Actor Rajinikanth heaped praises on Dravidian Model Communist MP Su. Venkatesan, calling him a “living Kalki” during an event held to mark the sale of one lakh copies of the historical novel Veera Yuga Nayagan Velpari. The celebration took place at Chennai’s Kalaivanar Arangam and featured notable attendees including filmmaker Shankar, who has secured the film rights to Velpari, actress Rohini, television host Gopinath, and Rajinikanth himself.
Speaking at the event, Rajinikanth admitted with his characteristic humor and humility that he has read only 25% of the novel. “I’ll finish reading Velpari after I retire from acting,” said the actor who is now 74, adding that his reading habit began during his time at the Ramakrishna Ashram. He also emphasized the power of literature, saying that books help one to think, reflect, and feel deeply.
The superstar’s lively speech, which has since gone viral, touched on the influence of authors and the importance of storytelling. “Every street in our country carries a tale. History is truly His Story,” he remarked. Rajinikanth praised Tamil readers, stating that they are second to none in celebrating artistic expression, irrespective of language, caste, or religion.
Referring to the other guests, Rajinikanth joked that people like Sivakumar or Kamal Haasan would’ve been more fitting for such a literary occasion. “I wondered why they invited someone like me, who’s 75 years old and walks in slow motion with sunglasses,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Recollecting to meet the Communist MP, Rajinikanth said, “Since ’96, if I found a good book, I’d wish to sit in a place like that and read it after taking a break. That’s why I haven’t read that book; I’ve set it aside. So, even though we couldn’t meet Kalki, I thought we could meet a contemporary Kalki, and with the help of a friend, I met Mr. Venkatesan.”
'வேள்பாரி’ புத்தகத்தை நான் இன்னும் முழுசா படிக்கல, ஏன்னா… – நடிகர் ரஜினிகாந்த்#Velpari100000 | #VikatanPublications | #SuVenkatesan | #Velpari | #Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/buBvqNx5mT
— விகடன் (@vikatan) July 11, 2025
The actor also recalled impactful books he’s read, including Body, Matter, Spirit, Jayakanthan’s Yarukkaga Azhuthan, Madan’s Who Came and Won and Kannadasan’s Arthamulla Hindu Madham. He shared how ‘Yarukkaga Azhuthan’ book moved him to tears, even though he couldn’t clearly identify which character cried in the story.
He also praised Su Venkatesan over his functioning as an MP.
Rajinikanth concluded his heartfelt speech by saluting the Tamil audience for their deep appreciation of the arts. “You lift art and artists above your heads. I bow down to you at your feet,” he said.
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