Even as south India produced many actor-turned politicians, there is a big question mark over the success of Tamil superstars, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. It’s nobody's case that just because they have succeeded in the film world they might do so in the real world
Two Tamil superstars — Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are all set to enter politics. There have been intense speculations about their entry since the death of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) supremo Jayalalithaa in December last year, although Rajinikanth has kept his fans under suspense for almost two decades now. The question is whether they will succeed.
While the ruling AIADMK is battling to sort out its internal problems, with different factions pulling in different directions, the entry of two more players might add to the confusion. In Tamil Nadu, there has always been a close nexus between politics and cinema. At least four Chief Ministers — CN Annadurai, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo M Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa (AIADMK) — have ruled the State since 1967. Another successful movie star, Captain Vijayakanth, launched his party Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) but he has not been able to sustain.
South India had produced many actor-turned politicians. In the neighboring Andhra Pradesh, NT Rama Rao became the Chief Minister in 1982. Tamil Nadu gave actors like Sivaji Ganesan, Napoleon and Vyjayanthimala Bali, while Andhra Pradesh gifted Mohan Babu, Dasari Narayana Rao, Chiranjeevi and Jaya Prada. From Karnataka came actors like Ambressh and Ramya.
Tamil Nadu is a State where the Dravidian ideology has been deep- rooted for decades. Dravidian politics propagated Tamil identity and language, as theatre and movies became the most effective tools to mobilise and influence the masses.
In fact, since 1967, when the Congress lost power to the DMK, the State has been ruled alternately by the DMK and the AIADMK. MGR was able to successfully launch his AIADMK, breaking away from the DMK, and became the Chief Minister because of his film roles and his pro-poor social messages. As for Jayalalihtaa, she was a successful heroine of MGR and a famous actress in her own right.
Therefore, what is the new thing these two superstars can offer which will appeal to the peopleIJ Haasan and Rajinikanth are two different personalities. Rajinikanth is a spiritualist, while Haasan calls himself as an atheist. They have acted together in some films. Haasan acted and directed critically acclaimed films, including seven official Oscar entries. He has a following from the thinking class, while Rajinikanth is a poor man’s hero with many box office hits. He has also tried to play Robin Hood kind of roles like MGR.
Rajinikanth’s popularity with the voters in the State is tested, unlike that of Haasan. Rajinikanth’s famous statement before 1996 election, that even god could not save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa was voted to power, resulted in the DMK sweeping the polls. While Rajinikanth has been mulling over the idea of joining politics since then, Haasan is a recent convert, claiming that his entry was out of compulsion and not choice.
Second, the DMK and the AIADMK have base and good party network even in rural areas. With just about 18 months to go before the 2019 lok Sabha poll, how will they build up their new partiesIJ Their fan clubs might pitch in but that may not be enough.
Third, what will be their new narrativeIJ Both are talking about corruption and Tamil Nadu is one of the most corrupt States, but how effective will that issue beIJ “This is the right time for me to come into active politics because everything that can possibly go wrong is going wrong,” Haasan said, claiming, “We need better governance. I am not promising swift remedies. But I promise to start the process of change.”
He hinted a broad framework for his party, which will have a drive against corruption and aspire to be progressive. Rajinikanth, in his recent comments, has also said that although he had no wish to join politics, if he did, he would show the door to all “money-minded” people.
Fourth, to run a party, one needs a lot of money and where will they get these crores of rupeesIJ Most of their fans are from the poor classes and neither of them might spend their own money. Unless they get some rich backers, the new outfits might become non- starters.
Fifth, in a State like Tamil Nadu, which has literally got rid of the Brahmin dominance, how will Haasan, who is a Brahmin, get other caste votes unless his new party aligns with other caste-based partiesIJ Rajinikanth has no problem because the BJP is ready to adopt him.
Sixth, while the BJP is willing to offer the chief ministerial post to Rajinikanth, it is not clear which side Haasan will go. When he called on the Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan recently, there was speculation about his left leaning ideology. But he stated in an interview, “I want to be in the middle of things, not leaning to any side.” Killing the speculation after his much publicised lunch with the Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal recently, Hasan said, “I will take lessons from the Aam Aadmi Party but there is no partnership.”
It is nobody’s case that just because they have succeeded in the film world they might do so in the real world. Rajinikanth acknowledged this when he said, “Fame and money are not enough to win in politics. There is something else. I don’t know what it is.” It is Dame luck, Rajini, and if she smiles at you, you are sure to win.
(The writer is a senior political commentator and syndicated columnist)