Everyone wants to cash in on the ‘Rajini’ factor, whether it’s advertisers, producers or directors. The latest to join the bandwagon is Bollywood actor-turned-producer Atul Agnihotri, who’s keen to make a biopic on the iconic star. Rumours are piling up that Bodyguard hero Salman Khan may play Rajinikanth.
Reactions are mixed. While die-hard devotees are shocked, Sallu fans are waiting for the movie to hit the screens. Then there are celebs, who are more than a trifle pessimistic about Salman playing the superstar. RJ Shiva claims Salman Khan can do everything else, but play Rajinikanth. “Rajinikanth is an everlasting hero, nobody can play his character,” says the Saroja Sivapoojayil Karadi star. He goes on to say that it would be very difficult for any actor to be convincing in his role.
“India won the World Cup only because Rajini sir was in the stadium. When people can credit his charisma for India’s victory, it is very difficult for any actor to justify the role. If somebody even tried portraying him… Comedy panna madri irku,” he quips. Designer Satkrit Krishna too is cynical at the thought of Salman playing Rajini. “I have been brought up watching Rajinikanth’s films and as far as Salman goes I doubt he could handle it,” he smiles.
He adds that everyone today is cashing in on the ‘Rajini’ factor, “From movies to advertisements, everyone is involving Rajini. I am against people imitating each other... nobody can imitate Rajinikanth,” he sternly adds. Director S. Ve. Shekar agrees.“They will say it’s a Rajini film, but it would be very difficult to get permission from Rajini to make a film on him. Salman is doing very well now, he is a very popular icon in the North, but Bollywood would never whole-heartedly accept a Kollywood star — and Rajini is a southern star.”
Enrolling Rajini himself is the best option for Atul’s biopic, advises actor Prasanna. “Salman Khan has his own style and Rajini sir has his own charisma. It will be very difficult for Salman to leave his style and adapt Rajini sir’s walk and the way he delivers his dialogues. Atul should try roping in Rajini himself or create an animated character, for it will be hard for audiences to believe it’s Rajini sir and not Salman,” he smiles.
The Oram Po director Pushkar Gayathri is bleak about the prospect of Salman Khan portraying Rajini, but thinks Atul should request Rajinikanth to play himself. “I am a great fan of Rajini like everyone else down south, but I am also a fan of Salman. If Atul wants to cast a Bollywood star, Salman is a better option as he can pull off one-liners with aplomb. However, no one can match the superstar!”
Ask Pushkar Gayathri if she can think of another actor down south who fits the bill and she replies, “But if at all Salman plays Rajini, it will be very difficult for him to keep his own distinctive style aside and adapt Rajini sir’s style!” she remarks. And that’s the general consensus...
