Almost six months into 2018, it would be fair to say that actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have made noticeable strides in Tamil politics, stealing the thunder from established political parties.
What unites them is the fact that they are both matinee idols, who seem to be relying on popularity acquired from cinema to catapult them into political State power.
However, the two actors seem to have significant differences when one looks at their stated ideological beliefs and their moves to building party infrastructure ahead of elections.
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Centrist critique
Since the launch of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in February 2018, its founder Kamal Haasan has stated that he will pursue a ‘centrist’ approach — invoking ideas of French President Emmanuel Macron— and secularism. For almost a year before the launch , the actor had consistently been critical of the State government on social media, mainstream media and reality television show, Bigg Boss, which he anchored.
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Almost four months later, the MNM is focussing on appointing lower level office bearers to take his message to the people.
In contrast, right from the announcement of his entry into politics, Rajinikanth said he would pursue ‘spiritual politics’ and that he will not comment on political issues until the launch of his political party. He also encouraged his fans not to comment on politics. Instead of getting into the thick of action, Rajinikanth has focused on creating a strong infrastructure for the yet-to-be-launched political party.
The actor’s fan club or Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) has since appointed secretaries, co-secretaries, vice-secretaries, heads of women’s wing, a lawyers’ wing, farmers’ wing, and an IT cell for each district and even at the ward level.
The ward secretaries are now being asked to recruit members at the booth level, with weekly review meetings being held to monitor the progress of this process.
The groundwork made it very easy for the RMM to mobile close to 10,000 people for the audio launch of Kaala with fans coming in from across Tamil Nadu.
Plunging in at the deep end, Kamal Haasan has participated in protests against the Sterlite Copper Plant, launched the ‘Maiam Whistle’ mobile application to encourage his party members to flag and work to resolve civic and political issues, held gram sabhas and organised few public meetings.
The messaging from the two superstars-turned-politicians, too, has been different.
Reacting to protests against the IPL, Rajinikanth chose to focus on the attacks against the police. He also said that anti-social elements were influencing protests in the anti-Sterlite protests in Thoothukudi.
As far as Sterlite is concerned, Rajinikanth's comments that the police firing was prompted by the actions of anti-social elements were panned.
The comparisons between his real life self and onscreen persona were compared. However, the film itself seems to have sort of 'explained' his stance as anti-social elements indeed disturb peaceful protests, which results in a police firing.
Taking a different stance, Kamal Haasan said protesters went to the wrong arena in the IPL fiasco and has been largely supportive of the anti-Sterlite protests.
But also similar
Does that mean that they are poles apart? Not really. Actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have both resisted taking crude potshots at each other, are continuing to use cinema and television shows as a means to get their message across to the people and identify corruption as the single major problem in Tamil Nadu.
Dr. Vincent Kumaradoss, former professor of history with the Madras Christian College, said both were trying to stay well within the 'Dravidian' ethos.
“Kamal Haasan talks about secularism, South Indian unity and is more direct about sticking to Dravidian politics, whereas Rajinikanth, despite saying that he will pursue spiritual politics, has said he wants to bring back MGR’s rule. Both are products of the Dravidian era,” said Dr. Kumaradoss.
Explaining why the MNM was launched even before creating a party infrastructure, an executive council member said, “Definitely, Kamal Haasan knows that the party needs volunteers on the ground. But what would the party volunteers do? They need a message which can be taken to the people. What is the point in having just messengers without a message?”
Rajinikanth, on the other hand, believes that party needs members to win elections. “Without a party structure and large number of members, he knows that he cannot just win because of his popularity. He believes that a strong party structure, his popularity and vision — all put together will deliver a victory.”
Political commentator and publisher Badri Seshadri said Rajinikanth may find it easier to form an alliance with other parties than Kamal Haasan.
“Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan may be friends but politically they are quite opposite of each other. Both are facing stiff opposition from the entrenched political parties. Kamal will find it difficult to convince any of the existing parties to agree to his leadership. Rajini may find it somewhat easier to do so; in particular, the BJP may agree to prop him up,” he said.