Rajinikanth: Won’t apologise for ‘Periyar Rally Remarks

South megastar Rajinikanth has said he would not apologize for his comments on social reformer EV Ramasamy “Periyar”. His comments came amid protests by some Tamil outfits demanding the actor’  apology. The Thalaiva is accused of defaming Periyar in a police complaint filed by a political group. But he said that his comments were based on news reports and has not uttered anything out of “imagination”.

Addressing the 50th-anniversary event of Tamil magazine Thuglak on January 14, Rajinikanth has said, “In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally against superstition in which naked images of Lord Ramachandramoorthy and Sita – with a garland of sandals – were displayed and no news outlet published it. As it brought a bad name to the DMK Government, the then Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had seized the copies, but Tughlaq reprinted it and sold it in black and the copies sold like hot cakes“.

Rajinikanth rejected demands from the Dravidar Viduthulai Kazhagam (DVK) for his apology. His comments were considered as a direct retort to Dravidian parties who swear by Periyar.

Two complaints have been filed by the Dravidar Kazhagam founded by Periyar, citing charges of promoting enmity and inciting hate. The DVK has threatened protests outside theatres showing the actor’s latest movie ‘Darbar’ if he does not apologize.

On the work front, Rajinikanth’s latest release ‘Darbar’ is minting at the box-office. The actor is much loved in his cop role. The gorgeous Nayanthara is the leading lady of the movie.

Also Read: Rajinikanth’s Darbar aired on local TV channel; Makers lodge complaint