Why Rajinikanth's New Movie ‘Thalaivar 170’ Faces Boycott Call From A Large TN Community

Chennai: Superstar Rajinikanth's latest movie, tentatively called 'Thalaivar 170', commenced shooting just 2 days back but controversy followed it immediately. A hashtag #VanniyarsBoycottRajinikanth trended on the social media platform .

Why are Vanniyar caste people asking to boycott Rajinikanth's film? It has a 21-year feud behind it. To know this you need to rewind a little. Actor Rajinikanth's 2002 film 'Baba' sparked controversy in Tamil Nadu, due to the actor's comments about Veerappan, a sandalwood smuggler, and the film's alleged encouragement of smoking.

In an event in Bengaluru, Karnataka, before the release of the film, Rajinikanth had said that he wanted an end to forest brigand Veerappan. This comment was condemned by PMK founder Dr. Ramadoss. It is noteworthy that Ramadoss belonged to the Vanniyar caste like Veerappan. Rajinikanth's comment added fuel to the raging fire as a significant number of Vanniyar caste people held Veerappan in high esteem.

The film was also criticised for its alleged encouragement of smoking, with Anbumani Ramadoss, son of Dr. Ramadoss, objecting to the scenes.

The controversy between Rajinikanth and the PMK led to clashes and tension in North Tamil Nadu where the Vanniyar population is comparatively high. The screen of a theatre in Jayankondam where the film was being screened was torn down, and the film's box reel was set on fire.

Rajinikanth later asked his fans to vote against the PMK in the Lok Sabha elections, which brought the conflict between the two sides to a climax.

In recent years, there has been another controversy involving a film director and the PMK. Film director Gnanavel's 2021 film 'Jai Bhim' sparked controversy due to scenes that were deemed to be demeaning to the Vanniyars. The crux of the problem was the presence of "Agni Kalasam", a sacred symbol of the Vanniyars, in the home calendar of the "cruel villain" in the film. The PMK and Vanniyars were upset because they felt that the film was against them.

Director Gnanavel later publicly stated that he regretted that the scenes were placed in the film without his knowledge.

The controversies surrounding 'Baba' and 'Jai Bhim' highlight the complex social and political landscape of Tamil Nadu. The PMK is a powerful political party that represents the Vanniyars, and it is not afraid to flex its muscles when it feels that its community is being disrespected.

'Thalaivar 170' is the working title of an upcoming Tamil-language film written and directed by TJ Gnanavel. It is produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions.

The film stars Rajinikanth, alongside an ensemble cast of Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh and Dushara Vijayan.