battle for the ancestral kingdom of Bharata, according to Wikipedia. The movie based on the story will tell its story through the eyes of the brothers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, B.R. Shetty said, &ldquo;The &#39;Mahabharata&#39; is an epic of all epics. I believe that this film will not only set global benchmarks but also reposition India and its prowess in mythological storytelling. I am confident that this film will be adapted in over 100 languages and reach over 3 billion people across the world.&rdquo;</p>

<p>The film &lsquo;Randamoozham&rsquo; will be an adaptation of the novel of the same name by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, an award-winning Malayalam author. Nair is also the scriptwriter for the film.&nbsp;<br />
It will be directed by V.A. Shrikumar Menon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected to be shot and released in languages English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. The movie will be in two parts and will be released in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the official press release, the movie will &ldquo;include some of the great names in world cinema including some Academy winners. The cast will have the best of talents from Indian cinema as well as some big names from Hollywood.&quot;</p>

<p>The previous records of most expensive Indian films was with upcoming Tamil language sci-fi thriller &#39;2.0&#39;&nbsp;which cost $62 million. The movie stars action superstar Rajinikanth.&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rajinikanth-to-join-politics-indian-fans-urge-him-to-save-tamil-nadu-13970">More on Rajinikanth</a></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before 2.0 was announced, &#39;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/life-fun/its-here-the-trailer-of-baahubali-2-13447">Baahubali&#39;</a>&nbsp;held the record with both its parts combined at $65 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The movie is based on Sanskrit epic 'Mahabharata', touted as the longest poem ever written

India is set to imagine Sanskrit epic 'Mahabharata' in the form of the most expensive film ever made in Indian history. The movie has a budget of $155 million and is being financed by B.R. Shetty, an Indian entrepreneur based in the United Arab Emirates. Mahabharata is the world’s largest written poem ever with about 1.8 million words in total. Dated between 8th and 9th centuries, the book follows the story of two paternal cousins who battle for the ancestral kingdom of Bharata, according to Wikipedia. The movie based on the story will tell its story through the eyes of the brothers. In a statement, B.R. Shetty said, “The 'Mahabharata' is an epic of all epics. I believe that this film will not only set global benchmarks but also reposition India and its prowess in mythological storytelling. I am confident that this film will be adapted in over 100 languages and reach over 3 billion people across the world.” The film ‘Randamoozham’ will be an adaptation of the novel of the same name by M.T. Vasudevan Nair, an award-winning Malayalam author. Nair is also the scriptwriter for the film. It will be directed by V.A. Shrikumar Menon. It is expected to be shot and released in languages English, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Tamil and Telugu. The movie will be in two parts and will be released in 2020. According to the official press release, the movie will “include some of the great names in world cinema including some Academy winners. The cast will have the best of talents from Indian cinema as well as some big names from Hollywood." The previous records of most expensive Indian films was with upcoming Tamil language sci-fi thriller '2.0' which cost $62 million. The movie stars action superstar Rajinikanth. Read: More on Rajinikanth Before 2.0 was announced, 'Baahubali' held the record with both its parts combined at $65 million. (WION)

'Randamoozham' will be India's most expensive film ever

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth needs no introduction. His fans treat him &ldquo;next to God&rdquo;, fellow actors address him in the league of stars beyond comparison while cinephiles treat him as a benchmark of judging good acting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amidst news of Rajinikanth cancelling his Sri Lanka trip, there is another news doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the superstar will revive his political career and will make crucial announcements on April 2nd. His fans have called for a meeting of all fans on Sunday in Chennai.</p>

<p>If you&rsquo;re wondering what he said to his Sri Lankan Tamil fans while cancelling the trip: &ldquo;I came to know about the love you have for me through the media. I have no words to thank you all for the love and affection. Let us believe good things will happen. Let good things happen. When time is right we will meet. I pray almighty for your well-being.&rdquo;</p>

<p>Coming back to the fan meeting, flyers and posters have been circulated in Chennai city for the mass gathering. In the posters, his fans urge the reluctant superstar to enter politics and &ldquo;save Tamil Nadu&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Posters doing the rounds asking for Rajinikanth fans for a meeting on April 2 (WION)</p>
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<p>Posters doing the round in Chennai calling for a Rajinikanth fan meeting (WION)</p>
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<p>WION spoke with Rajinikanth&#39;s aide on the development, but they denied it as &ldquo;just rumours&rdquo; and confirmed&nbsp;&ldquo;Rajinikanthji will not be present at the venue&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They call this a &ldquo;fan&rsquo;s association holding an annual meet where all district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This story of fans asking Rajinikanth to join politics has been going around for the last 20 years where they urge the superstar to &ldquo;become the CM of Tamil Nadu&rdquo;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Rajinikanth has been pretty vocal about not being interested in politics at all. However, his tweet&nbsp;started speculation of his support to a BJP candidate in the recently concluded bypoll&nbsp;in Chennai but the Indian superstar as always decided to stay away:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My support is for no one in the coming elections.</p>
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/844765999094120451">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote>

<p>According to another theory, this meeting could also just be related to the release of Rajinikanth&rsquo;s latest movie titled 2.0, a sequel to the much-talked-about movie Enthiran or Robot.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Poster release of Rajinikanth&#39;s new movie (DNA)</p>
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<p>Rajinikanth is expected to start working on a new film, directed by Kabali director Ranjith and produced by his son-in-law Dhanush. &nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


One of the highest paid actors of Asia, Rajinikanth enjoys massive support in India

Superstar Rajinikanth needs no introduction. His fans treat him “next to God”, fellow actors address him in the league of stars beyond comparison while cinephiles treat him as a benchmark of judging good acting. Amidst news of Rajinikanth cancelling his Sri Lanka trip, there is another news doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the superstar will revive his political career and will make crucial announcements on April 2nd. His fans have called for a meeting of all fans on Sunday in Chennai. If you’re wondering what he said to his Sri Lankan Tamil fans while cancelling the trip: “I came to know about the love you have for me through the media. I have no words to thank you all for the love and affection. Let us believe good things will happen. Let good things happen. When time is right we will meet. I pray almighty for your well-being.” Coming back to the fan meeting, flyers and posters have been circulated in Chennai city for the mass gathering. In the posters, his fans urge the reluctant superstar to enter politics and “save Tamil Nadu”. Posters doing the rounds asking for Rajinikanth fans for a meeting on April 2 (WION) × Posters doing the round in Chennai calling for a Rajinikanth fan meeting (WION) × WION spoke with Rajinikanth's aide on the development, but they denied it as “just rumours” and confirmed “Rajinikanthji will not be present at the venue”. They call this a “fan’s association holding an annual meet where all district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai”. This story of fans asking Rajinikanth to join politics has been going around for the last 20 years where they urge the superstar to “become the CM of Tamil Nadu”. However, Rajinikanth has been pretty vocal about not being interested in politics at all. However, his tweet started speculation of his support to a BJP candidate in the recently concluded bypoll in Chennai but the Indian superstar as always decided to stay away: My support is for no one in the coming elections. — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) March 23, 2017 According to another theory, this meeting could also just be related to the release of Rajinikanth’s latest movie titled 2.0, a sequel to the much-talked-about movie Enthiran or Robot. Poster release of Rajinikanth's new movie (DNA) × Rajinikanth is expected to start working on a new film, directed by Kabali director Ranjith and produced by his son-in-law Dhanush. (WION)

Rajinikanth to join politics? Indian fans urge him to 'Save Tamil Nadu'

<p>Tamil megastar Rajinikanth has cancelled his&nbsp;visit to Sri Lanka to inaugurate a housing scheme in Jaffna -- home to Sri Lankan Tamils -- after he met with opposition from pro-Tamil outfits in his state.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VCK chief Thirumavalavan&amp;MDMK chief Vaiko urged me not to visit Sri Lanka,accepted their request because of cordial relationship-Rajinikanth <a href="https://t.co/JURKDP3V1D">pic.twitter.com/JURKDP3V1D</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI_news/status/845572586423533568">March 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
Rajinikanth was to participate in a function in Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka, scheduled for April 9 and April 10, to formally hand over 150 free houses constructed for the internally displaced Tamils in the island nation.</p>

<p>According to reports, Tamil fringe groups like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal KAtchi (VCK), Marumarlarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMDK) and few others are opposing the actor&rsquo;s visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&ldquo;There are efforts to involve him in the ethnic issue. Superstar (Rajinikanth) should not get involved in this matter and I say this as a friend,&rdquo; VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan told a Tamil TV channel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>TVK founder and former MLA T Velmurugan said the actor should not &ldquo;fall prey&rdquo; to the efforts to paint a rosy picture of Sinhala-Tamil relations in the island nation.</p>

<p>&ldquo;At a time when Tamils are seeking justice for the ethnic violence in Sri Lanka, Rajinikanth&rsquo;s visit does not augur well. This is an attempt by Sri Lankan government through Lyca to create an image that Sinhalas and Tamils are living unitedly,&rdquo; he told PTI.</p>

<p>The homes have been constructed by Gnanam Foundation.&nbsp;The event is being organised by Lyca Productions, which is also producing the star&rsquo;s next release, 2.0 .&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


Pro-Tamil groups had said the actor shouldn't fall prey to paint a rosy picture of Sinhala-Tamil relations in the island nation

Tamil megastar Rajinikanth has cancelled his visit to Sri Lanka to inaugurate a housing scheme in Jaffna -- home to Sri Lankan Tamils -- after he met with opposition from pro-Tamil outfits in his state. VCK chief Thirumavalavan&MDMK chief Vaiko urged me not to visit Sri Lanka,accepted their request because of cordial relationship-Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/JURKDP3V1D — ANI (@ANI_news) March 25, 2017 × Rajinikanth was to participate in a function in Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka, scheduled for April 9 and April 10, to formally hand over 150 free houses constructed for the internally displaced Tamils in the island nation. According to reports, Tamil fringe groups like Viduthalai Chiruthaigal KAtchi (VCK), Marumarlarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMDK) and few others are opposing the actor’s visit. “There are efforts to involve him in the ethnic issue. Superstar (Rajinikanth) should not get involved in this matter and I say this as a friend,” VCK founder Thol. Thirumavalavan told a Tamil TV channel. TVK founder and former MLA T Velmurugan said the actor should not “fall prey” to the efforts to paint a rosy picture of Sinhala-Tamil relations in the island nation. “At a time when Tamils are seeking justice for the ethnic violence in Sri Lanka, Rajinikanth’s visit does not augur well. This is an attempt by Sri Lankan government through Lyca to create an image that Sinhalas and Tamils are living unitedly,” he told PTI. The homes have been constructed by Gnanam Foundation. The event is being organised by Lyca Productions, which is also producing the star’s next release, 2.0 . (WION with inputs from agencies)

India: Rajinikanth cancels proposed visit to Sri Lanka after protests

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth&#39;s reported visit to Sri Lanka to launch a housing scheme is facing opposition from a group here.</p>

<p>Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan Friday&nbsp;urged Rajinikanth to drop his Sri Lanka visit to participate in an event organized by Lyca Group&#39;s Gnanam Foundation.</p>

<p>Lyca has produced Rajinikanth&#39;s upcoming movie &quot;2.0&quot;.</p>

<p>The actor will attend a two-day-long event in Jaffna, Sri Lanka to present 150 homes to displaced Tamils on April 9 and 10, according to a statement by Raju Mahalingam, Creative Head of Lyca Productions.</p>

<p>&quot;I have no personal agenda against Rajinikanth. We are good friends. But, I strongly oppose his decision to visit Sri Lanka and participate in an event organized by Lyca, which has business ties with the Sri Lankan government,&quot; Thirumavalavan claimed.</p>

<p>&quot;Artists should only entertain people. We, on behalf of our party &#39;Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi&#39; request Rajnikanth not to earn Tamil people&#39;s hatred by participating in this event.&quot;</p>

<p>Thirumavalavan said he has also sought an appointment to meet Rajinikanth to discuss the matter.</p>

<p>&quot;I have sought an appointment to meet Rajinikanth in person... I will hand over a memorandum and request him to drop his visit,&quot; he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(PTI)<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The VCK party requested Rajnikanth not to earn Tamil people's 'hatred' by participating in this event

Superstar Rajinikanth's reported visit to Sri Lanka to launch a housing scheme is facing opposition from a group here. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan Friday urged Rajinikanth to drop his Sri Lanka visit to participate in an event organized by Lyca Group's Gnanam Foundation. Lyca has produced Rajinikanth's upcoming movie "2.0". The actor will attend a two-day-long event in Jaffna, Sri Lanka to present 150 homes to displaced Tamils on April 9 and 10, according to a statement by Raju Mahalingam, Creative Head of Lyca Productions. "I have no personal agenda against Rajinikanth. We are good friends. But, I strongly oppose his decision to visit Sri Lanka and participate in an event organized by Lyca, which has business ties with the Sri Lankan government," Thirumavalavan claimed. "Artists should only entertain people. We, on behalf of our party 'Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi' request Rajnikanth not to earn Tamil people's hatred by participating in this event." Thirumavalavan said he has also sought an appointment to meet Rajinikanth to discuss the matter. "I have sought an appointment to meet Rajinikanth in person... I will hand over a memorandum and request him to drop his visit," he said. (PTI)

Rajinikanth's Sri Lanka visit opposed by Tamil nationalist party

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