In separate statements over the past few days, both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have reacted to the MeToo movement in Tamil Nadu and on the Sabarimala issue. Here’s what they had to say, in a decidedly cat-on-the-wall manner.
Rajinikanth on MeToo in TN
At an impromptu presser outside the Chennai airport on Saturday, 20 October, a group of Tamil language reporters asked actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth about the MeToo movement. The question was, “Do you support the movement?”
MeToo is a movement in favour of women, but it should not be misused.Rajinikanth
When asked to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse and intimidation against lyricist Vairamuthu, he had this to say:
But he denies the allegations, doesn’t he? He says he didn’t do any of it, and that he’s got proof, isn’t it?Rajinikanth
Over his fifty-year film career, especially from the 90s, Rajinikanth’s films have featured a number of homilies on what a woman should/shouldn’t be, how she should behave, etc. He has never vocally supported a women’s movement either in his films or off-screen. This therefore, comes as no surprise.
Kamal Haasan on MeToo in TN
On 12 October, Kamal Haasan was accosted by a group of journalists before entering an event, and asked about the MeToo movement. He had this to say:
Women speaking out about men who hurt them has been happening since the times of Kannagi. I support the movement, but it should be conducted in a just and legal manner.Kamal Haasan
What the story of Kannagi has to do with women coming out with stories of sexual misconduct and assault, one will never know. But when asked about allegations against Vairamuthu, Kamal Haasan was equally vague.
It is he (Vairamuthu), who has to respond to this. He was the one who was accused of this, so he has to respond. Others can’t respond, nor is it right.Kamal Haasan
The Duo on Sabarimala
Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the rest of the country is sharply divided on the issue of the entry of women into the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala. Some are in unequivocal support of the Supreme Court’s verdict that women should be allowed to enter, regardless of age. However, a majority of people are against the verdict and have taken to the streets to show their resistance to the verdict.
Kamal Haasan, a self-proclaimed atheist had this to say on the issue:
This is a matter between the Supreme Court and the devotees. I am just an onlooker. I am not going to comment on it. I am not even going to say ‘no comments’.
For someone with a facile pen when it comes to Twitter, and on everything under the sun, Kamal Haasan’s (non-)statement on the Sabarimala issue can only be seen as defensive, safe play.
Rajinikanth, however, said it’s better not to interfere in matters of faith.
I am not against giving women equal place and rights in everything, but when it comes to the temple, and faith, it is better to not interfere.Rajinikanth
When asked again if he meant he was not in support of the Supreme Court ruling, he said:
The Supreme Court ruling must be respected definitely. But when it comes to matters of faith, one must be careful.Rajinikanth
So is he in favour of the SC ruling or against it? Is he all for women’s rights or no?
Rajinikanth also mentioned that while 90 percent of the work toward launching his political party is already done, he will not be launching it this 12 December, as thought earlier.
Rajinikanth is yet to launch a political party, and Kamal Haasan is a self-proclaimed ‘part time’ politician. Nevertheless, their individual stands on the MeToo movement, Vairamuthu and Sabarimala have been disturbingly vague thus far.
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