With his retirement rumors doing the rounds for a few days, superstar Rajinikanth has announced a new film with director Sundar C, which is like a big gamble given the latter’s image.
Whether a director delivers strong content or not, every director has their own set of audiences. Some filmmakers have a universal audience reach, while others are limited to specific markets. Heroes like Rajinikanth, who enjoy a massive fan base across all languages and regions, always need to collaborate with directors who can make films with pan-India and global appeal.
Rajinikanth recently took a risk by teaming up with Director Siva for Annaatthe (Peddanna). Siva’s market is primarily rooted in Tamil Nadu, and he does not carry a brand that appeals internationally or in other language markets. This was reflected clearly in the film’s initial buzz and openings.
Rajinikanth also appeared in a crucial cameo role in Lal Salaam, directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth. Due to the director’s limitations, the film could not secure strong openings either.
Now, Rajinikanth is taking another bold risk, or a big gamble, by signing his next project with Sundar C. Even though the actor and director delivered a blockbuster earlier with Arunachalam, Sundar C’s recent films, despite being hits, have largely appealed only to the Tamil Nadu audience. For a Rajinikanth film, a universal appeal is crucial. If Sundar C continues his usual route, the film could become a major risk.
However, the positive side is that Kamal Haasan, who is producing the film, is also convinced of the script. So, there is definitely hope that the film might turn out to be a universal entertainer. Still, it remains to be seen how this risk plays out for Rajinikanth.
