Critics kept writing me off, but I bounced back: Rajinikanth
Reflecting on his failures in last few years, superstar Rajinikanth said critics tried to write him off over time but he has come back stronger every time. The 67-year-old actor said his films like his daughter Soundarya's motion-capture "Kochadaiiyaan" and KS Ravikumar's "Lingaa" did not work at the box office. Rajinikanth said he was wary of "Kochadaiiyaan" failure after watching the film's final version.
It's easy to work with intelligent people, says Rajinikanth
"Soundarya is a genius. Working with intelligent people is easy. But, we should be careful with geniuses," said Rajinikanth. He further said, "She listed out a post-production budget to enhance the film's (Kochadaiiyaan's) final version. But, I was sure that this film wouldn't be successful." "So, I insisted on releasing the film with the same version only," he said.
Rajinikanth launched audio of his upcoming film 'Kaala'
The actor was speaking at the audio launch of his upcoming film "Kaala". Santhosh Narayanan has composed the music. About "Lingaa", Rajinikanth said that he agreed to do the film as the subplot of interlinking rivers was a dream comes true on-screen.
Movie revolves around building a dam and interlinking of rivers
"I agreed (to Lingaa) because the main story revolved around building a dam and interlinking of rivers was also a subplot. Interlinking of rivers is my lifetime dream, so I gave my nod immediately," Rajinikanth said. However, the film flunked at the box-office. The actor said it was Soundarya who introduced him to director Pa Ranjith. They first collaborated on "Kabali" in 2016.
Rajinikanth suggested the idea of 'Kaala' movie
"I instantly liked him (Ranjith) when I met him for the first-time for 'Kabali'. But, when he narrated the story, I was skeptical about the sluggishly-paced screenplay and asked my producer Thanu to watch film. He was jumping with joy after listening to story. The film emerged a success," Rajinikanth said. Rajinikanth revealed it was he who suggested the idea of "Kaala" to Ranjith.
Wasn't planning to make political foray earlier, says Rajinikanth
"First, I listened to a script from Vetrimaaran ("Visaaranai" director). He narrated a fantastic script, but it was politically-driven," Rajinikanth said. "I was not planning to make my political foray then. So, I wanted to do a different film. Then, I called Ranjith and told him about the slums in Dharavi and the Tamil population who are residing there for years," he added.
There's politics in 'Kaala' but its not a political drama
Rajinikanth, who announced his political plunge on New Year's eve, clarified the film isn't politically based. "I warned Ranjith that 'Kaala' should be a Rajinikanth film in Ranjith's style unlike 'Kabali' which was a Ranjith movie. There's politics in 'Kaala' but it's not a political drama. Ranjith is a great human being who cares for his community and his people a lot," he said.
All praises for Rajinikanth's co-star Nana Patekar
Rajinikanth said the director camped in Dharavi slums for weeks to do research on the film. Rajinikanth also praised his "Kaala" co-star Nana Patekar, comparing his performance to his powerful on-screen adversaries Raghuvaran and Ramya Krishnan.
Only two actors challenged Rajinikanth in villain's role
"In my entire career, only two actors challenged me as villain in my films. One is Raghuvaran's character of Mark Antony in 'Baasha' and Ramya Krishnan's portrayal of Neelambari in 'Padaiyappa.' Now, Nana Patekar has done a great job. Was thrilled by his performance and thoroughly enjoyed it," Rajinikanth said. Ranjith said "Kaala" would be a memorable film for those who have faced discrimination.
'Kaala' talks about inequality in India
"'Kaala' will be an important film in Indian cinema which talks about inequality," Ranjith said. Produced by Dhanush's Wunderbar Films, the film also features Huma Qureshi, Anjali Patil, Samuthirakani, and Pankaj Tripathi. "Kaala" is slated to hit the screens on June 7.
