Pressure has begun to build on superstar Rajinikanth even before he has had a chance to hear the outline of a proposed biopic on Tipu Sultan.
Responding to media reports about a Karnataka film producer gearing to approach Mr. Rajinikanth to don the role of the 18th century ruler, Hindu Munnani leader Ramagopalan charged that Tipu Sultan had attacked Tamils during his rule.
Recalling Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran’s autobiographical series, where the leader had said Tipu’s attacks forced his family to move to Palakkad from Coimbatore, Mr. Ramagopalan said a movie trying to present the “fanatical Muslim ruler” as a freedom fighter would be offensive to MGR’s memory.
“Such a film would be an insult to Tamils,” he claimed.
Film producer Ashok Kheny had told the media in Bangalore on Tuesday that he was trying to approach Mr. Rajinikanth for the role. His previous attempt was not successful as the actor was unwell at that time.
Reacting to Hindu Munnani’s views, senior BJP leader L. Ganesan expressed confidence that Mr. Rajinikanth, being a true patriot, will not entertain such a project. “I see nothing wrong in Mr. Ramagopalan’s views on Tipu Sultan. Those are historical facts,” he said.
Actor's prerogative
Actor and South Indian Film Artistes’ Association president R. Sarathkumar said an artist had the right to express himself in any role he wanted. But if the actor feels there is some substance in the views presented, such as a subject being hurtful to a particular community, he has the prerogative to decide on whether or not to do the project.“The statement issued by Mr. Ramagopalan is in the form of a request. It should be Mr. Rajinikanth’s prerogative to accept or reject it,” he said.
