“The conflict between PMK and Rajini was a result of Baba’s producer refusing our request to remove scenes that showed Rajinikanth smoking a cigarette and drinking liquor. We had to show how serious we were,” said S. Ramadoss, founder of Pattali Makkal Katchi, on Saturday.
He was speaking at the launch of Popular Cinema and Politics in South India: Reimagining MGR and Rajinikanth , authored by S. Rajanayagam. Dr. Ramadoss said the way the conflict ended in 2002 showed that the hype surrounding the actor was imaginary.
“All the hype turned out to be just a balloon which we pierced with a needle,” he said.
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Speaking about the influence of cinema on Tamil society, Dr. Ramadoss said filmmakers must strive to project good ideas in their movies.
“I am not against cinema. Movies with good content deserve to reach the audience. These days, filmmakers say the stories can’t be written without having a scene set in a bar. Most movies today glorify violence and extol the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. I will always be against that,” he said.
The book seeks to alter the dominant narrative that Tamil film stars, who enjoy considerable popularity, can convert their fame into votes.
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The author, S. Rajanayagam, said that even though former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran was a popular actor, he projected an image completely opposite to that of his onscreen persona.
“In films, he was unconquerable, but in politics, he projected himself as a victim. MGR knew his charisma could get him only so far. Actors have to work with people and join people’s movements if they really want to succeed,” he said.
Filmmaker Vetrimaran, who also attended the book launch, defended filmmakers by claiming that so many movie scenes were set in liquor stores because there are that many liquor stores in the State.