But, could not resist this time around when ‘Thalaivar’ announced he would throw his hat into Tamil Nadu’s electoral circus. Coming to think of it, the last 4 years has been the longest period in decades when the state was ruled by a Non filmy personality, the political theatrics are discounted. So here we are all set to welcome another one and a déjà vu moment of two filmy friends entering the fray only to turn foes soon.
Celluloid and Politics have always been bedfellows in TN politics where we practice what I call a Dreamy Democracy. People exercise their franchises dreaming that the Dharma Durai (master of benevolence) would actually be a Nallavanuku Nallavan (a person who is good to good men) and would extend his hand to people in distress (Kai kodukkum Kai). I should also admit that even though they were voted dreamily into power, actors and a screenplay writer have lived up to those expectations in the past and have brought about development & prosperity to the state compared to the ones ruled by full time politicians up North.
But these are changing times and I strongly believe this impatient generation will not simply fall for a fire out of thin air lighting a cigarette in flight landing with a perfect projectile between the lips. Yes they might have woken up at 3 AM and even though they were lactose intolerant would have poured buckets of milk down a cut-out but when it comes to political delivery this is going to be a new Act and Scene altogether.
"Honest, transparent, corruption-free, caste-less, secular and spiritual politics" – A statement studded with Oxymorons. He needs to invoke almost all his movie titles to fulfill the so called Vision statement he made, Honest at a time when Andha Kanoon (Blind Justice) rules the roost, You will have to be a Johnny, Muthu and Baasha rolled into one if you want to ever practice secular and spiritual politics.
Finally Anbulla Rajnikant, your Dharma Yudham (War for Righteousness) might end up making you a Dharmathin Thalaivan (leader of righteousness) but for the flag to fly (Kodi Parakuthu) you should have a strong mind (Manathil Urudhi Vendum) to become that one good man the state needs (Nattukku Oru Nallavan) that incidentally is the last meaningful title of a Movie you have acted in and that was out in 1991. A generation that will be out to vote born after that would know you as a, Veera, Sivaji, Enthiran Kabali, and finally 2.0.
What matters in a democracy, is leadership deliverance which actually if we stitch all your titles before the 90’s would itself sound like your manifesto for the same. Finally good luck to be an Uzhaipalli (a labourer) and always remember Naan (yaarum) Mahaan alla (no one is God). If at all you end up being successful please try and deliver a regime that should leave a Ninaithalley Innikum (sweet memories) feeling.
