News Tamil Nadu

“My Father Not A Sanghi, Only A Person With Humanity Would Do Lal Salaam”: Aishwarya Rajinikanth Stokes Controversy

January 27, 2024
The Commune

The audio launch event for Aishwarya Rajinikanth’s third directorial venture, “Lal Salaam,” took place on 26 January 2024, at Sri Sairam Institute of Technology in Chennai. The film stars Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal in lead roles, and actor Rajinikanth makes an extended cameo as Moideen Bhai. The musical score is by AR Rahman, and Lyca Productions is producing the film, which is scheduled for theatrical release on 9 February 2024.

During the event, Aishwarya Rajinikanth addressed the personal attacks her father, Rajinikanth, faced on social media. She clarified, “People label my father as a sanghi. I want to assert here that Rajinikanth is not a sanghi. If he were, he wouldn’t have been a part of “Lal Salaam”. Rajinikanth became emotional and teary-eyed upon hearing these words.

AR Rahman, when speaking, said , “Rajinikanth transcends religious boundaries”.

Regarding “Lal Salaam”, Rajinikanth shared, “My character, Moideen Bhai, is inspired by a real person from a southern district, and the film depicts an incident from 1992. To protect his identity from opportunists, it remains undisclosed”. The actor then discussed religious harmony and the fundamental principles of Hinduism.

Calling Out The Hypocrisy Of Rajinikanth

Our special article in The Commune penned on why Rajini is perceived as an opportunist rather than a ‘Sanghi’, citing instances where he has, on multiple occasions, portrayed animosity against Hindus in his movies.

Particularly Rajinikanth in ‘Lal Salaam’ takes on the role of Moideen Bhai, portraying the character of a virtuous Muslim, while another antagonist, Adithya Menon is depicted with a distinctive red tilak. In a pivotal scene, Moideen Bhai, observing the presence of Senthil clad in a saffron shawl, remarks, “What have you guys done! You’ve blended politics with religion! You’ve injected venom into the innocent children playing!”

The question arises whether there will be a scene featuring Muslim players engaging in namaz on the field, similar to Pakistani players. The answer remains uncertain, but considering that the film is being released by Udhayanidhi Stalin’s Red Giants, it is reasonable to assume the outcome.

While it’s acknowledged that not every actor can control the script of their film, Rajinikanth, being a highly popular figure, holds significant influence. Fans take his messages seriously, and he has the power to select scripts or shape them to convey his desired messages. Despite this, he chose to participate in projects like “Kaala,” demonizing Ram Bhakts, “Petta,” attempting to portray Bajrang Dal negatively, and “Lal Salaam,” collaborating with another leftist-Dravidianist propagandist. Giving him the benefit of the doubt would be akin to self-deception. Despite Rajinikanth’s outwardly spiritual and god-fearing persona, one must not isolate his real-life beliefs from his reel-life portrayals.

Netizens reacted on social media regarding whether he is can be called a “Sanghi” or if he is an opportunist.

Another netizen posted a video of Rajinikanth’s visit to the residence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on August 2023. In the video, Rajinikanth respectfully bowed and touched Yogi Adityanath’s feet, but this gesture sparked criticism and ridicule.

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