Recently, Aadhav Arjuna, General Secretary of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, said in a speech that the ruling DMK party had threatened Rajinikanth when he considered entering politics. The comments quickly drew flak online, with senior political leaders, journalists and many others coming to the support of the veteran actor.
On Tuesday, Rajinikanth let out a statement expressing his gratitude to all those who supported him. "Mr Aadhav Arjuna, who holds a leadership position in the TVK, recently made a statement about me that was contrary to the truth," he began.
He then listed out all the political leaders who came to his support. "I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those who raised their voices in my support and condemned his defamatory remarks—Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran, Union Minister L Murugan, Tamil Nadu Minister S Raghupathy, Thol Thirumavalavan, SP Velumani, my friend K Annamalai, Arjunamurthy, Anbumani Ramadoss, GK Vasan, John Pandian, Pugazhendhi, and many other political leaders across parties."
Further, he mentioned the names of a few other well-wishers. "I also extend my gratitude to friends from the film industry, including Ameer and G. Dhananjayan, as well as to media personalities Nakkheeran Gopal and Rangaraj Pandey and all members of the media. Above all, I thank my fans—the very deities who sustain me—with all my heart."
He concluded his statement by saying, “Time does not speak, but it waits and delivers the answer.” (sic)
For the unversed, Aadhav Arjuna made the comments while addressing party members at the protest against the state government on March 12. He also said that Rajinikanth returned to acting under the Red Giant Movies banner after he was threatened by the DMK.
On the work front, Rajinikanth recently wrapped filming for Jailer 2. Jailer 2 is helmed by Nelson, who also helmed Jailer. The film, which comes three years after Jailer, will see Rajinikanth reprising his role as 'Tiger' Muthuvel Pandian, alongside Ramya Krishnan, who plays his wife.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is also working on Thalaivar 173, helmed by Cibi Chakravarthy and backed by Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International. The film is all set to go on floors in April. Rajinikanth is also joining hands with Kamal Haasan for an upcoming film tentatively titled KHxRK reunion, which is set to be helmed by Nelson and feature music by Anirudh Ravichander.