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Jailer audio release was atypical for Rajinikanth. The superstar is rarely controversial when it comes to talking about movies and filmdom on public platforms though he doesn’t baulk at venting on politics or social issues. In movie events, he makes his appearance without makeup, looks his age, and shows up like he would in his house. Departing from the bravado of his punch dialogues, he typically makes fun of himself, derides his looks and acting abilities, and downgrades himself.
On the rare occasion he meanders to Kamal Haasan, he shows genuine affection and concern. He gives due place to Kamal’s brains, talent and looks. Amitabh Bachchan would make it a point to be deferential to Rajesh Khanna and give him his place in the sun as the one and only phenomenon of Hindi films.
Rajini is often not very different when it comes to Kamal. He has only had lavish praise for Kamal. Aboorva Sagotharargal was an out-of-the-world movie for Rajini, for instance. When Chandrahasan passed away, he wondered who would take care of Kamal now. There was genuine brotherly affection there. Kamal, the mercurial and sometimes wayward genius, needed a protective guide, Rajini indicated.
Rajini and Kamal have always shown a camaraderie on public platforms. Their rivalry is just make do; they are actually good friends – or at least that is what they have often tried to present themselves as.
On the rare occasion he meanders to Kamal Haasan, he shows genuine affection and concern. He gives due place to Kamal’s brains, talent and looks. Amitabh Bachchan would make it a point to be deferential to Rajesh Khanna and give him his place in the sun as the one and only phenomenon of Hindi films.
Rajini has pointedly talked about Kamal being the only real star in the 16 Vayathinile cast. If he was talking about his experience acting for Mani Ratnam, he talks about calling Kamal frantically from the sets to get tips on how to please Mani.
But many have had the lurking feeling that the rivalry has always been real just as the MGR, Sivaji rivalry was real. The yesteryear duo often duelled outside the sets. Just as it was with them, perhaps there really was something wrong about Denmark, and has always been that way. Perhaps Rajini and Kamal have always indeed been enemies but also friends at the same time – frenemies.
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After all, Kamal had everything going for him. He had the background and talent. He grew up in the industry and it was natural that he would be the superstar – the worthy successor to both MGR and Sivaji. But an outsider came and quickly became, arguably enough, a bigger star. His pull was magnetic and spontaneous while Kamal became a bit of a plodder. Did Kamal seethe when he got his comeuppance?
The recent long Rajini speech at the audio launch of Jailer was an indication that it was perhaps. In the speech, perhaps prompted by Sarath Kumar’s declaration that Vijay is the next superstar, Rajini spoke his mind, or at least some of his mind.
He started off with the trademark self-effacement. He said the superstar title has only brought him trouble and he had mixed feelings about it since it came to him at a time when Sivaji was still around and Kamal was seen as the industry’s future. But then he also said that Rajini was a sapling that sprouted amidst all the hostility, resentment and anger over his stupendous success. And that fire continues to burn brightly today. His best was yet to come, he indicated, showing that he would continue to be the superstar.
Kamal has rarely talked about Rajini as a superstar. Just as Rajesh Khanna did not ever reciprocate Amitabh’s magnanimity, Kamal hasn’t always returned the grace with which Rajini has spoken in glowing terms about him
These remarks came just after Rajini belaboured to show that the success of a movie depended largely on the director. He specifically talked about Nelson’s failure with Beast and how the director of Vikram gave a new lease of life to Kamal. Until Vikram, Kamal had been in the boondocks and Rajini was doing only marginally better in terms of box office performance. He defended Nelson and said the casting also plays a role in a film’s success. Gulp! Was Vijay to blame then?
Kamal has rarely talked about Rajini as a superstar. Just as Rajesh Khanna did not ever reciprocate Amitabh’s magnanimity, Kamal hasn’t always returned the grace with which Rajini has spoken in glowing terms about him.
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In Rajini’s long speech, there were other elements too. With no political career looming, Rajini’s words of advice were taken better. He said the drinking habit had taken a toll on him and it should serve as a warning to people. He also talked about his brother and the love they had for each other. He asked that family should come first and above everything else for everyone.
It remains to be seen if Vijay will respond to the superstar’s jibes at the launch of Leo audio. If Kamal, whose attention will be increasingly taken up by the coming Lok Sabha elections, responds too, then it would mean there had indeed been only a truce, not peace, in Tamil film world. Perhaps Jailer had fought against his best friend to succeed.
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