Chennai

The focus mostly seems to be on what is believed to his party’s symbol – the mudra symbol – which first came to light in his film Baba 

Pictures of Rajinikanth, as well as his fans, on Sunday showing the symbol have gone viral-- the upright index and little, with the thumb clasped against the two middle fingers. Netizens are already deliberating if this hand gesture will become more popular than other established symbols. Not many Twitter users outside the country know that the mudra – the same gesture --represents the rock symbol. Any rock or heavy metal concert will see millions of fans head-banging and gesturing with their hands in an identical manner. Termed the ‘sign of the horns’, it was first popularised by singer Ronnie James Dio, of the legendary band, Black Sabbath. This has led social media worldwide to post, “Is Rajinikanth of India a new rock star?” 

“Why is India rocking out in front of a 67-year-old’s house?” etc. The Superstar’s fans will argue that the symbol had its earliest origins in the country and was used as an apotropaic (avert evil influences) gesture by Gautama Buddha. it was termed karana mudra. Meanwhile, fans are happy that their Thalaivar is a rockstar now. 

— Gautam Sundar, Chennai

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