With repeated errors in Tamil/southern stories, I would strongly recommend you bring journalists like TS Sudhir, Dhanya Rajendran or political analysts like Sumanth Raman on the Hafta panel.

About Kamal (Haasan) joining hands with Rajini or Kamal being left-of-centre, everything is wrong and just headlines. Regarding Rajini, Kamal said he is a good friend and their ideologies vary. But he was not sure how it will turn out and there will be dialogue. At the same time, he will be ready to face him in a political battle as well.

Regarding Kamal’s ideology, he keeps asserting himself to be a centrist. His app released recently is called “MaiamWhistle”, where “Maiam” means centre in Tamil. He definitely mentioned that there are some heroes for him on the left as well, but his ideology is going to be all-inclusive with different ideologies.

I do understand that Tamil/South Indian news is not interesting for any of you. If it were of any interest, I am sure you would have at least read the news completely or watched his interviews clearly to know what his position is. All said, Kamal or Rajini need to come up with concrete positions and policies to make any mark in politics in Tamil Nadu.

Regarding the fascination for film stars, I do believe art and politics are connected in many parts of the world. Film stars are more visible to people than a doctor, engineer, or some other common man. Jayalalithaa did not act in movies where she saves people. But her powerful speeches, writings, and proximity to MGR helped her win. Of course, her popularity as a film star made people read her columns in magazines and listen to her speeches more than any other activist in her place.

People did not expect her to do what she did in those movies. It was her position on various issues that made her the chief minister. The same way, people of TN are not going to vote for Kamal or Rajini only on the basis of their fame but on what policies or positions they are going to take on issues related to the state.

Go to a regular person in TN and ask them about both these personalities. A typical answer would be: “We welcome them but want to see their policies and positions.” TN is a state that always has a special concern for its rights associated with language, social justice, etc. So if someone famous reflects those positions, they are celebrated. There are several failed popular actors as well. Sivaji Ganesan is an example.

Despite being ruled by film stars, we are one of the better-governed states (not anymore though) based on several indicators. Obviously not becoming complacent here or expecting people from cinema to make it big again. But I usually get a general judgmental expression from the panel, a (tendency) to look down on the choice of people when it is a film star.

People win elections not because of blind worship, as less than 5 per cent of the electorate will blindly worship a star in TN, but it primarily depends on politicians’ performance, perception, caste equation and voter bribes as well. Kindly bring in journalists from the south or political analysts such as Sumanth Raman (places his argument on facts and data). Manisha, kudos to you, for remaining silent on stories that you are not sure about!! 🙂 At least you don’t make judgments on subjects you are not sure about.
Regards,
_____ (want to stay anonymous)

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A proud subscriber from the pre-paywall era 🙂