Superstar Rajinikanth accompanied by his elder daughter Aishwarya Dhanush flew down to the United States amid rumours circulating that he is unwell. Sources close to the star’s family have clarified that Rajinikanth is well and will be in the US for a regular health check-up. He suffered a major health issue some years ago and was admitted to a popular hospital in Singapore, where he underwent treatment for more than a couple of months. Last year, Rajini reportedly underwent a health-check up in the US, it may be recalled.
Last July, Rajini had reportedly attended a detoxification programme in the US. Along with his elder daughter Aishwarya Dhanush, he had also spent time at the Satchitandanda ashram in Virginia.
Rajini is likely return to India on July 10 and resume shooting for the upcoming film Kaala. Directed by Pa Ranjith of Kabali fame, Kaala is a gangster film in which Rajinikanth plays the title role. Produced by Rajini’s son-in-law and actor Dhanush under the banner Wunderbar Films, Kaala will be made in Tamil as well as Hindi simultaneously and dubbed in Telugu. The film is set against the backdrop of the Mumbai slum in Dharavi and its shooting commenced there in May. According to reports, a set representing the Dharavi slum is being created in Chennai and the team will go ahead with the shooting soon after Rajini’s return from the US.
Apart from Rajini in the lead role, Kaala also has Nana Patekar playing a politician. Others in the star cast include Huma Qureshi, Anjali Patil, Sukanya, Eswari Rao, Sayaji Shinde and Samuthirakani. Santosh Narayanan is composing music for this film and Murali G is cranking the camera and Sreekar Prasad editing it. Kaala is touted to hit the silver screens next year.
Rajinikanth’s 2.0, directed by Shankar and produced by Lyca Productions, is also lined up for release next year. The magnum opus is made on a budget of Rs. 450 crore, making it one of the costliest films in India till date.
His trip to the US also comes amid mounting speculation that he will take the plunge into politics. Rajini had dropped hints about entering politics in his last meeting with fans in May. The actor is expected to meet fans from 18 districts in August. There has been considerable buzz among those in the media that the superstar could announce his entry into politics in Tamil Nadu on December 12 – his 67th birthday.
(Content provided by Digital Native)