Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan hint at joining hands 'for Tamil Nadu's welfare', trigger speculation about new political alignments in state

Chennai: Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan have enacted myriad characters on screen, but it now seems the two titans of Tamil filmdowm will join hands for the state’s welfare if their remarks are any indication, triggering speculation about a new political alignment in Tamil Nadu. The first pitch was made by Haasan who on Tuesday backed superstar Rajinikanth over his comments describing Chief Minister K Palaniswami coming to the top post as a wonder, saying it was a “not a criticism but the reality.” Haasan also said he would join hands with Rajinikanth for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. Rajinikanth also echoed similar views when reporters sought his reaction. [caption id=“attachment_4307933” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of actors Rajinikanth (left) with Kamal Haasan. PTI[/caption] “If a situation arises wherein me and Kamal have to join hands for the welfare of people of Tamil Nadu, we will surely come together,” Rajinikanth said. Rajinikanth, who has announced he would launch his political party to contest the state assembly elections due in 2021, was responding to questions from reporters on Haasan’s remarks earlier. While backing Rajinikanth’s comments on Chief Minister K Palaniswami, which have drawn the ire of ruling AIADMK, Haasan said he would “travel together” with his contemporary for Tamil Nadu’s welfare. However, Haasan gave no indication of the two aligning politically. Rajinikanth on Sunday said Palaniswami “would not even have dreamt” of becoming the chief minister and described the AIADMK leader’s elevation as a “wonder and marvel”, which has drawn a sharp reaction from the ruling party. Incidentally, the remarks were made at an event to mark Haasan’s 60 years in the cinema industry. “It is not a criticism, but reality.. truth,” Haasan told reporters when asked about his film industry contemporary’s remarks. Rajinikanth had said “two years ago, Honourable Edappadi (Palaniswami) would not have even dreamt of becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister…. marvel and wonder–it happened.” The ruling AIADMK has reacted sharply to Rajinikanth, saying Palaniswami did not become chief minister by chance but made his way up through party ranks by sheer hard work. “There is nothing new in us joining hands as we have been united for the past 44 years,” Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Haasan said about Rajinikanth, apparently referring to their stint in the film industry. Rajinikanth made his debut in the Tamil film Apoorva Ragangal (1975) starring Haasan and the late Srividya and ‘Major’ Sundarrajan in key roles. The two actors later went on to star in many movies, before both emerged icons.