Superstar Rajinikanth’s film, Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel, has always been a grand affair. At the audio launch event on September 20 at Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, Rajinikanth received an enthusiastic welcome from fans. Before making his speech, he performed the Manasilayo hookstep from the film, delighting the audience. Despite expressing his admiration for TJ Gnanavel’s previous film, Jai Bhim, Rajinikanth mentioned that he requested the director to create a film that audiences would celebrate, as he doesn’t see himself fitting into the “message space” of cinema.
At the Vettaiyan audio launch, Rajinikanth revealed an interesting exchange with director TJ Gnanavel. He shared that Gnanavel initially took ten extra days to agree to Rajinikanth’s request to make a film that people would celebrate while placing a counter-condition. Gnanavel clarified that he couldn’t make films in the styles of directors like Nelson or Lokesh Kanagaraj. In response, Rajinikanth firmly stated that he wanted a commercial film in Gnanavel’s unique style, explaining that if he desired a Nelson-style or Lokesh-style film, he would approach them directly.
Rajinikanth described this conversation as a tense moment, reflecting on the pressure that comes with both success and failure. He noted that delivering a flop creates tension to bounce back, but after a hit film like Jailer, there’s an even greater expectation to maintain consistency, which adds its kind of pressure. “It is difficult to be a Yogyakarta in a society full of Shakunis”, Rajinikanth said.
Rajinikanth also paid tribute to Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan. He spoke about Big B’s financial struggles, recounting how Amitabh Bachchan once faced bankruptcy but managed to rise again through sheer determination. Rajinikanth also highlighted how, despite his close connections with the Gandhi family, Amitabh Bachchan never sought to use those relationships for personal gain. He recalled how Amitabh Bachchan’s Juhu house was put on public bidding after the actor suffered significant losses. “The world will just wait for your downfall,” Rajinikanth remarked, reflecting on how people often anticipate failure. However, Big B turned things around within three years by taking on numerous advertisements and hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), through which he earned enough to repurchase three homes, including his iconic Juhu residence, on the same street. Rajinikanth hailed Amitabh Bachchan as an inspiration, noting that even at 82 years old, the megastar continues to work 10 hours a day.
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