In a dramatic twist of fate, five weeks after its grand worldwide release on August 10, and another week following its debut on OTT platforms, Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer‘ continues to send shockwaves across the cinematic realm. This time, however, it’s not for the wrong reasons.
With an astronomical collection of Rs 600 crore globally, including a staggering Rs 200 crore from Tamil Nadu alone, if the box office figures circulating in the public domain are to be believed, the Superstar’s latest venture stands as nothing short of a sensational triumph. Rewind to the long weekend preceding Independence Day in August, and the media was ablaze with reports of initial collections from three other films, including one featuring Megastar Chiranjeevi and Akshay Kumar. It was hailed as a watershed moment for Indian cinema, with patrons flocking to theaters in unprecedented numbers. For Rajini and his director Nelson, this victory must taste doubly sweet after their respective 2022 releases suffered catastrophic failures at the box office, becoming the subject of sustained and scornful memes long after they vanished from screens.
Whether it’s a media frenzy or calculated leaks from vested interests, Rajinikanth finds himself thrust into competition with stars several years his junior, some even older than his own daughters. This unsettling development has left his die-hard fans disheartened and a new generation of sensation-hungry youth primed for social media skirmishes. Despite firmly rebuffing forays into state politics, Rajinikanth seems content to wield the greasepaint and immerse himself in the adulation of fans spanning generations.
Meanwhile, his on-screen rival and off-screen confidant, Kamal Haasan, appears to be flexing his political muscles, eyeing a potential entry into the Lok Sabha with Congress’s tacit approval. Tamil Nadu is witnessing a tense standoff between the ruling DMK and the BJP, with the latter’s leader grappling with barbs hurled by the Dravidian party.
Undeterred by these machinations, Rajinikanth remains determined to stave off encroaching competition and reclaim his title as the reigning Superstar. Yet, his failing health, repetitive mannerisms, and token attempts at reinventing his acting style can only keep him a step or two ahead, given that he’s 72 and has been battling health issues for over a decade.
Amitabh Bachchan, too, stands as a testament to resilience, reigning as a one-man industry for over three decades despite recurrent reports of his delicate health. His strategic navigation of the cinema business has ensured a steady stream of endorsements, prominent roles in major productions, and universal respect and admiration.
In Telugu cinema, Chiranjeevi, and in Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth, appear ensnared in their own self-imposed reel routines, leaving audiences disillusioned with each eye-popping, extravagantly funded project they undertake. It may be some time before either decides to bid adieu, but history tells us that ultimately, the public will have the final say, once again. #hydkhabar
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