Get the latest updates on the story here.
It’s the day many Rajinikanth fans have been eagerly awaiting. The day many fans of Thalaiva will recall when they’re old and grey. The day Superstar Rajinikanth said the words, “My entry into politics is a certainty. I will form a party and contest the next assembly elections.”
Many people who didn’t grow up in Tamil Nadu don’t understand the mania, the love, and the absolute fanaticism that Rajini inspires in his fans. But for those, like me, who grew up watching the superstar as Manik Basha, Padaiyappa, Arunachalam, and even the timeless Sivaji, the jitters and the excitement were only too real.
So here is a look at the choicest of choices, the best of the best, and the most memorable quotes from Superstar Rajinikanth’s speech at Chennai’s Raghavendra Mandapam, that show us exactly why Thalaiva has that title bestowed on him.
His announcement could have been taken from any of his movies, where he often plays the underdog, the stylish but down-on-his-luck lead role, the charming, good-looking star who is totally blind to his own star power.
‘My Political Entry is a Certainty’
His first statement. The words that fans were hoping to hear and the words that would make Tamil Nadu’s politicos shake in their boots were simple...
It would be nearly three minutes of unrelenting applause and cheers from the fans... but was Thalaiva done? If you think so, you CLEARLY haven’t watched his movies.
‘Will Contest In All 234 Constituencies’
But Rajini has teased his fans with hints of political entry in the past as well.
What about the details, Thalaiva? Where will the party contest from? Just one or two constituencies?
The superstar doesn’t do anything halfway....
‘Want Everyone to Join My Fan Associations’
But first, a reminder, that was it not for the fans, he wouldn’t be the star he is, and just a hint of the ambition, thirst, and confidence that pushed him from his humble roots as a bus conductor to the top, and beyond, of Tamil cinema. Thalaiva doesn’t just want one or two people to follow him... He wants them ALL.
‘Will Usher in Spiritual Politics’
Politics free of caste and creed. That’s what Thalaiva promised his hungry fans. Addressing the growing need for politics free of caste, creed, and religious colours, Rajini, with the same appeal that won millions of hearts, appealed to the people’s desire for caste-free politics.
Why Now Though?
There’s a quote from Rajini’s film, Arunachalam, in which he says, “God says it, Arunachalam does it.” Before wrapping up his speech, Thalaiva, ever-so-humble, asked for God’s guiding hand, and the people’s support, confident that HE would get both without much trouble.
(Breathe In, Breathe Out: Are you finding it tough to breathe polluted air? Join hands with FIT in partnership with #MyRightToBreathe to find a solution to pollution. Send in your suggestions to fit@thequint.com or WhatsApp @ +919999008335)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)