Rajinikanth in 2.0 once again proves his super stardom is here to stay, politics not a hurdle

He has been in the film industry for more than four decades and yet his charm ceases to recede. His films are a celebration, a festival, even a holiday. This year, actor Rajinikanth will not just be celebrating his 68th birthday but also the success of his biggest venture –2.0. The film has clocked in revenue to the tune of Rs 600 crore worldwide, becoming the highest grossing film of 2018.

While his popularity was in question, with his previous offerings like Kaala, Lingaa and Kochadaiiyaan getting mixed response from the audience, he boosted his appeal amid his fans with 2.0.

So, what about Thaliava resonates with people?

Industry experts say that Rajinikanth's simplicity is his calling card. Also, he has played several roles of 'the people’s person' or 'common man', identifying himself as the underdog – a winning formula in films. Commentators say that his down-to-earth attitude has given him the demigod status. They also believe that his modesty – he is mostly seen in donning a white kurta-pyjama and chappals – makes him come across as more real, bringing him closer to the masses.  

His rags-to-riches story is another factor that helps him connect with the people. He has a lesson to his name in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) syllabus titled From Bus Conductor to Superstar.

Rajinikanth had started his career with playing negative roles. It was in 1978 when the actor earned the tag 'superstar' for his performance in the film Bairavi. A book by Dhirubhai Patel, Rajinikanth:A Linga Power recounts that the 1995 film Baashha made an industry record and attained cult status among fans and commentators alike. The film lifted him from an exceptional on-screen character to a demigod.

His offering Muthu was another business achievement as the venture netted a record USD 1.6 million in Japan in 1998. The film was in charge of making an expansive Japanese fan-base for the actor. The success of the film even found a mention in American magazine Newsweek’s 1999 article which remarked, “Rajinikanth had supplanted Leonardo DiCaprio as Japan’s trendiest heartthrob”.

His fan-base continues to grow with more fan clubs coming up and the Japanese even learning Tamil to feel closer to their screen idol.

The book also points out that Rajinikanth’s films Kochadaiiyaan and the 3D arrival of Sivaji in 2012 made him the principal Indian on-screen character to have shown up in four types of silver screens – high contrast, shading, 3D and motion capture.

While he announced his entry into politics this year, Rajinikanth has been vocal about his political views for a long time. In 1996, when Rajinikanth had upheld the Davidra Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) union, the latter used Rajinikanth’s picture from his film Annamalai in their publications. Back then, the actor had also said that “even God can’t spare Tamil Nadu if AIADMK comes back to control.”

However, film trade experts believe that his recent announcement on politics may have impacted his films. According to them, his entry into politics means people are analysing every aspect of the actor’s life. Every statement, every comment will now be closely looked at.

When Rajinikanth had commented on the Cauvery issue, Kaala was banned in Karnataka. Even when the ban was lifted, the movie was released on limited screens as exhibitors wanted to avoid any controversy.
The superstar’s last two films had dominant political themes which brought his film choices under scrutiny as well. While some say that Kabali and Kaala highlight Rajinikanth’s working-class image, others are of the belief that these films helped him build a secular political reputation.

There were talks of Rajinikanth’s diminishing popularity but his fans are still charmed by his persona, and the success of 2.0 is proof of that. 

Patel in his book says, "Many likewise refer to explanations behind Rajinikanth’s prominence as originating from his overwhelming super legend appearance in numerous movies, bolstered by gravity-resisting stunts and magnetic expressions, all while endeavouring to keep up humility in genuine life.”

While people continue to figure out reasons behind Rajinikanth’s stardom, he continues to influence, impact and inspire. And even at this age, he remains the go-to man for the biggest box office successes, indicating that brand Rajinikanth is here to stay.