<p>Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer ‘2.0’ is seeing a sharp dip in its box office collections, on the second day of its release in China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film started on a good note but possibly not-so-great word of mouth has taken a toll on the earnings of the film. The film after doing good business in India released in 40 foreign countries on November 29, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The makers of the film hoped that it would do well in China as science fiction is very popular in the country. Star Alliance, which acquired its theatrical rights, booked 48,000 3D screens for the movie in the country.</p>

<p>Lyca Productions tweeted on September 6, "#2Point0InChinaFromToday ✨ Star Alliance Ltd. is our distributor for #2Point0 in Mainland China @2Point0movie releasing in a record number of 48000 - 3D screens in China today @rajinikanth @shankarshanmugh @akshaykumar @arrahman @iamAmyJackson."</p>

<p>The movie ‘2.0’ collected $1.37 million at the Chinese box office on the first day of its release.</p>

<p>One tweet read: “#2Point0InChina collects $1.37 million on release day Friday (6 September) from 60,677 shows. Around 2.91 lakh tickets were sold on day 1. Here is 1st day data for Indian films in China: Ssuperstar- $6.74M Hindi Medium - $3.39M BB2 - $2.85M Dangal - $2.4M BBjan - $2.2M”</p>

<p>Trade experts in India feel that 2.0 is heading to become a disaster at the Chinese box office. Sumit Kadel tweeted, "#2point0 flopped in china, the fact is Chinese are not interested to watch our scifi-action or period action film like #Baahubali . Why they will watch our $ 40-50M action film when Hollywood offers them 250-400M product . Only high on content Indian cinema will work out there."</p>


Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer ‘2.0’ is seeing a sharp dip in its box office collections, on the second day of its release in China. The film started on a good note but possibly not-so-great word of mouth has taken a toll on the earnings of the film.

Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer ‘2.0’ is seeing a sharp dip in its box office collections, on the second day of its release in China. The film started on a good note but possibly not-so-great word of mouth has taken a toll on the earnings of the film. The film after doing good business in India released in 40 foreign countries on November 29, 2018. The makers of the film hoped that it would do well in China as science fiction is very popular in the country. Star Alliance, which acquired its theatrical rights, booked 48,000 3D screens for the movie in the country. Lyca Productions tweeted on September 6, "#2Point0InChinaFromToday ✨ Star Alliance Ltd. is our distributor for #2Point0 in Mainland China @2Point0movie releasing in a record number of 48000 - 3D screens in China today @rajinikanth @shankarshanmugh @akshaykumar @arrahman @iamAmyJackson." The movie ‘2.0’ collected $1.37 million at the Chinese box office on the first day of its release. One tweet read: “#2Point0InChina collects $1.37 million on release day Friday (6 September) from 60,677 shows. Around 2.91 lakh tickets were sold on day 1. Here is 1st day data for Indian films in China: Ssuperstar- $6.74M Hindi Medium - $3.39M BB2 - $2.85M Dangal - $2.4M BBjan - $2.2M” Trade experts in India feel that 2.0 is heading to become a disaster at the Chinese box office. Sumit Kadel tweeted, "#2point0 flopped in china, the fact is Chinese are not interested to watch our scifi-action or period action film like #Baahubali . Why they will watch our $ 40-50M action film when Hollywood offers them 250-400M product . Only high on content Indian cinema will work out there."

Rajinikanth starrer '2.0' shows major drop in box office collection in China

<p>Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer ‘2.0’ will release in China today. This will be megastar Rajinikanth’s first film to release in China on such a big scale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film will release on 48000 screens in China as Lyca Productions made the announcement on Twitter. They captioned the post: “Thalaivar Superstar 🕴🏻 @rajinikanth is all geared up to set the Chinese box office on fire 🔥💥✨ with #2Point0 🤖 releasing in around 48000 screens 🎥 tomorrow in China!”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%9C%BA%E5%99%A8%E4%BA%BA2Point0InChinaTmrw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#机器人2Point0InChinaTmrw</a><br />
<br />
Thalaivar Superstar 🕴🏻 <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rajinikanth</a> is all geared up to set the Chinese box office on fire 🔥💥✨ with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/2Point0?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#2Point0</a> 🤖 releasing in around 48000 screens 🎥 tomorrow in China!<a href="https://twitter.com/shankarshanmugh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shankarshanmugh</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/arrahman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@arrahman</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iamAmyJackson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamAmyJackson</a> <a href="https://t.co/U73YCXvoIK">pic.twitter.com/U73YCXvoIK</a></p>
— Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) <a href="https://twitter.com/LycaProductions/status/1169637963354927104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The film when it released in India generated quite a buzz as Akshay Kumar starred as an anti-hero while Rajinikanth took the mantle of correcting the wrong in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>‘2.0’ is a science fiction directed by S Shankar. It features Rajinikanth as Vasikaran, a scientist who helps the government to fight an unknown threat rising in the country. Akshay Kumar is seen in a negative role and Amy Jackson is the female lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film released in India on November 29 last year.</p>


Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer ‘2.0’ will release in China today. This will be megastar Rajinikanth’s first film to release in China on such a big scale. The film will release on 48000 screens in China as Lyca Productions made the announcement on Twitter.

Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer ‘2.0’ will release in China today. This will be megastar Rajinikanth’s first film to release in China on such a big scale. The film will release on 48000 screens in China as Lyca Productions made the announcement on Twitter. They captioned the post: “Thalaivar Superstar 🕴🏻 @rajinikanth is all geared up to set the Chinese box office on fire 🔥💥✨ with #2Point0 🤖 releasing in around 48000 screens 🎥 tomorrow in China!” #机器人2Point0InChinaTmrw Thalaivar Superstar 🕴🏻 @rajinikanth is all geared up to set the Chinese box office on fire 🔥💥✨ with #2Point0 🤖 releasing in around 48000 screens 🎥 tomorrow in China!@shankarshanmugh @akshaykumar @arrahman @iamAmyJackson pic.twitter.com/U73YCXvoIK — Lyca Productions (@LycaProductions) September 5, 2019 × The film when it released in India generated quite a buzz as Akshay Kumar starred as an anti-hero while Rajinikanth took the mantle of correcting the wrong in the world. ‘2.0’ is a science fiction directed by S Shankar. It features Rajinikanth as Vasikaran, a scientist who helps the government to fight an unknown threat rising in the country. Akshay Kumar is seen in a negative role and Amy Jackson is the female lead. The film released in India on November 29 last year.

Rajinikanth starrer '2.0' to release in China on September 6

<p>Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah duo for the actions taken by them on the Kashmir issue.</p>

<p>"My heartfelt congratulations to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/had-no-doubts-about-consequences-of-removing-article-370-amit-shah-242159">Amit Shah for Mission Kashmir operation</a>. The way you conducted it, especially the speech you delivered in Parliament was fantastic. Amit Shah ji and Modi ji are like Krishna-Arjuna combination," Rajinikanth said at a function here.</p>

<p>He tried to give it a humorous turn, by adding, "We do not know who is Krishna and Arjuna between the two, they only know who is what. I will say good luck to you and to the country, through you."</p>

<p>Rajinikanth was speaking at a book launch event on the end of the two-year tenure of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.</p>

<p>Shah, Naidu, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and other dignitaries were also present at the event held in Chennai.</p>

<p>Earlier, in his speech given at the event, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 has never helped the country of Jammu and Kashmir and should have been removed long ago.</p>

<p>"As a Home Minister, there was no confusion in my mind about the consequences of removing Art 370. I am confident terrorism in Kashmir will finish and it will move ahead on the path of development now", Shah said.</p>

<p>The book captures glimpses of vice-president's 330 public engagements during his two-year tenure in office and has been titled "Listening, learning and leading".</p>

<p>Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami were also present during the function.</p>


Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah duo for the actions taken by them on the Kashmir issue.

Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah duo for the actions taken by them on the Kashmir issue. "My heartfelt congratulations to Amit Shah for Mission Kashmir operation. The way you conducted it, especially the speech you delivered in Parliament was fantastic. Amit Shah ji and Modi ji are like Krishna-Arjuna combination," Rajinikanth said at a function here. He tried to give it a humorous turn, by adding, "We do not know who is Krishna and Arjuna between the two, they only know who is what. I will say good luck to you and to the country, through you." Rajinikanth was speaking at a book launch event on the end of the two-year tenure of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. Shah, Naidu, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam and other dignitaries were also present at the event held in Chennai. Earlier, in his speech given at the event, Shah said he firmly believed that Article 370 has never helped the country of Jammu and Kashmir and should have been removed long ago. "As a Home Minister, there was no confusion in my mind about the consequences of removing Art 370. I am confident terrorism in Kashmir will finish and it will move ahead on the path of development now", Shah said. The book captures glimpses of vice-president's 330 public engagements during his two-year tenure in office and has been titled "Listening, learning and leading". Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami were also present during the function.

Amit Shah and PM Modi are like Krishna-Arjuna combination: Rajinikanth

<p>Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth Saturday said Rain-water harvesting (RWH) should be taken up on a war-footing to address the acute water crisis in the state.</p>

<p>The 69-year-old actor was speaking to reporters here on his arrival from Mumbai, where he was shooting for his film 'Durbar.'</p>

<p>"As of now, immediate measures that need to be taken is saving rain-water. It should be on a war-footing mode. Then all water bodies, including lakes and ponds need to be distilled ahead of the monsoon season", he said to a query on the water crisis prevailing in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The city is facing a severe crisis with all four major reservoirs supplying water going bone dry, forcing residents to look for alternatives to tide over the crisis.</p>

<p>Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio had recently expressed concern over the acute water crisis in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>The 44-year-old actor, one of the most vocal environmentalists in Hollywood, had shared a post by news outlet BBC on Instagram with the title, "Only rain can save Chennai from this situation".</p>

<p>Rajinikanth replied in the affirmative when asked whether he was upset at not being able to cast his vote in the recently held South Indian Artists Association election.</p>

<p>"Yes (I am upset). Because I did not receive the postal votes on time", Rajinikanth said.</p>

<p>The bi-annual South Indian Artists Association was held on June 23 as per the orders of the Madras High Court. Nearly 1,604 actors and actresses, including top actors Kamal Hassan and Vijay, cast their votes.</p>

<p>However, Rajinikanth missed out as he was in Mumbai for shooting for his upcoming flick 'Durbar'.</p>

<p>He had expressed his regret at not being able to vote in a tweet, saying that he had received the postal votes for the election only at 6.45 pm on June 22 despite his efforts to get it earlier.&nbsp;</p>


Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth Saturday said Rain-water harvesting (RWH) should be taken up on a war-footing to address the acute water crisis in the state. The 69-year-old actor was speaking to reporters here on his arrival from Mumbai, where he was shooting for his film 'Durbar.

Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth Saturday said Rain-water harvesting (RWH) should be taken up on a war-footing to address the acute water crisis in the state. The 69-year-old actor was speaking to reporters here on his arrival from Mumbai, where he was shooting for his film 'Durbar.' "As of now, immediate measures that need to be taken is saving rain-water. It should be on a war-footing mode. Then all water bodies, including lakes and ponds need to be distilled ahead of the monsoon season", he said to a query on the water crisis prevailing in Tamil Nadu. The city is facing a severe crisis with all four major reservoirs supplying water going bone dry, forcing residents to look for alternatives to tide over the crisis. Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio had recently expressed concern over the acute water crisis in Tamil Nadu. The 44-year-old actor, one of the most vocal environmentalists in Hollywood, had shared a post by news outlet BBC on Instagram with the title, "Only rain can save Chennai from this situation". Rajinikanth replied in the affirmative when asked whether he was upset at not being able to cast his vote in the recently held South Indian Artists Association election. "Yes (I am upset). Because I did not receive the postal votes on time", Rajinikanth said. The bi-annual South Indian Artists Association was held on June 23 as per the orders of the Madras High Court. Nearly 1,604 actors and actresses, including top actors Kamal Hassan and Vijay, cast their votes. However, Rajinikanth missed out as he was in Mumbai for shooting for his upcoming flick 'Durbar'. He had expressed his regret at not being able to vote in a tweet, saying that he had received the postal votes for the election only at 6.45 pm on June 22 despite his efforts to get it earlier.

Rainwater harvesting should be taken up on war footing: Rajinikanth

<p>Indian films have been doing stupendously well in China in the recent past which is why almost all filmmakers are now looking at releasing their films in the country. &nbsp;After the release of 'Mom' and 'Andhadhun' in China, now Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer `2.0` is set to hit Chinese theatres on 12th July.<br />
Akshay Kumar tweeted the release date of the film and also shared a poster for the Chinese audience.<br />
<br />
'2.0' is the sequel to the 2010 film `Enthiran` which was released in Hindi as `Robot`.The film marked the return of superstar Rajinikanth in his role as Dr Vaseegaran and Chitti- the robot- while Akshay essayed his nemesis, Richard- a scientist who turns eccentric after a botched experiment.<br />
<br />
Touted as one of the most expensive films in the history of cinema, the film witnessed Kumar as the antagonist while Rajinikanth is seen saving the world from his wrath.<br />
<br />
The film received a superb start at the box office as it earned Rs. 20.25 crores on the very first day of its release. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/20-review-vfx-is-the-real-hero-in-this-rajinikanth-akshay-kumar-starrer-180194">Read the film's review here.&nbsp;</a><br />
<br />
The reboot, `2.0` brought together Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Director S Shankar for the first time.Released last year, the film hit Indian screens on 29th November.&nbsp;</p>


Indian films have been doing stupendously well in China in the recent past which is why almost all filmmakers are now looking at releasing their films in the country.

Indian films have been doing stupendously well in China in the recent past which is why almost all filmmakers are now looking at releasing their films in the country. After the release of 'Mom' and 'Andhadhun' in China, now Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar starrer `2.0` is set to hit Chinese theatres on 12th July. Akshay Kumar tweeted the release date of the film and also shared a poster for the Chinese audience. '2.0' is the sequel to the 2010 film `Enthiran` which was released in Hindi as `Robot`.The film marked the return of superstar Rajinikanth in his role as Dr Vaseegaran and Chitti- the robot- while Akshay essayed his nemesis, Richard- a scientist who turns eccentric after a botched experiment. Touted as one of the most expensive films in the history of cinema, the film witnessed Kumar as the antagonist while Rajinikanth is seen saving the world from his wrath. The film received a superb start at the box office as it earned Rs. 20.25 crores on the very first day of its release. Read the film's review here. The reboot, `2.0` brought together Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, and Director S Shankar for the first time.Released last year, the film hit Indian screens on 29th November.

Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar starrer '2.0' to release in China in July

<p>Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.</p>

<p>"This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai.</p>

<p>He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday.</p>

<p>Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor.</p>

<p>On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added.</p>

<p>On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role.</p>

<p>About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna."</p>

<p>He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-indian-superstar-rajinikanth-to-attend-pm-modis-oath-taking-222206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders.</p>

<p>"I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do."</p>

<p>In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership. "This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai. He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday. Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor. On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added. On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role. About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna." He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut. Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders. "I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do." In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth to attend Modi's swearing-in; calls BJP win in Lok Sabha polls victory for 'charismatic' leader Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take oath on 30th May,2019 and the ceremony will be witnessing a lot leaders from all around the world. South-Indian superstar Rajinikanth confirms to attend the ceremony.

South-Indian superstar Rajinikanth to attend PM Modi's oath-taking

<p>The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/banglas-hasina-wont-be-able-to-attend-modis-inauguration-for-2nd-time-222041">swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister</a> for a second term, sources close to the stars said.</p>

<p>While Haasan, whose fledgeling political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had made its electoral debut this Lok Sabha polls, Rajinikanth is yet to formalise his December 2017 announcement on taking the political plunge.</p>

<p>Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modi's swearing-in scheduled on Thursday but did not divulge if the veterans would participate.</p>

<p>Incidentally, Haasan has been opposed to the BJP, even expressing joy that the saffron party which swept the Lok Sabha seats in rest of the country, did not win a single seat in Tamil Nadu, saying the state did not toe the national line.</p>

<p>His remarks that free India's first extremist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had gunned down Mahatma Gandhi, had drawn a strong reaction from the state BJP, which even moved the Election Commission, seeking action against him.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth, whom Modi had met in the past during his visit to the city, had in December 2017 announced that he will indeed take the political plunge, by floating a party that would contest from all the 234 Assembly seats in the state in the next general elections.</p>

<p>The next Assembly polls are due in 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lankan-president-maithripala-sirisena-to-attend-modis-swearing-in-ceremony-221542/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Incidentally, commenting on the opposition uniting against Modi last year, the superstar had said the Prime Minister was 'stronger' than 10 persons aligning against him.</p>

<p>"When 10 persons go against one person, who is stronger? Those 10, or the persons they are aligning against. If 10 persons declare war against one man, who is stronger," he had said then on the possibility of a mega opposition alliance against Modi.</p>

<p>However, the veteran star had earlier questioned the 'flawed' implementation of the Modi government's demonetisation exercise in November 2016.</p>

<p>Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30 by President Ram Nath Kovind.</p>

<p>He is the first BJP leader who has been elected for the second time after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by two Congress leaders--Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.&nbsp;</p>


The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a second term, sources close to the stars said.

The top stars of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, have been invited for the May 30 swearing-in of Narendra Modi as Prime Minister for a second term, sources close to the stars said. While Haasan, whose fledgeling political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) had made its electoral debut this Lok Sabha polls, Rajinikanth is yet to formalise his December 2017 announcement on taking the political plunge. Sources close to both actors acknowledged the two being invited to Modi's swearing-in scheduled on Thursday but did not divulge if the veterans would participate. Incidentally, Haasan has been opposed to the BJP, even expressing joy that the saffron party which swept the Lok Sabha seats in rest of the country, did not win a single seat in Tamil Nadu, saying the state did not toe the national line. His remarks that free India's first extremist was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who had gunned down Mahatma Gandhi, had drawn a strong reaction from the state BJP, which even moved the Election Commission, seeking action against him. Rajinikanth, whom Modi had met in the past during his visit to the city, had in December 2017 announced that he will indeed take the political plunge, by floating a party that would contest from all the 234 Assembly seats in the state in the next general elections. The next Assembly polls are due in 2021. Watch: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to attend Modi's swearing-in ceremony Incidentally, commenting on the opposition uniting against Modi last year, the superstar had said the Prime Minister was 'stronger' than 10 persons aligning against him. "When 10 persons go against one person, who is stronger? Those 10, or the persons they are aligning against. If 10 persons declare war against one man, who is stronger," he had said then on the possibility of a mega opposition alliance against Modi. However, the veteran star had earlier questioned the 'flawed' implementation of the Modi government's demonetisation exercise in November 2016. Modi will be administered the oath of office for his second term along with his new council of ministers on May 30 by President Ram Nath Kovind. He is the first BJP leader who has been elected for the second time after completion of his five-year tenure, a feat so far achieved only by two Congress leaders--Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.

Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan invited for swearing-in ceremony of Modi

<p>Even though the Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to declare its win, it can be safe to say that the party has got a clean sweep in 2019 general elections. And while BJP leaders are yet to make an official announcement, congratulatory messages for PM Narendra Modi have already started pouring in- including one from superstar Rajinikanth.</p>

<p>The superstar took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to tweet a congratulatory message to the PM. "Respected dear @narendramodi ji hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless.(sic)"&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Respected dear <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji<br />
hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless.</p>
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajinikanth/status/1131479602000408576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The actor had in 2018 expressed his desire to join politics but he did not contest elections this time around. Unlike his contemporary, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth is yet to announce his political party. The superstar is likely to contest during Assembly elections in 2020.&nbsp;</p>


Even though the Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to declare its win, it can be safe to say that the party has got a clean sweep in 2019 general elections. And while BJP leaders are yet to make an official announcement, congratulatory messages for PM Narendra Modi have already started pouring in- including one from superstar Rajinikanth.

Even though the Bharatiya Janta Party is yet to declare its win, it can be safe to say that the party has got a clean sweep in 2019 general elections. And while BJP leaders are yet to make an official announcement, congratulatory messages for PM Narendra Modi have already started pouring in- including one from superstar Rajinikanth. The superstar took to Twitter on Thursday afternoon to tweet a congratulatory message to the PM. "Respected dear @narendramodi ji hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless.(sic)" Respected dear @narendramodi ji hearty congratulations ... You made it !!! God bless. — Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) May 23, 2019 × The actor had in 2018 expressed his desire to join politics but he did not contest elections this time around. Unlike his contemporary, Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth is yet to announce his political party. The superstar is likely to contest during Assembly elections in 2020.

Lok Sabha election results 2019: Rajinikanth congratulates PM Narendra Modi, says 'You made it'

<p>Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Friday said that he is ready to contest the Assembly elections whenever it's announced.</p>

<p>''Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23,'' said Rajinikanth on asked whether he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of a majority after assembly bypolls.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Rajinikanth on being asked if he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of majority after assembly bypolls: Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TamilNadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TamilNadu</a> <a href="https://t.co/mjfR10xeRg">pic.twitter.com/mjfR10xeRg</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1119163017030017024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The actor was responding to a question as to whether he will contest the assembly elections in case the AIADMK-BJP alliance government fails to get a majority and assembly gets dissolved after May 23 when results of the Lok Sabha elections along with assembly byelections will be declared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to power, he said, "we will know on May 23".</p>


Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Friday said that he is ready to contest the Assembly elections whenever it's announced. ''Whenever it is announced I am ready.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Friday said that he is ready to contest the Assembly elections whenever it's announced. ''Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23,'' said Rajinikanth on asked whether he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of a majority after assembly bypolls. Rajinikanth on being asked if he will contest state polls if AIADMK falls short of majority after assembly bypolls: Whenever it is announced I am ready. I will decide after May 23 #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/mjfR10xeRg — ANI (@ANI) April 19, 2019 × The actor was responding to a question as to whether he will contest the assembly elections in case the AIADMK-BJP alliance government fails to get a majority and assembly gets dissolved after May 23 when results of the Lok Sabha elections along with assembly byelections will be declared. When asked if Prime Minister Narendra Modi will return to power, he said, "we will know on May 23".

'I am ready,' says Rajinikanth on contesting Tamil Nadu Assembly polls

Political heavyweights in Tamil Nadu cast votes as polling begins

<p>Political heavyweights including actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram,&nbsp;Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan,&nbsp;Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and&nbsp;Kiran Bedi&nbsp;among others cast their votes minutes after polling began in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday.</p>

<p>Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan and his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their votes at Alwarpet Corporation School in Chennai to cast their votes while Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy cast his vote at a polling station in Edappadi, Selam.</p>

<p>Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, exercised her franchise at a polling station in Puducherry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajinikanth cast his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency while P Chidambaram exercised his franchise a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nalini Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram and his wife Srinidi Rangarajan also cast their vote at the same polling station in Karaikudi.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Actor turned politician Rajinikanth casts his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LokSabhaElections2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LokSabhaElections2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/NfD3llN4J1">pic.twitter.com/NfD3llN4J1</a></p>
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<p>Polling began Thursday morning for 95 Lok Sabha seats spread across 11 states and the union territory of Puducherry with Tamil Nadu witnessing contest in 38 constituencies.</p>

<p>Voting was also underway in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha and in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.</p>

<p>Prominent faces in the fray in the Lok Sabha contest are Union ministers Jitendra Singh, Jual Oram, Sadananda Gowda and Pon Radhakrishnan; former prime minister H D Deve Gowda; DMK's Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and Kanimozhi; Congress leaders Verappa Moily and Raj Babbar; National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and BJP's Hema Malini.</p>

<p>Over 15.80 crore voters will decide the fate of the 1,600-odd contestants.<br />
In Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 38 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats. Polling in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently.</p>

<p>The EC also announced postponement of polling in Tripura (East) Lok Sabha seat to the third phase on April 23, saying the prevailing law-and-order situation there is not conducive for holding free and fair polls.</p>

<p>Besides Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Political heavyweights including actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram, Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and Kiran Bedi among others cast their votes minutes after polling began in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday.

Political heavyweights including actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth, Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram, Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan, Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy and Kiran Bedi among others cast their votes minutes after polling began in the second phase of Lok Sabha elections on Thursday. Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan and his daughter Shruti Haasan cast their votes at Alwarpet Corporation School in Chennai to cast their votes while Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palanisamy cast his vote at a polling station in Edappadi, Selam. Kiran Bedi, Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, exercised her franchise at a polling station in Puducherry. Rajinikanth cast his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency while P Chidambaram exercised his franchise a polling station in Karaikudi, Sivaganga. Nalini Chidambaram, Karti Chidambaram and his wife Srinidi Rangarajan also cast their vote at the same polling station in Karaikudi. Tamil Nadu: Actor turned politician Rajinikanth casts his vote at the polling station in Stella Maris College, in Chennai Central parliamentary constituency. #LokSabhaElections2019 pic.twitter.com/NfD3llN4J1 — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2019 × Polling began Thursday morning for 95 Lok Sabha seats spread across 11 states and the union territory of Puducherry with Tamil Nadu witnessing contest in 38 constituencies. Voting was also underway in 35 assembly constituencies in Odisha and in 18 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. Prominent faces in the fray in the Lok Sabha contest are Union ministers Jitendra Singh, Jual Oram, Sadananda Gowda and Pon Radhakrishnan; former prime minister H D Deve Gowda; DMK's Dayanidhi Maran, A Raja and Kanimozhi; Congress leaders Verappa Moily and Raj Babbar; National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and BJP's Hema Malini. Over 15.80 crore voters will decide the fate of the 1,600-odd contestants. In Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 38 of the 39 Lok Sabha seats. Polling in Vellore Lok Sabha seat was cancelled Tuesday by the Election Commission following the recovery of a huge amount of cash allegedly from an associate of a DMK leader recently. The EC also announced postponement of polling in Tripura (East) Lok Sabha seat to the third phase on April 23, saying the prevailing law-and-order situation there is not conducive for holding free and fair polls. Besides Tamil Nadu, polling is being held in 14 seats in Karnataka, 10 in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in Jammu and Kashmir and one seat each in Manipur and Puducherry. (With inputs from PTI)

Political heavyweights in Tamil Nadu cast their votes as polling begins 

<p>The much anticipated first look of Rajinikanth's 167th flick 'Darbar' is out and the film goes on floors from tomorrow in Mumbai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It will be directed by AR Murugadoss while the music director will be 'Kolaveri' fame Anirudh Ravichander. Nayanthara who is regarded as the 'Lady Superstar' in the Tamil industry will be playing the female lead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While this film is Rajini's first outing with AR Murugadoss, it will bring back the on-screen pair of Rajini and Nayanthara after 11 years. They have done films such as ‘Chandramukhi’, ‘Kuselan’ and ‘Sivaji the boss’.</p>

<p>‘Darbar’ is bankrolled by Lyca productions and this also makes it Rajini's second association with the production house after the 2018 magnum opus ‘2.0’ that is India's most expensive film and also the first time that Rajini enthralled his fans in 3D.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Santhosh Sivan will be cranking the camera for this film and the last time he shot a Rajini film was 28 years ago. This is also the third time that Santhosh Sivan will be teaming up with Murugadoss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rumours have been doing the rounds that Rajini's next could be a cop flick and if the first look is anything to go by, Rajini will certainly be donning the Khaki.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The poster drops enough hints including that of weapons, handcuffs, IPS insignia, the police cap and belt, and also a police hound, set in the background of the Gateway of India. To top it all, Rajini is seen sporting a menacing smile and what looks like a salt-and-pepper look.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"You decide whether you want me to be good bad or worse" is a striking punch dialogue that makes an appearance on the poster, hinting that this could be a fans delight and a typical Superstar film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajini had a great run at the box office in late 2018 and also early 2019 with two releases- ‘2.0’ and ‘Petta’ in quick succession. Both the films were massive hits with 2.0 becoming the highest grossing Indian film ever. ‘2.0’ had Rajini playing the roles of scientist Vaseegaran and Chitti the robot. Whereas in ‘Petta’, Rajini played a hostel warden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film is expected to have a Pongal release in 2020.&nbsp;</p>


The much anticipated first look of Rajinikanth's 167th flick 'Darbar' is out and the film goes on floors from tomorrow in Mumbai. It will be directed by AR Murugadoss while the music director will be 'Kolaveri' fame Anirudh Ravichander.

The much anticipated first look of Rajinikanth's 167th flick 'Darbar' is out and the film goes on floors from tomorrow in Mumbai. It will be directed by AR Murugadoss while the music director will be 'Kolaveri' fame Anirudh Ravichander. Nayanthara who is regarded as the 'Lady Superstar' in the Tamil industry will be playing the female lead. While this film is Rajini's first outing with AR Murugadoss, it will bring back the on-screen pair of Rajini and Nayanthara after 11 years. They have done films such as ‘Chandramukhi’, ‘Kuselan’ and ‘Sivaji the boss’. ‘Darbar’ is bankrolled by Lyca productions and this also makes it Rajini's second association with the production house after the 2018 magnum opus ‘2.0’ that is India's most expensive film and also the first time that Rajini enthralled his fans in 3D. Santhosh Sivan will be cranking the camera for this film and the last time he shot a Rajini film was 28 years ago. This is also the third time that Santhosh Sivan will be teaming up with Murugadoss. Rumours have been doing the rounds that Rajini's next could be a cop flick and if the first look is anything to go by, Rajini will certainly be donning the Khaki. The poster drops enough hints including that of weapons, handcuffs, IPS insignia, the police cap and belt, and also a police hound, set in the background of the Gateway of India. To top it all, Rajini is seen sporting a menacing smile and what looks like a salt-and-pepper look. "You decide whether you want me to be good bad or worse" is a striking punch dialogue that makes an appearance on the poster, hinting that this could be a fans delight and a typical Superstar film. Rajini had a great run at the box office in late 2018 and also early 2019 with two releases- ‘2.0’ and ‘Petta’ in quick succession. Both the films were massive hits with 2.0 becoming the highest grossing Indian film ever. ‘2.0’ had Rajini playing the roles of scientist Vaseegaran and Chitti the robot. Whereas in ‘Petta’, Rajini played a hostel warden. The film is expected to have a Pongal release in 2020.

First look of Rajinikanth's cop film 'Darbar' is finally out

<p>Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/national-security-is-bjps-sankalp-as-party-manifesto-vows-to-repeal-articles-370-35a-and-end-left-wing-extremism-208930">Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto</a> that was released yesterday.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move".</p>

<p>"In the manifesto that the BJP released yesterday they have said that they would link the country’s rivers and they would appoint a committee for the same, that is a welcome move. With God’s blessings and people’s support, (we don’t know what result they will give) if the NDA front forms a government at the central level, they should first link all the rivers in the country, " he said.</p>

<p>Rajini also added that, if that (river-linking) alone is done half the poverty in the country can be eradicated, crores of people can be employed, farmers lives and condition can be improved. "Hence, I request them to implement it".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He, however, ended on a cautious note, and said, “Please don’t mistake me, this a very sensitive time (election season), I don’t wish to speak anything further.”</p>

<p>Rajinikanth who was to leave for Mumbai, where his latest film ‘Darbar’ is to go on floors from tomorrow, further recollected that he had been a long time supporter of the project to link India’s rivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It was the dream of our Late Prime Minister AB Vajpayee. When he was the prime minister I had met him once and discussed with him about the same. Since it was a big project I also requested him to name it Bhageeratha Yojana, which he liked very much and smiled. Bhageeratham means making the impossible possible, he said.</p>

<p>When asked about his political stance, Rajini said that it was as mentioned earlier and it remains unchanged.</p>

<p>In a statement issued in February this year, Rajini had mentioned that he or his party will not contest the Lok Sabha polls and that their party’s aim would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls that are slated for 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to questions about him backing fellow veteran actor Kamal Hassan’s political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, Rajini said, “I don’t wish to speak anything about this anymore. Kindly don’t blow up this issue and spoil our friendship”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While he ducked the question pertaining to Kamal Hassan’s party and his support for it, Rajini spoke at length about his admiration for the project to link India’s rivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But there seems to be a larger context to what Rajini has spoken. In the statement that he issued on February 17, he had mentioned that “Water shortage is the main issue that Tamil Nadu faces. Ahead of the upcoming polls I lovingly request you to analyse, think and vote for a decisive majority at the national level, which you think could solve the water woes of Tamil Nadu and introduce adequate schemes to bring a permanent solution.”</p>

<p>Despite Rajini not contesting in the upcoming polls, his words could certainly be of significance for millions of his fans who are to cast their vote.</p>


Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto that was released yesterday. Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move".

Superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday clarified his stance over Bharatiya Janata Party's election manifesto that was released yesterday. Speaking to reporters outside his Chennai residence, Rajinikanth termed the mention of linking rivers in the manifesto as a "welcome move". "In the manifesto that the BJP released yesterday they have said that they would link the country’s rivers and they would appoint a committee for the same, that is a welcome move. With God’s blessings and people’s support, (we don’t know what result they will give) if the NDA front forms a government at the central level, they should first link all the rivers in the country, " he said. Rajini also added that, if that (river-linking) alone is done half the poverty in the country can be eradicated, crores of people can be employed, farmers lives and condition can be improved. "Hence, I request them to implement it". He, however, ended on a cautious note, and said, “Please don’t mistake me, this a very sensitive time (election season), I don’t wish to speak anything further.” Rajinikanth who was to leave for Mumbai, where his latest film ‘Darbar’ is to go on floors from tomorrow, further recollected that he had been a long time supporter of the project to link India’s rivers. “It was the dream of our Late Prime Minister AB Vajpayee. When he was the prime minister I had met him once and discussed with him about the same. Since it was a big project I also requested him to name it Bhageeratha Yojana, which he liked very much and smiled. Bhageeratham means making the impossible possible, he said. When asked about his political stance, Rajini said that it was as mentioned earlier and it remains unchanged. In a statement issued in February this year, Rajini had mentioned that he or his party will not contest the Lok Sabha polls and that their party’s aim would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls that are slated for 2021. Responding to questions about him backing fellow veteran actor Kamal Hassan’s political party Makkal Needhi Maiam, Rajini said, “I don’t wish to speak anything about this anymore. Kindly don’t blow up this issue and spoil our friendship”. While he ducked the question pertaining to Kamal Hassan’s party and his support for it, Rajini spoke at length about his admiration for the project to link India’s rivers. But there seems to be a larger context to what Rajini has spoken. In the statement that he issued on February 17, he had mentioned that “Water shortage is the main issue that Tamil Nadu faces. Ahead of the upcoming polls I lovingly request you to analyse, think and vote for a decisive majority at the national level, which you think could solve the water woes of Tamil Nadu and introduce adequate schemes to bring a permanent solution.” Despite Rajini not contesting in the upcoming polls, his words could certainly be of significance for millions of his fans who are to cast their vote.

If NDA wins they should first implement river-linking project: Rajinikanth

<p>Rajinikanth's influence is not just restricted to India alone. Filmmaker Joe Russo- one half of the Russo Brothers- the directors of 'Avengers: Endgame'- has revealed that how he was influenced Rajini's 2010 blockbuster 'Robot' and wanted to have a similar climax for the film 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"'Robot' almost influenced the climatic moments in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'... In one of the final scenes all the Ultrons were supposed to form a large Ultron and Avengers were set to fight that but the sequence got cut for time. It was this close. I was inspired directly by 'Robot'," said the director while addressing the press in Mumbai on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russo is in India <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/avengers-endgame-director-joe-russo-arrives-in-india-to-launch-ar-rahmans-anthem-for-the-film-207114">to promote his upcoming film 'Avengers: Endgame' </a>which he co-directed with his brother Anthony Russo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The filmmaker seemed to be quite impressed by Indian films and revealed how he is in talks with Priyanka Chopra for a project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 47-year-old filmmaker, who is known for giving Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) a grounded tone along with his brother Anthony Russo, finds Priyanka "fantastic" and would love to work with her.</p>

<p>"Priyanka is transitioning into global status now. She is fantastic... (I would) Love to work with her... I am potentially talking to Priyanka for something. I am not going to say what it is," Russo said in a group interview here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige had said that they are planning to make a standalone on superhero Ms Marvel aka Kamala Khan. After the news broke, many fans on social media expressed their desire to see Priyanka playing the character of Marvel's first Muslim superhero.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The filmmaker said as an action director, Indian films like 'Dabangg' series were an interesting watch for him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm an action director so I saw 'Dabangg' many years ago. I still have to see 'Dabangg 2'. I thought the camera work was great in those movies. The tone and energy is also great. So, I certainly know Salman Khan," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russo also said that how it was important to promote the film in India and Marvel has a strong fan base in the country. "There was a recording of an Indian audience watching the 'Infinity War' and the moment Thor lands, the cheers sounded like a football stadium. We used to play that recording whenever we would get tired (working) on 'Endgame' because it took us two years to make that movie.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We would just play that recording and get reinspired.This response from the audience is why we make these movies. We know there is an excited fanbase here."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russo added that if Marvel planned&nbsp;to introduce an Indian superhero, he would bat for a Bollywood star to play the part.&nbsp;"I will pick Bollywood stars to play Indian superheroes. I think moving forward, you are going to see a really diverse Marvel universe.&nbsp;It is really important for all the audiences around the world because these movies are so global. They should be able to identify with a character on the screen. I think you are going to see that really soon," the filmmaker said.</p>

<p>'Avengers: Endgame' marks the final film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe's current generation. It comprises 22 films, including 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and recently released 'Captain Marvel'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The movie features an ensemble cast of Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Tessa Thompson and Josh Brolin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film will release in India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, with a special <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/presenting-ar-rahmans-marvel-anthem-from-the-film-avengers-endgame-207331">theme song composed by music maestro AR Rahman.</a></p>


Rajinikanth's influence is not just restricted to India alone. Filmmaker Joe Russo- one half of the Russo Brothers- the directors of 'Avengers: Endgame'- has revealed that how he was influenced Rajini's 2010 blockbuster 'Robot' and wanted to have a similar climax for the film 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'.

Rajinikanth's influence is not just restricted to India alone. Filmmaker Joe Russo- one half of the Russo Brothers- the directors of 'Avengers: Endgame'- has revealed that how he was influenced Rajini's 2010 blockbuster 'Robot' and wanted to have a similar climax for the film 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'. "'Robot' almost influenced the climatic moments in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'... In one of the final scenes all the Ultrons were supposed to form a large Ultron and Avengers were set to fight that but the sequence got cut for time. It was this close. I was inspired directly by 'Robot'," said the director while addressing the press in Mumbai on Monday. Russo is in India to promote his upcoming film 'Avengers: Endgame' which he co-directed with his brother Anthony Russo. The filmmaker seemed to be quite impressed by Indian films and revealed how he is in talks with Priyanka Chopra for a project. The 47-year-old filmmaker, who is known for giving Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) a grounded tone along with his brother Anthony Russo, finds Priyanka "fantastic" and would love to work with her. "Priyanka is transitioning into global status now. She is fantastic... (I would) Love to work with her... I am potentially talking to Priyanka for something. I am not going to say what it is," Russo said in a group interview here. Last year, Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige had said that they are planning to make a standalone on superhero Ms Marvel aka Kamala Khan. After the news broke, many fans on social media expressed their desire to see Priyanka playing the character of Marvel's first Muslim superhero. The filmmaker said as an action director, Indian films like 'Dabangg' series were an interesting watch for him. "I'm an action director so I saw 'Dabangg' many years ago. I still have to see 'Dabangg 2'. I thought the camera work was great in those movies. The tone and energy is also great. So, I certainly know Salman Khan," he added. Russo also said that how it was important to promote the film in India and Marvel has a strong fan base in the country. "There was a recording of an Indian audience watching the 'Infinity War' and the moment Thor lands, the cheers sounded like a football stadium. We used to play that recording whenever we would get tired (working) on 'Endgame' because it took us two years to make that movie. "We would just play that recording and get reinspired.This response from the audience is why we make these movies. We know there is an excited fanbase here." Russo added that if Marvel planned to introduce an Indian superhero, he would bat for a Bollywood star to play the part. "I will pick Bollywood stars to play Indian superheroes. I think moving forward, you are going to see a really diverse Marvel universe. It is really important for all the audiences around the world because these movies are so global. They should be able to identify with a character on the screen. I think you are going to see that really soon," the filmmaker said. 'Avengers: Endgame' marks the final film within the Marvel Cinematic Universe's current generation. It comprises 22 films, including 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' and recently released 'Captain Marvel'. The movie features an ensemble cast of Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Tessa Thompson and Josh Brolin. The film will release in India in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu, with a special theme song composed by music maestro AR Rahman.

Rajinikanth's 'Robot' almost influenced a scene in 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron', reveals director Joe Russo

<p>Veteran Tamil filmmaker J Mahendran died on Tuesday, April 2 at his residence in Chennai.</p>

<p>Mahendran’s health became critical last week and was admitted to a hospital in Chennai.</p>

<p>His body was kept for public homage throughout the day as the final rites will be performed today evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news of his death was announced by the director’s son, John Mahendran. John took to Twitter and wrote: "DIRECTOR MAHENDRAN PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING.”</p>

<p>Soon after the news came out, A R Murugadoss among others paid tribute. He took to his Twitter and wrote: "It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker #Mahendran sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts sir. Rest in peace."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahendran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahendran</a> sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts sir. Rest in peace.</p>
— A.R.Murugadoss (@ARMurugadoss) <a href="https://twitter.com/ARMurugadoss/status/1112907589270949888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Director Ahmed also tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear this..RIP #Mahendran sir. Rest in peace." Well, the Kollywood industry has lost a talented actor and director. J Mahendran was last seen on the big screen in Rajinikanth’s Petta, which was a huge hit at the box office.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply saddened to hear this..RIP <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahendran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahendran</a> sir. Rest in peace.</p>
— Director Ahmed (@Ahmed_filmmaker) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ahmed_filmmaker/status/1112916463889739776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mahendran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mahendran</a><br />
He spoke less and his films spoke more.<br />
To me his films were of great inspiration<br />
How can I forget the sleepless night I had after watching "uthripookal"<br />
May his soul rest on peace.</p>
— pcsreeram (@pcsreeram) <a href="https://twitter.com/pcsreeram/status/1112912451673088000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Veteran Tamil filmmaker J Mahendran died on Tuesday, April 2 at his residence in Chennai. Mahendran’s health became critical last week and was admitted to a hospital in Chennai.

Veteran Tamil filmmaker J Mahendran died on Tuesday, April 2 at his residence in Chennai. Mahendran’s health became critical last week and was admitted to a hospital in Chennai. His body was kept for public homage throughout the day as the final rites will be performed today evening. The news of his death was announced by the director’s son, John Mahendran. John took to Twitter and wrote: "DIRECTOR MAHENDRAN PASSED AWAY THIS MORNING.” Soon after the news came out, A R Murugadoss among others paid tribute. He took to his Twitter and wrote: "It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker #Mahendran sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts sir. Rest in peace." It is deeply saddening to hear the demise of one of the pioneer filmmaker #Mahendran sir. You and your films live forever in our hearts sir. Rest in peace. — A.R.Murugadoss (@ARMurugadoss) April 2, 2019 × Director Ahmed also tweeted, "Deeply saddened to hear this..RIP #Mahendran sir. Rest in peace." Well, the Kollywood industry has lost a talented actor and director. J Mahendran was last seen on the big screen in Rajinikanth’s Petta, which was a huge hit at the box office. Deeply saddened to hear this..RIP #Mahendran sir. Rest in peace. — Director Ahmed (@Ahmed_filmmaker) April 2, 2019 × #Mahendran He spoke less and his films spoke more. To me his films were of great inspiration How can I forget the sleepless night I had after watching "uthripookal" May his soul rest on peace. — pcsreeram (@pcsreeram) April 2, 2019 ×

Rajinikanth and others arrive at the condolence prayer meet of legendary filmmaker J Mahendran

<p>Rajinikanth paid a courtesy visit to actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth who returned to Chennai last week after receiving treatment in the United States. This comes at a time when the AIADMK and Congress are said to be making attempts to rope in the Vijayakanth-led DMDK into their fold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rajinikanth said that “I visited Vijayakanth to inquire about his health and wish him well. When I was unwell, Vijayakanth was the first to meet and greet me. There’s not even an iota of politics in this meeting and I have clarified my plans earlier," he added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>After announcing his intention to foray into Indian politics in late-2017, expectations have been high regarding Rajinikanth’s announcement. However, Rajinikanth recently issued a statement, saying his party would not be contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls. However, Rajini’s statement urged the public to think and decide wisely about a party that could solve Tamil Nadu’s water woes and vote them into power.</p>

<p>In the last few days, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and former Tamil Nadu Congress Chief Thirunavakkarasar paid a visit to the DMDK supremo at his residence. Piyush Goyal stated that his visit was on account of a personal relationship with an old friend, but Thirunavakkarasar said that they had a conversation about elections, related developments and that he expected the captain to take a good decision.</p>

<p>This morning, Vijayakanth’s party issued a statement inviting applications from candidates who wish to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from 40 constituencies spread across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later today, actor turned politician Kamal Hassan too is expected to meet Vijayakanth. Though Rajini and Kamal are veterans of the film industry, Vijayakanth has an edge over Rajini and Kamal in terms of his experience as a politician. Popular actor Vijayakanth started the DMDK in 2005. The peak of his party’s performance was ruing the 2011 elections when they allied with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK and won 29 of the 41 seats that they contested.&nbsp;</p>


Rajinikanth paid a courtesy visit to actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth who returned to Chennai last week after receiving treatment in the United States. This comes at a time when the AIADMK and Congress are said to be making attempts to rope in the Vijayakanth-led DMDK into their fold.

Rajinikanth paid a courtesy visit to actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth who returned to Chennai last week after receiving treatment in the United States. This comes at a time when the AIADMK and Congress are said to be making attempts to rope in the Vijayakanth-led DMDK into their fold. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Rajinikanth said that “I visited Vijayakanth to inquire about his health and wish him well. When I was unwell, Vijayakanth was the first to meet and greet me. There’s not even an iota of politics in this meeting and I have clarified my plans earlier," he added. After announcing his intention to foray into Indian politics in late-2017, expectations have been high regarding Rajinikanth’s announcement. However, Rajinikanth recently issued a statement, saying his party would not be contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls. However, Rajini’s statement urged the public to think and decide wisely about a party that could solve Tamil Nadu’s water woes and vote them into power. In the last few days, Union Minister Piyush Goyal and former Tamil Nadu Congress Chief Thirunavakkarasar paid a visit to the DMDK supremo at his residence. Piyush Goyal stated that his visit was on account of a personal relationship with an old friend, but Thirunavakkarasar said that they had a conversation about elections, related developments and that he expected the captain to take a good decision. This morning, Vijayakanth’s party issued a statement inviting applications from candidates who wish to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from 40 constituencies spread across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Later today, actor turned politician Kamal Hassan too is expected to meet Vijayakanth. Though Rajini and Kamal are veterans of the film industry, Vijayakanth has an edge over Rajini and Kamal in terms of his experience as a politician. Popular actor Vijayakanth started the DMDK in 2005. The peak of his party’s performance was ruing the 2011 elections when they allied with Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK and won 29 of the 41 seats that they contested.

Rajinikanth's meeting with DMDK leader Vijayakanth didn't have even 'an iota of politics in it'

<p>Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-meets-his-forum-members-136089">upcoming parliament election</a> and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;"I will not be contesting in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-face-polls-even-in-six-months-rajinikanth-29915?amp">Lok Sabha elections</a>. I don't support any political party. I also ask political parties to refrain from using my pictures or Rajini Makkal Mandram’s flag for election campaigns," the actor said in a statement.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth had announced his political entry on New Year’s Eve 2018 and was expected to announce the launch of his political party last year on December 12, his birthday but superstar said that he was in no hurry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don’t have any plan to launch the party and introduce the flag on my birthday. It will take some more time as we have to complete certain works and be ready,” Rajinikanth had said.</p>


Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the upcoming parliament election and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the upcoming parliament election and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda. "I will not be contesting in the Lok Sabha elections. I don't support any political party. I also ask political parties to refrain from using my pictures or Rajini Makkal Mandram’s flag for election campaigns," the actor said in a statement. Rajinikanth had announced his political entry on New Year’s Eve 2018 and was expected to announce the launch of his political party last year on December 12, his birthday but superstar said that he was in no hurry. “We don’t have any plan to launch the party and introduce the flag on my birthday. It will take some more time as we have to complete certain works and be ready,” Rajinikanth had said.

Actor Rajinikanth says he will not contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections

<p>Putting an end to speculations about his plans to contest in the upcoming <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-meets-his-forum-members-136089">Lok Sabha polls</a>, superstar Rajinikanth has issued a statement saying that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The actor said that he has not offered his support to any of the parties and asked political parties to refrain from using his photo/party flag under the banner of Rajini Makkal Mandram or <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ready-to-face-polls-even-in-six-months-rajinikanth-29915?amp">Rajini Rasigar Mandram</a> (fans association) to campaign or promote any political party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Water shortage is the main issue that Tamil Nadu faces, he said in the statement. ''Ahead of the upcoming polls I lovingly request you to analyse, think and vote for a decisive majority at the national level, which you think could solve the water woes of Tamil Nadu and introduce adequate schemes to bring a permanent solution,'' the statement added.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth had announced his decision to foray into politics in late 2017, amid much cheer and fanfare. While Rajinikanth unified his fan clubs under the banner "Rajini Makkal Mandram", he did not formally launch a political party or get it registered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Actors started foraying into politics after they saw a vacuum in the Tamil Nadu political sphere after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in late 2016. During the same period, DMK supremo M Karunanidhi was also out of active politics due to age-related issues, until his demise in August 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajinikanth is not the only actor to have announced his political foray.&nbsp;<br />
Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan too has his political party called &nbsp;"Makkal Needhi Maiam". But Kamal is a step ahead, as he has registered his party with the election commission of India and has also started campaigning in rural areas across Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kamal has also expressed interest to contest in the Lok Sabha polls but hasn't really given further details regarding his plans or electoral alliances.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All through 2018, Rajinikanth made political statements and also hinted that he had an ideological inclination towards the ruling BJP.</p>

<p>On a few occasions, he also made statements in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These statements fuelled speculations about Rajini being the BJP's probable trump card in Tamil Nadu where on-screen idols such as MGR and Jayalalithaa have been able to convert popularity into votes.</p>

<p>Even former five-time chief minister M Karunanidhi, who was a screenwriter had used films as a medium to express his political messaging.&nbsp;</p>


Putting an end to speculations about his plans to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, superstar Rajinikanth has issued a statement saying that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Putting an end to speculations about his plans to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, superstar Rajinikanth has issued a statement saying that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and that their target would be the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls. The actor said that he has not offered his support to any of the parties and asked political parties to refrain from using his photo/party flag under the banner of Rajini Makkal Mandram or Rajini Rasigar Mandram (fans association) to campaign or promote any political party. Water shortage is the main issue that Tamil Nadu faces, he said in the statement. ''Ahead of the upcoming polls I lovingly request you to analyse, think and vote for a decisive majority at the national level, which you think could solve the water woes of Tamil Nadu and introduce adequate schemes to bring a permanent solution,'' the statement added. Rajinikanth had announced his decision to foray into politics in late 2017, amid much cheer and fanfare. While Rajinikanth unified his fan clubs under the banner "Rajini Makkal Mandram", he did not formally launch a political party or get it registered. Actors started foraying into politics after they saw a vacuum in the Tamil Nadu political sphere after the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in late 2016. During the same period, DMK supremo M Karunanidhi was also out of active politics due to age-related issues, until his demise in August 2018. Rajinikanth is not the only actor to have announced his political foray. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan too has his political party called "Makkal Needhi Maiam". But Kamal is a step ahead, as he has registered his party with the election commission of India and has also started campaigning in rural areas across Tamil Nadu. Kamal has also expressed interest to contest in the Lok Sabha polls but hasn't really given further details regarding his plans or electoral alliances. All through 2018, Rajinikanth made political statements and also hinted that he had an ideological inclination towards the ruling BJP. On a few occasions, he also made statements in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. These statements fuelled speculations about Rajini being the BJP's probable trump card in Tamil Nadu where on-screen idols such as MGR and Jayalalithaa have been able to convert popularity into votes. Even former five-time chief minister M Karunanidhi, who was a screenwriter had used films as a medium to express his political messaging.

Rajinikanth says he will not contest Lok Sabha polls, targets Assembly election

<p>The death of Ms Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the ADMK, has left a profound vacuum in the state’s politics. That this was followed by prolonged illness, and eventual demise, of M Karunanidhi, the supreme leader of the DMK, makes this vacuum even more disturbing. And what happens here matters as Tamil Nadu will play a crucial role in 2019 elections.</p>

<p>A question, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, is now doing the rounds: “Is there a political alternative for Tamil Nadu, away from the two Dravidian parties?”</p>

<p>A brief history of Tamil Nadu should be mentioned: Pre-1947: DK Party launched by Periyar. 1947-1967: Congress Party rules the state. 1967: DMK wins assembly elections. 1972: MGR leaves DMK to form the ADMK. 1987: Death of MGR, Jayalalithaa eventually takes over. 1987-2018: Political power alternates between DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating.</p>

<p>That times change, as also the mood of the electorate, is not always appreciated by political parties. Let us trace the evolution of political ideas in Tamil Nadu during the past half-century. From 1947 to 67, when the Congress was the ruling party, the dominant political philosophy was Democratic Socialism. Between 1967 and 1972, DMK gave a new direction with the eradication of the caste system and establishing a strong Tamil identity.<br />
<br />
From 1972 to 1987, the ADMK pursued poverty alleviation and social justice. Again from 1987 to 2015, both DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating, continued with further poverty alleviation and social justice. From 2015 till now, the ADMK effected a paradigm shift in the political narrative with the state-wide launch of the Amma canteen, which has been a big, bold attempt at food security in the state.</p>

<p>Coming up with new narratives is a big challenge that calls for imagination and foresight. Clearly, narratives do not drop from heaven. But they creep into the mind that has struggled to understand and cope with major problems. Here is a list of such problems/questions: With a million Indians entering the labour market every month, the country faces a formidable social and economic challenge, aggravated by the relentless march of technology. A problem crying out for an innovative response, such as the Congress Party’s 100-day National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.</p>

<p>The long-held dream of linking the country’s major rivers. Where do we start and how do we go about it? Is the steady flow of subsidies from the state robbing the average citizen of his will to work? How do we counter this trend, without abandoning the core idea of social justice? Inter-state disputes are on the rise, eg. sharing of river waters. Can we not come up with an approach to such disputes that encourages spontaneous, inter-state cooperation? Should politics continue to be characterised by bitter, inter-party rivalry? Can we not move to an era of mutual respect, cooperation and power sharing? What about the monster of corruption, which seems to have buried its tentacles deep into the body politic? How do we slay this monster?</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu has witnessed much excitement lately with two superstars entering the political arena: Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan. That these two titans of Tamil cinema chose this precise, psychological moment to enter politics, after nearly half a century of dominance by the two Dravidian parties, points to a possible paradigm shift in the politics of this state — a discontinuity, if you like, with profound implications for the future of politics in the state.</p>

<p>The two Dravidian parties seem rather puzzled that their old slogans no longer elicit the same response as in the past. They are beginning to wonder whether there is more to political leadership than just organising protest rallies and rushing to the TV camera.</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu is at the crossroads, with a profound political vacuum blurring the vision of most players on the political stage. The state’s two major Dravidian parties seem to be discovering, rather suddenly, that their old slogans and narratives no longer have the same appeal to the electorate as in the past — a problem compounded by the entry of two titans of Tamil cinema into the political arena. Both these parties, as also others in the state’s political arena, need to re-invent themselves, and come up with new narratives, if they are to remain relevant.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-in-search-of-a-new-political-narrative-in-tamil-nadu-2719710">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)</em></p>


The death of Ms Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the ADMK, has left a profound vacuum in the state’s politics. That this was followed by prolonged illness, and eventual demise, of M Karunanidhi, the supreme leader of the DMK, makes this vacuum even more disturbing.

The death of Ms Jayalalithaa, former Tamil Nadu chief minister and leader of the ADMK, has left a profound vacuum in the state’s politics. That this was followed by prolonged illness, and eventual demise, of M Karunanidhi, the supreme leader of the DMK, makes this vacuum even more disturbing. And what happens here matters as Tamil Nadu will play a crucial role in 2019 elections. A question, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, is now doing the rounds: “Is there a political alternative for Tamil Nadu, away from the two Dravidian parties?” A brief history of Tamil Nadu should be mentioned: Pre-1947: DK Party launched by Periyar. 1947-1967: Congress Party rules the state. 1967: DMK wins assembly elections. 1972: MGR leaves DMK to form the ADMK. 1987: Death of MGR, Jayalalithaa eventually takes over. 1987-2018: Political power alternates between DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating. That times change, as also the mood of the electorate, is not always appreciated by political parties. Let us trace the evolution of political ideas in Tamil Nadu during the past half-century. From 1947 to 67, when the Congress was the ruling party, the dominant political philosophy was Democratic Socialism. Between 1967 and 1972, DMK gave a new direction with the eradication of the caste system and establishing a strong Tamil identity. From 1972 to 1987, the ADMK pursued poverty alleviation and social justice. Again from 1987 to 2015, both DMK and ADMK, with the latter dominating, continued with further poverty alleviation and social justice. From 2015 till now, the ADMK effected a paradigm shift in the political narrative with the state-wide launch of the Amma canteen, which has been a big, bold attempt at food security in the state. Coming up with new narratives is a big challenge that calls for imagination and foresight. Clearly, narratives do not drop from heaven. But they creep into the mind that has struggled to understand and cope with major problems. Here is a list of such problems/questions: With a million Indians entering the labour market every month, the country faces a formidable social and economic challenge, aggravated by the relentless march of technology. A problem crying out for an innovative response, such as the Congress Party’s 100-day National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The long-held dream of linking the country’s major rivers. Where do we start and how do we go about it? Is the steady flow of subsidies from the state robbing the average citizen of his will to work? How do we counter this trend, without abandoning the core idea of social justice? Inter-state disputes are on the rise, eg. sharing of river waters. Can we not come up with an approach to such disputes that encourages spontaneous, inter-state cooperation? Should politics continue to be characterised by bitter, inter-party rivalry? Can we not move to an era of mutual respect, cooperation and power sharing? What about the monster of corruption, which seems to have buried its tentacles deep into the body politic? How do we slay this monster? Tamil Nadu has witnessed much excitement lately with two superstars entering the political arena: Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan. That these two titans of Tamil cinema chose this precise, psychological moment to enter politics, after nearly half a century of dominance by the two Dravidian parties, points to a possible paradigm shift in the politics of this state — a discontinuity, if you like, with profound implications for the future of politics in the state. The two Dravidian parties seem rather puzzled that their old slogans no longer elicit the same response as in the past. They are beginning to wonder whether there is more to political leadership than just organising protest rallies and rushing to the TV camera. Tamil Nadu is at the crossroads, with a profound political vacuum blurring the vision of most players on the political stage. The state’s two major Dravidian parties seem to be discovering, rather suddenly, that their old slogans and narratives no longer have the same appeal to the electorate as in the past — a problem compounded by the entry of two titans of Tamil cinema into the political arena. Both these parties, as also others in the state’s political arena, need to re-invent themselves, and come up with new narratives, if they are to remain relevant. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

In search of a new political narrative in Tamil Nadu

<p>Rajinikanth played the perfect host as his younger daughter Soundarya got married Vishagan Vanangamudi at the Leela Palace Hotel in Chennai on Monday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Soon after their wedding ceremony got over, the couple posed for the media who had lined up since morning to click the newlyweds.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Newly married couple Soundarya Rajinikanth and Vishagan Vanangamudi, the two tied knot at The Leela Palace hotel in Chennai today. <a href="https://t.co/2Vo6N8KTiK">pic.twitter.com/2Vo6N8KTiK</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094839253706698752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Soundarya wore a heavy embroidered pink saree for her wedding which was designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Btuqn94nNEa/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">✨Look 5 | Presenting to you the gorgeous bride #soundaryarajinikanth ‘s much awaited wedding #muhurtham look! Traditional Braid, Smoked out Liner &amp; a Custom Raspberry lip using a custom mix from @gerardcosmetics to compliment her stunning @abujanisandeepkhosla #kancheepuram #silksaree. Wishing the lovely couple a happy happy married life!✨💄❤️💋#prakatwork @tiethethali @wedmegoodsouth @southindianbridalfashion @southindianbrides @weddingsutra</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prakatwork/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> ✨Prakruthi Ananth 💄🎨✨</a> (@prakatwork) on <time datetime="2019-02-11T05:06:30+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 10, 2019 at 9:06pm PST</time></p>
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<p>Veteran actor Rajinikanth was earlier seen arriving at the venue where his younger daughter wed the actor-businessman.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth and other guests at The Leela Palace hotel in Chennai where his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth is tying the knot with actor Vishagan Vanangamudi today. <a href="https://t.co/SwtLjRrouG">pic.twitter.com/SwtLjRrouG</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1094800823866011648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Rajinikanth`s elder son-in-law Dhanush too was seen arriving at the event wearing a white kurta.<br />
<br />
Soundarya had taken to her Twitter page to share a few moments from the pre-wedding celebrations as well.&nbsp;<br />
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She captioned the post, "Blessed &amp; grateful beyond words !!!! The three most important men in my life ... my darling father ... my angel son ... and now you my Vishagan."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Blessed &amp; grateful beyond words !!!! The three most important men in my life ... my darling father ... my angel son ... and now you my Vishagan ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 <a href="https://t.co/v7Ra32oiYe">pic.twitter.com/v7Ra32oiYe</a></p>
— soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) <a href="https://twitter.com/soundaryaarajni/status/1094482695785132032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>This is Soundarya and Vishagan`s second marriage.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Rajinikanth`s younger daughter was earlier married to businessman R Ashwin, with whom she has a three-year-old son.<br />
<br />
Vishagan Vanangamudi, on the other hand, was married to magazine editor Kanikha Kumaran.<br />
<br />
From Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami to actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, it rained VIP guests at the wedding.</p>

<p>The list of guests included actors Mohan Babu, Vishnu Manchu, Prabhu, Vikram Prabhu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Andrea Jeremiah and Manjima Mohan among others.</p>

<p>Filmmakers P. Vasu, K.S. Ravikumar, Selvaraghavan and Kasthuri Raja also attended the nuptial.</p>


Rajinikanth played the perfect host as his younger daughter Soundarya got married Vishagan Vanangamudi at the Leela Palace Hotel in Chennai on Monday. Soon after their wedding ceremony got over, the couple posed for the media who had lined up since morning to click the newlyweds.

Rajinikanth played the perfect host as his younger daughter Soundarya got married Vishagan Vanangamudi at the Leela Palace Hotel in Chennai on Monday. Soon after their wedding ceremony got over, the couple posed for the media who had lined up since morning to click the newlyweds. Tamil Nadu: Newly married couple Soundarya Rajinikanth and Vishagan Vanangamudi, the two tied knot at The Leela Palace hotel in Chennai today. pic.twitter.com/2Vo6N8KTiK — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × Soundarya wore a heavy embroidered pink saree for her wedding which was designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. View this post on Instagram ✨Look 5 | Presenting to you the gorgeous bride #soundaryarajinikanth ‘s much awaited wedding #muhurtham look! Traditional Braid, Smoked out Liner & a Custom Raspberry lip using a custom mix from @gerardcosmetics to compliment her stunning @abujanisandeepkhosla #kancheepuram #silksaree. Wishing the lovely couple a happy happy married life!✨💄❤️💋#prakatwork @tiethethali @wedmegoodsouth @southindianbridalfashion @southindianbrides @weddingsutra A post shared by ✨Prakruthi Ananth 💄🎨✨ (@prakatwork) on Feb 10, 2019 at 9:06pm PST × Veteran actor Rajinikanth was earlier seen arriving at the venue where his younger daughter wed the actor-businessman. Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth and other guests at The Leela Palace hotel in Chennai where his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth is tying the knot with actor Vishagan Vanangamudi today. pic.twitter.com/SwtLjRrouG — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2019 × Rajinikanth`s elder son-in-law Dhanush too was seen arriving at the event wearing a white kurta. Soundarya had taken to her Twitter page to share a few moments from the pre-wedding celebrations as well. She captioned the post, "Blessed & grateful beyond words !!!! The three most important men in my life ... my darling father ... my angel son ... and now you my Vishagan." Blessed & grateful beyond words !!!! The three most important men in my life ... my darling father ... my angel son ... and now you my Vishagan ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/v7Ra32oiYe — soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) February 10, 2019 × This is Soundarya and Vishagan`s second marriage. Rajinikanth`s younger daughter was earlier married to businessman R Ashwin, with whom she has a three-year-old son. Vishagan Vanangamudi, on the other hand, was married to magazine editor Kanikha Kumaran. From Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami to actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan, it rained VIP guests at the wedding. The list of guests included actors Mohan Babu, Vishnu Manchu, Prabhu, Vikram Prabhu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Andrea Jeremiah and Manjima Mohan among others. Filmmakers P. Vasu, K.S. Ravikumar, Selvaraghavan and Kasthuri Raja also attended the nuptial.

Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya marries Vishagan in a grand ceremony

<p>They may be rivals on the big screen and in the political arena, but on Thursday Rajinikanth invited Kamal Haasan to his daughter Soundarya's wedding with a warm hug.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, superstar Rajinikanth invited founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), Kamal Haasan for his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth`s wedding which is set to take place on 11th February at Rajinikanth's residence in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Filmmaker Soundarya Rajinikanth will wed businessman-actor Vishagan Vanangamudi whom she has been dating for the past two years. The preparations of the grand wedding are on in full swing. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/these-are-first-pictures-of-soundarya-rajinikanths-pre-wedding-celebrations-196052">Check out the first pictures from the wedding celebrations here.&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>Thalaivar, who entered into politics in December 2017, is yet to launch his political party and is uncertain about contesting the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, Haasan, on Thursday, said that his party is gearing up for contesting all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the coming Parliamentary polls.</p>

<p>Though the actor didn’t disclose from where is he likely to contest the election, he clearly indicated that he would not form an alliance with any `tainted` group.</p>

<p>"Our aim is to not go with any tainted group. We are preparing to contest 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. I cannot say at this moment from where I will contest," Haasan told media persons while clearing the air with the announcement that his party MNM was indeed gearing up for contesting all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the coming Parliamentary polls.</p>

<p>Haasan had earlier said that his party would contest the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with like-minded parties.&nbsp;</p>


They may be rivals on the big screen and in the political arena, but on Thursday Rajinikanth invited Kamal Haasan to his daughter Soundarya's wedding with a warm hug.

They may be rivals on the big screen and in the political arena, but on Thursday Rajinikanth invited Kamal Haasan to his daughter Soundarya's wedding with a warm hug. According to reports, superstar Rajinikanth invited founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), Kamal Haasan for his daughter Soundarya Rajinikanth`s wedding which is set to take place on 11th February at Rajinikanth's residence in Chennai. Filmmaker Soundarya Rajinikanth will wed businessman-actor Vishagan Vanangamudi whom she has been dating for the past two years. The preparations of the grand wedding are on in full swing. Check out the first pictures from the wedding celebrations here. Thalaivar, who entered into politics in December 2017, is yet to launch his political party and is uncertain about contesting the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, Haasan, on Thursday, said that his party is gearing up for contesting all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the coming Parliamentary polls. Though the actor didn’t disclose from where is he likely to contest the election, he clearly indicated that he would not form an alliance with any `tainted` group. "Our aim is to not go with any tainted group. We are preparing to contest 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. I cannot say at this moment from where I will contest," Haasan told media persons while clearing the air with the announcement that his party MNM was indeed gearing up for contesting all 40 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in the coming Parliamentary polls. Haasan had earlier said that his party would contest the Lok Sabha polls in alliance with like-minded parties.

Rajinikanth invites Kamal Haasan for daughter Soundarya's wedding with a hug

South superstar Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya is ready to tie the knot with fiance Vishagan Vanangamudi on February 11. The ceremony is said to be a grand affair, planned by the doting father.

South superstar Rajinikanth’s daughter Soundarya is ready to tie the knot with fiance Vishagan Vanangamudi on February 11. The ceremony is said to be a grand affair, planned by the doting father. #OneWeekToGo #BrideMode #Blessed 😊😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 #VedVishaganSoundarya #Family ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/fJYkHp8J1l — soundarya rajnikanth (@soundaryaarajni) February 4, 2019 × In a pre-wedding photoshoot, Soundarya and fiance were seen smiling as a happy couple and we can’t get enough of them. The wedding will take place at Rajinikanth’s residence in Chennai. Their pre-wedding festivities will kickstart from February 9. See photos here: View this post on Instagram ❤️ #SoundaryaRajinikanth ❤️ #Vishagan A post shared by Happy Sharing By Dks (@happysharingbydks) on Feb 8, 2019 at 12:29am PST × They also hosted a pre-wedding reception at Raghavendra Kalyanamandapam in Chennai. Draped in a gorgeous blue and gold silk saree, Soundarya was seen accompanied by her fiancé Vishagan, who is dressed in a cream shirt and veshti. Pictures from the ceremony show the bride’ family members including father and actor Rajinikanth wearing a simple white kurta pyjama, sister Aishwarya and mother Latha wearing a lime green saree. View this post on Instagram ❤️ #SoundaryaRajinikanth ❤️ #Vishagan Wedding stills ❤️ A post shared by Happy Sharing By Dks (@happysharingbydks) on Feb 8, 2019 at 12:21am PST × View this post on Instagram ❤️ #SoundaryaRajinikanth ❤️ #Vishagan Wedding stills ❤️ A post shared by Happy Sharing By Dks (@happysharingbydks) on Feb 8, 2019 at 12:21am PST × Vishagan Vanangamudi is a businessman-actor. He made his acting debut in 2018 with Vanjagar Ulagam and is the son of SS Vanangamudi, Founder of Apex Laboratories Pvt Ltd., a Chennai based pharmaceutical company.

These are first pictures of Soundarya Rajinikanth’s pre-wedding celebrations

<p>Indian dairy traders have lodged a police complaint after cinema fans stole huge amounts of milk to pour on film posters for an upcoming movie to bring it good luck.</p>

<p>"Paal abhishekam" is a Hindu religious practice involving pouring milk on the idols of deities.</p>

<p>But film buffs often perform the same ritual on huge cut-outs and posters of actors, particularly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu where temples dedicated to film stars are not uncommon.</p>

<p>Actor Silambarasan took it to a new level, however, with a recent video message asking fans to splash not just cartons but barrels of milk on posters for his new film, releasing February 1. As his message went viral, milk traders started to report large losses due to theft.</p>

<p>"Such appeals would misguide the youth and create a law and order problem in the state," said S.A. Ponnusamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers Employees Welfare Association.</p>

<p>The association has reported a theft of nearly 10,000 litres (2,600 US gallons) of milk in two days across the state this week.</p>

<p>The custom is particularly pronounced for Rajinikanth, a former bus conductor who became the biggest star in the history of Tamil-language cinema. He was widely credited for almost single-handedly defeating a state government in 1996 by asking his fans days before the election to vote it out.</p>

<p>Ponnusamy has been campaigning against the wasteful practice for many years, even reaching out to the film stars themselves. "This has been going on for 20 years... People consider celebrities as demigods here," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian dairy traders have lodged a police complaint after cinema fans stole huge amounts of milk to pour on film posters for an upcoming movie to bring it good luck.

Indian dairy traders have lodged a police complaint after cinema fans stole huge amounts of milk to pour on film posters for an upcoming movie to bring it good luck. "Paal abhishekam" is a Hindu religious practice involving pouring milk on the idols of deities. But film buffs often perform the same ritual on huge cut-outs and posters of actors, particularly in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu where temples dedicated to film stars are not uncommon. Actor Silambarasan took it to a new level, however, with a recent video message asking fans to splash not just cartons but barrels of milk on posters for his new film, releasing February 1. As his message went viral, milk traders started to report large losses due to theft. "Such appeals would misguide the youth and create a law and order problem in the state," said S.A. Ponnusamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers Employees Welfare Association. The association has reported a theft of nearly 10,000 litres (2,600 US gallons) of milk in two days across the state this week. The custom is particularly pronounced for Rajinikanth, a former bus conductor who became the biggest star in the history of Tamil-language cinema. He was widely credited for almost single-handedly defeating a state government in 1996 by asking his fans days before the election to vote it out. Ponnusamy has been campaigning against the wasteful practice for many years, even reaching out to the film stars themselves. "This has been going on for 20 years... People consider celebrities as demigods here," he added.

Indian fans steal milk for movie poster antics

<p>It's celebration time at superstar Rajinikanth house as the actor's younger daughter Soundarya is all set to tie the knot with actor-businessman Vishagan Vanangamudi in February. According to media reports, Soundarya and Vishagan will tie the knot on 11th February in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pre-wedding ceremonies will begin from 9th February onwards and a ceremonial puja will take place at Rajinikanth's residence in Poes Garden in the first week of February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wedding is expected to be large scale with the bride's elder sister, Aishwaryaa, actor Dhanush's wife, taking charge of the invitations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Media reports state that Soundarya was seen shopping for her Soundarya trousseau at a saree store in Chennai recently. She &nbsp;got engaged to Vishagan last year.</p>

<p>This will be Soundarya and Vishagan Vanangamudi's second marriage. Soundarya was earlier married to R Ashwin from 2010-2017 and has a three-year-old son with him. Vishagan was married to magazine editor Kanikha Kumaran earlier.</p>

<p>Soundarya is an animator and a filmmaker. She has in the past directed 'Kochadaiiyaan' which featured her father and Deepika Padukone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family has not yet confirmed the news of the wedding&nbsp;to the press.&nbsp;</p>


It's celebration time at superstar Rajinikanth house as the actor's younger daughter Soundarya is all set to tie the knot with actor-businessman Vishagan Vanangamudi in February.

It's celebration time at superstar Rajinikanth house as the actor's younger daughter Soundarya is all set to tie the knot with actor-businessman Vishagan Vanangamudi in February. According to media reports, Soundarya and Vishagan will tie the knot on 11th February in Chennai. Pre-wedding ceremonies will begin from 9th February onwards and a ceremonial puja will take place at Rajinikanth's residence in Poes Garden in the first week of February. The wedding is expected to be large scale with the bride's elder sister, Aishwaryaa, actor Dhanush's wife, taking charge of the invitations. Media reports state that Soundarya was seen shopping for her Soundarya trousseau at a saree store in Chennai recently. She got engaged to Vishagan last year. This will be Soundarya and Vishagan Vanangamudi's second marriage. Soundarya was earlier married to R Ashwin from 2010-2017 and has a three-year-old son with him. Vishagan was married to magazine editor Kanikha Kumaran earlier. Soundarya is an animator and a filmmaker. She has in the past directed 'Kochadaiiyaan' which featured her father and Deepika Padukone. The family has not yet confirmed the news of the wedding to the press.

Rajinikanth's daughter Soundarya to get married in February: Reports

<p>Rajinikanth is on a roll! Just two months after the roaring success of his last release '2.0', he is back on the big screen with 'Petta'. The actor's film, predioctably, opened to packed houses in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Directed by Karthik Subbaraj the film, on the first day, earned about Rs 1.12 crore from the Chennai box office alone. It is also dominating the international market of Tamil cinema.<br />
<br />
On day two the film has been doing consistant business. According to trade ananlyst, the film's actual collection and performance at the Box Office will be judged after the first week's collections are in.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USA</a> BO - Thursday at 6 PM PST:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Petta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Petta</a> (Tamil &amp; Telugu) - $133K from 194 locations <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vishwasam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vishwasam</a> - $18K from 71 Locations</p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1083547965287878656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Petta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Petta</a> leads <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Viswasam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Viswasam</a> at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chennai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chennai</a> City Box office on Day 1.. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Petta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Petta</a> - 1.12 Crs<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Viswasam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Viswasam</a> - 0.88 Crs<br />
<br />
Both had almost 100% occupancy..<br />
<br />
The Bigger auditoriums in the 'Plexes played <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Petta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Petta</a> on Day 1..<br />
<br />
Regular weekdays 4 shows only in city limits..</p>
— Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) <a href="https://twitter.com/rameshlaus/status/1083571209403392000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Early reviews have stated that the film presents superstar Rajinikanth in an '90s avatar and fans have been lauding his performance.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The superstar meanwhile addressed reporters at his residence on Friday and credited his director for the success of the film.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"First, I express my new year and Pongal wishes to one and all. I came to know that the movie is liked by everyone. Very happy for that. The credits should go to Sun Pictures (film producer), Karthik Subbaraj (director) and his unit," Rajinikanth said.<br />
<br />
The superstar said as an actor, his utmost priority is that his films should deliver on the expectations of his fans.<br />
<br />
"My job is to make them happy. That is very important. I am happy that they are happy. As I said earlier, the credits should go to Karthik Subbaraj. He made sure that he got the best from me in every shot, every scene."<br />
<br />
'Petta' hit screens worldwide amid much fanfare Thursday with two couples choosing the occasion to tie the knot.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Produced by Sun Pictures, the music is scored by Anirudh.<br />
<br />
The film's cast also includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Sethupathy, Simran, Trisha and actor-director Sasikumar.</p>


Rajinikanth is on a roll! Just two months after the roaring success of his last release '2.0', he is back on the big screen with 'Petta'. The actor's film, predioctably, opened to packed houses in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

Rajinikanth is on a roll! Just two months after the roaring success of his last release '2.0', he is back on the big screen with 'Petta'. The actor's film, predioctably, opened to packed houses in Tamil Nadu on Thursday. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj the film, on the first day, earned about Rs 1.12 crore from the Chennai box office alone. It is also dominating the international market of Tamil cinema. On day two the film has been doing consistant business. According to trade ananlyst, the film's actual collection and performance at the Box Office will be judged after the first week's collections are in. #USA BO - Thursday at 6 PM PST:#Petta (Tamil & Telugu) - $133K from 194 locations #Vishwasam - $18K from 71 Locations — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 11, 2019 × #Petta leads #Viswasam at the #Chennai City Box office on Day 1.. #Petta - 1.12 Crs#Viswasam - 0.88 Crs Both had almost 100% occupancy.. The Bigger auditoriums in the 'Plexes played #Petta on Day 1.. Regular weekdays 4 shows only in city limits.. — Ramesh Bala (@rameshlaus) January 11, 2019 × Early reviews have stated that the film presents superstar Rajinikanth in an '90s avatar and fans have been lauding his performance. The superstar meanwhile addressed reporters at his residence on Friday and credited his director for the success of the film. "First, I express my new year and Pongal wishes to one and all. I came to know that the movie is liked by everyone. Very happy for that. The credits should go to Sun Pictures (film producer), Karthik Subbaraj (director) and his unit," Rajinikanth said. The superstar said as an actor, his utmost priority is that his films should deliver on the expectations of his fans. "My job is to make them happy. That is very important. I am happy that they are happy. As I said earlier, the credits should go to Karthik Subbaraj. He made sure that he got the best from me in every shot, every scene." 'Petta' hit screens worldwide amid much fanfare Thursday with two couples choosing the occasion to tie the knot. Produced by Sun Pictures, the music is scored by Anirudh. The film's cast also includes Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Sethupathy, Simran, Trisha and actor-director Sasikumar.

Here's how much Rajinikanth's 'Petta' earned on its first day

<p>After enthralling fans by playing scientist Vaseegaran and Chitti the robot in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/rajinikanths-20-is-now-the-4th-highest-earning-movie-of-2018-182907">2018 year-end film '2.0'</a>, Rajinikanth is back on screens in his latest flick 'Petta' which releases this Friday.</p>

<p>The superstar plays a hostel warden in the film. In Tamil, the word 'Petta' means hood, or the area under one's control. The film is directed by Karthik Subbaraj who is an ardent Rajini fan himself. "Usually, I write my scripts first then think of the actors, or I have a reference of someone. This is the first time I wrote for a hero," Subbaraj said ahead of the release of the film.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth's last few films have not broken the box office records, as they are known to do, but the filmmaker said this was not something that he worried about.</p>

<p>"There was no worry. The makers are not worried. There is no effect of all that," he added.</p>

<p><img alt="petta fan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1880b64d-2bb0-4c37-9849-13d5dc719192" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/petta-fan.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Fane queue up outside a theatre in Chennai to buy tickets for 'Petta'). (Pic: ANI)</em></p>

<p>Subbraj said the film is based on the relationship between the superstar's character and the students.</p>

<p>'Petta' is releasing at a time when a few theaters are still running '2.0', which was touted as India's most expensive film.</p>

<p>'Petta' is being released right ahead of the Pongal, an important festival in the Tamil calendar and coincides with Sankranti which is celebrated across India. Family audiences flock to theaters during Pongal holidays. Rajini being the phenomenon that he is, his films have a massive global reception, especially in the countries with large Indian diaspora.</p>

<p>But 'Petta' has some competition in the form of Ajith Kumar's 'Viswasam'. The two big ticket films will be battling it out at the box office. It is being said that 'Petta' will be a delight for Rajini fans. With the usual punchlines, style statements and gestures 'Petta' will bring back the classic Rajinikanth. Its trailer has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-trailer-petta-looks-all-about-superstar-rajinikanths-swag-and-nawazuddin-siddiqui-186961">trademark Rajinikanth moments</a> - from the way he flips cigarettes to wearing his sunglasses.</p>

<p>Subbaraj said he consciously kept those whistle-worthy moments in the script. "I wanted to show his style on screen. I wanted to watch it on screen. I was not only a fan but a director too who was watching his idol performing. Every moment was great," he said.</p>

<p>The film also stars Simran, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bobby Simha and Sasikumar.</p>


After enthralling fans by playing scientist Vaseegaran and Chitti the robot in 2018 year-end film '2.0', Rajinikanth is back on screens in his latest flick 'Petta' which releases this Friday.

After enthralling fans by playing scientist Vaseegaran and Chitti the robot in 2018 year-end film '2.0', Rajinikanth is back on screens in his latest flick 'Petta' which releases this Friday. The superstar plays a hostel warden in the film. In Tamil, the word 'Petta' means hood, or the area under one's control. The film is directed by Karthik Subbaraj who is an ardent Rajini fan himself. "Usually, I write my scripts first then think of the actors, or I have a reference of someone. This is the first time I wrote for a hero," Subbaraj said ahead of the release of the film. Rajinikanth's last few films have not broken the box office records, as they are known to do, but the filmmaker said this was not something that he worried about. "There was no worry. The makers are not worried. There is no effect of all that," he added. (Fane queue up outside a theatre in Chennai to buy tickets for 'Petta'). (Pic: ANI) Subbraj said the film is based on the relationship between the superstar's character and the students. 'Petta' is releasing at a time when a few theaters are still running '2.0', which was touted as India's most expensive film. 'Petta' is being released right ahead of the Pongal, an important festival in the Tamil calendar and coincides with Sankranti which is celebrated across India. Family audiences flock to theaters during Pongal holidays. Rajini being the phenomenon that he is, his films have a massive global reception, especially in the countries with large Indian diaspora. But 'Petta' has some competition in the form of Ajith Kumar's 'Viswasam'. The two big ticket films will be battling it out at the box office. It is being said that 'Petta' will be a delight for Rajini fans. With the usual punchlines, style statements and gestures 'Petta' will bring back the classic Rajinikanth. Its trailer has trademark Rajinikanth moments - from the way he flips cigarettes to wearing his sunglasses. Subbaraj said he consciously kept those whistle-worthy moments in the script. "I wanted to show his style on screen. I wanted to watch it on screen. I was not only a fan but a director too who was watching his idol performing. Every moment was great," he said. The film also stars Simran, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bobby Simha and Sasikumar.

Rajinikanth back to enthrall fans with 'Petta', his first release of 2019

<p>Rajinikanth is back, not that he was gone anywhere after giving back-to-back successful films -- ‘Kaala’ and ‘2.0’. What we mean is that the superstar is back with another film, ‘Petta’ as the makers released the much-awaited trailer today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, the film from the first look of the trailer rests on Rajinikanth’s swag and some powerful performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan and Simran Bagga.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As is witnessed by the trailer, Rajinikanth plays the role of a hostel owner who has a dark past. He doesn't come across as a person one should cross. Full of action, the trailer will leave you asking for more.</p>

<p>‘Petta’ is slated for Pongal release in 2019.</p>

<p><em>Watch the trailer here:</em></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FCB0ZfQ9Rzs" width="560"></iframe></p>


Rajinikanth is back, not that he was gone anywhere after giving back-to-back successful films -- ‘Kaala’ and ‘2.0’. What we mean is that the superstar is back with another film, ‘Petta’ as the makers released the much-awaited trailer today.

Rajinikanth is back, not that he was gone anywhere after giving back-to-back successful films -- ‘Kaala’ and ‘2.0’. What we mean is that the superstar is back with another film, ‘Petta’ as the makers released the much-awaited trailer today. Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, the film from the first look of the trailer rests on Rajinikanth’s swag and some powerful performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha Krishnan and Simran Bagga. As is witnessed by the trailer, Rajinikanth plays the role of a hostel owner who has a dark past. He doesn't come across as a person one should cross. Full of action, the trailer will leave you asking for more. ‘Petta’ is slated for Pongal release in 2019. Watch the trailer here:

Watch trailer: 'Petta' looks all about superstar Rajinikanth's swag and Nawazuddin Siddiqui

<p>Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him, with the actor authorising the use of his name and photograph in its logo.</p>

<p>Rajinikanth has informed in a letter to the Registrar of Trademarks that an application made by the forum chief for trademarks be processed and he had no objection to the use of his name and photo in the logo of the proposed channel.</p>

<p>The matter came to light after the letter went viral on social media and sources close to the Tamil actor Friday confirmed its veracity.</p>

<p>Administrator of the Rajini Makkal Mandram, seen as a precursor to his party, V M Sudhakar applied for the trademarks 'SUPERSTAR TV, RAJINI TV, THALAIVAR TV,' all references to the actor.</p>

<p>The move is seen as keeping in line with the tradition of political parties in Tamil Nadu having their own TV channels to effectively propagate their policies and programmes.</p>

<p>While the ruling AIADMK had recently launched 'News J' to propagate its views, a bouquet of channels under the 'Kalaignar TV' and the Marans-owned 'Sun TV' are said to be backing the opposition DMK.</p>

<p>'Jaya TV', managed by the relatives of jailed aide of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala was originally a mouthpiece of the AIADMK, but now backs sidelined party leader T T V Dhinakaran since his fallout with current Chief Minister K Palaniswami last year.</p>

<p>In his letter to the Trademarks Registrar, Rajinikanth said he had "no objection to use my name, photo on the logo and label", adding the applications may be processed to the "next level".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 68-year old actor had announced taking the political plunge in December 2017 while interacting with his fans here.</p>

<p>He had then said his to-be-launched political party will contest in all the 234 assembly segments in Tamil Nadu in the next elections, due in 2021.</p>

<p>Speculations of Rajini's political entry had started way back in 1996 when he made some 'frank' criticism of the then Jayalalithaa government.</p>

<p>He extended open support to the then DMK-Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) combine, which swept the 1996 assembly polls.</p>

<p>TMC was floated by veteran Congressman, late G K Mooapanar, after he quit the national party.&nbsp;</p>


Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him, with the actor authorising the use of his name and photograph in its logo.

Ahead of the launch of superstar Rajinikanth's political party, efforts are underway for starting a television channel by a forum floated by him, with the actor authorising the use of his name and photograph in its logo. Rajinikanth has informed in a letter to the Registrar of Trademarks that an application made by the forum chief for trademarks be processed and he had no objection to the use of his name and photo in the logo of the proposed channel. The matter came to light after the letter went viral on social media and sources close to the Tamil actor Friday confirmed its veracity. Administrator of the Rajini Makkal Mandram, seen as a precursor to his party, V M Sudhakar applied for the trademarks 'SUPERSTAR TV, RAJINI TV, THALAIVAR TV,' all references to the actor. The move is seen as keeping in line with the tradition of political parties in Tamil Nadu having their own TV channels to effectively propagate their policies and programmes. While the ruling AIADMK had recently launched 'News J' to propagate its views, a bouquet of channels under the 'Kalaignar TV' and the Marans-owned 'Sun TV' are said to be backing the opposition DMK. 'Jaya TV', managed by the relatives of jailed aide of late chief minister J Jayalalithaa, V K Sasikala was originally a mouthpiece of the AIADMK, but now backs sidelined party leader T T V Dhinakaran since his fallout with current Chief Minister K Palaniswami last year. In his letter to the Trademarks Registrar, Rajinikanth said he had "no objection to use my name, photo on the logo and label", adding the applications may be processed to the "next level". The 68-year old actor had announced taking the political plunge in December 2017 while interacting with his fans here. He had then said his to-be-launched political party will contest in all the 234 assembly segments in Tamil Nadu in the next elections, due in 2021. Speculations of Rajini's political entry had started way back in 1996 when he made some 'frank' criticism of the then Jayalalithaa government. He extended open support to the then DMK-Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) combine, which swept the 1996 assembly polls. TMC was floated by veteran Congressman, late G K Mooapanar, after he quit the national party.

Rajini forum files for TV channel trademark

Isha Ambani's wedding: Politicians, sportsmen & film stars gather under one roof

<p>All roads in Mumbai led to Pedar road where Mukesh Ambani hosted celebrities, politicians and sportsmen at his residence Antilla for his daughter Isha Ambani's wedding on Wednesday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Almost entire of Bollywood was present at the bash. From Shah Rukh Khan to Amitabh Bachchan to Aamir Khan to even the newlyweds Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas made their presence felt at the wedding ceremony which began early evening on Wednesday.<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/isha-ambanis-wedding-mukesh-ambani-brings-politicians-sportsmen-and-film-stars-under-one-roof-183668"> See all the&nbsp;photos of the ceremony here.</a></p>

<p><img alt="isha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="16a082cc-730d-4025-8577-2be938d3af06" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ambani6.jpg" /></p>

<p><img alt="isha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="85e828d9-11a7-4cc9-a36b-2995f7ed3ad2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ambani7.jpg" /></p>

<p>Sportsmen like Mahesh Bhupathi, Anil Kumble, Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and others also attended the ceremony with their better halves.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="isha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e55976ae-9631-463a-8ec0-73f1af1f472f" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ambani8.jpg" /><br />
The Ambanis who hosted a two day long pre-wedding festivities in Udaipur a few days back also invited almost all prominent political leaders.</p>

<p><img alt="isha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aabdbcd7-b414-41fc-ab91-fb14a0c04b08" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ambani5.jpg" /><br />
&nbsp;<br />
Hillary Clinton, who was also seen<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/inside-isha-ambani-sangeet-priyanka-chopra-katrina-kaif-salman-khan-182899"> in Udaipur for pre-wedding festivities</a>, came for the Mumbai ceremony as well. Also see:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/inside-isha-ambanis-grand-pre-wedding-bash-shah-rukh-aamir-salman-perform-aishwarya-dances-with-abhishek-182805">Inside Isha Ambani's pre-wedding bash: SRK, Aamir, Salman perform, Aishwarya dances with Abhishek</a></p>

<p><img alt="isha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9f06515-a7dd-4ccc-873b-3b144af67184" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ambani1.jpg" /></p>

<p>The marriage brings together two of India`s most influential families. The bride, Isha Ambani, 27, is the head of the vast Reliance conglomerate whose net worth Forbes put at $43 billion.</p>

<p>Her groom, Anand Piramal, 33, is heir to a real-estate and pharmaceutical business.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The wedding bash took place at Ambani`s Mumbai residence, an extraordinary 27-storey structure known as one of the most expensive homes in the world. It was covered in red roses and decorated with lights and flowers for the occasion.</p>

<p><img alt="isha" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f9ee8b3d-95f4-4862-88f4-3d669d671dd1" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ambani%20house%202_0.jpg" /></p>

<p>The groom and his family arrived in vintage cars as security guards onlookers and photographers from the narrow lane in south Mumbai that leads to the residence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(Images by Yogen Shah)</p>


All roads in Mumbai led to Pedar road where Mukesh Ambani hosted celebrities, politicians and sportsmen at his residence Antilla for his daughter Isha Ambani's wedding on Wednesday night.

All roads in Mumbai led to Pedar road where Mukesh Ambani hosted celebrities, politicians and sportsmen at his residence Antilla for his daughter Isha Ambani's wedding on Wednesday night. Almost entire of Bollywood was present at the bash. From Shah Rukh Khan to Amitabh Bachchan to Aamir Khan to even the newlyweds Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas made their presence felt at the wedding ceremony which began early evening on Wednesday. See all the photos of the ceremony here. Sportsmen like Mahesh Bhupathi, Anil Kumble, Virendra Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and others also attended the ceremony with their better halves. The Ambanis who hosted a two day long pre-wedding festivities in Udaipur a few days back also invited almost all prominent political leaders. Hillary Clinton, who was also seen in Udaipur for pre-wedding festivities, came for the Mumbai ceremony as well. Also see: Inside Isha Ambani's pre-wedding bash: SRK, Aamir, Salman perform, Aishwarya dances with Abhishek The marriage brings together two of India`s most influential families. The bride, Isha Ambani, 27, is the head of the vast Reliance conglomerate whose net worth Forbes put at $43 billion. Her groom, Anand Piramal, 33, is heir to a real-estate and pharmaceutical business. The wedding bash took place at Ambani`s Mumbai residence, an extraordinary 27-storey structure known as one of the most expensive homes in the world. It was covered in red roses and decorated with lights and flowers for the occasion. The groom and his family arrived in vintage cars as security guards onlookers and photographers from the narrow lane in south Mumbai that leads to the residence. (Images by Yogen Shah)

Isha Ambani wedding: Bollywood stars, politicians attend grand ceremony

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