A quirk of the star’s public life surfaced this week as he hopped out of an auto‑rickshaw, waving at a sea of fans. His choice to travel in a humble vehicle—rather than a private car or helicopter—sent a clear signal: the Thalaivar still values his grassroots connection.
Dharman, the upcoming medical thriller, marks the first time Rajinikanth teams up with director Ashwath Marimuthu. The film also brings Kamal Haasan’s Raaj Kamal Films and Turmeric Media into the mix, a collaboration that promises a blend of star power and fresh vision. Rajinikanth’s character—a scarred surgeon with a blood‑stained scalpel—was teased in a June poster, hinting at a gritty, action‑packed narrative.
Mysuru’s lush backdrops and bustling streets have become the new set for the film, with production crews already setting up a makeshift operating theatre on a local street. The location shoot adds a layer of authenticity, as the city’s colonial architecture contrasts sharply with the sterile world of the hospital scenes. Fans watching from the sidelines witnessed the star in his signature sunglasses, a subtle nod to his long‑running on‑screen persona.
Social media exploded as the auto‑arrival clip was shared, with hashtags like #Dharman and #Rajinikanth trending in Tamil Nadu and beyond. Critics point out that this grassroots approach not only fuels fan loyalty but also sets the tone for the film’s narrative—one that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. The buzz also raises questions about how Rajinikanth will navigate the dual roles of surgeon and hero in a story that promises high drama and high stakes.
While Dharman is shaping up to be a major release, Rajinikanth’s next project is already on the radar: Jailer 2, slated for an October 15 release. The sequel, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, will see him reprise his role as Muthuvel Pandian, with cameos from Mithun Chakraborty, Vidya Balan, and even Hrithik Roshan. The cross‑industry star power is expected to generate a frenzy that could dwarf the current buzz.
In short, Rajinikanth’s auto‑arrival isn’t just a quirky footnote; it’s a bold reminder that the Thalaivar still walks the line between superstardom and street‑level relatability. As Dharman moves forward, the film’s success will hinge on how well it marries this humble image with a compelling, well‑crafted story. Verdict: Fans and critics alike will watch closely to see if Dharman lives up to the hype.