From 'surprise announcement' to 'sign from God': A timeline of Rajinikanth's perpetual political teaser

Chennai

In 2017, Rajinikanth conducted a meeting at the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam where he dramatically announced his entry into politics.

In 2019, Rajinikanth said that he would not be contesting in the Lok Sabha polls and his  'Rajini Makkal Mandram' would offer no support to other political parties.

Ever since the actor had announced his political foray in December 2017, every move of the actor has never failed to create a ripple among his fans. The much-anticipated entry of the actor into the politics was however delayed due to multiple reasons as cited by the sources close to Rajini, the recent one being the health issues and the prevailing pandemic situation.

October, 2020: A purported letter surfaced in the social media mentioning in detail his various health ailments. However, Rajini never denied the medical 'facts' mentioned in the letter.

November 29, 2020: Rajinikanth meets office bearers of his Rajini Makkal Mandram. Reports surfaced that the Superstar was likely to announce a significant decision on his political entry and had warned the office bearers not to reveal the minutes of the meeting, until he makes an official announcement.

December 3, 2020: With 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections around the corner, Rajinikanth tweeted his decision to launch a political party. At a press conference at his Poes Garden home, the 70-year-old actor-turned-politician vowed to change the fate of Tamil Nadu and proclaimed that the state will witness a "spiritual governance". He announced his political entry with his signature 'punchline' : “Mathuvom. Ellathayum Mathuvom. Ippo Illainna Eppovam Illai” which could be roughly translated as “Let us change everything. If change does not happen now, it will never materialise,” reminding us one of his many famous film ‘punch’ dialogues.

The actor also announced that Tamilaruvi Manian, a vociferous advocate of the actor’s political entry, would supervise the political party launch and Dr R Arjuna Murthy would be chief organiser.

Superstar also added that further details on his political party will be revealed on December 31, 2020, while the new party will begin functioning from January 2021.

December 12, 2020: Fans of Superstar Rajinikanth fans celebrated his birthday more joyfully this year as their leader has finally decided to take a plunge in the political arena. Posters of greeting Rajinikanth on his birthday, welcoming him to adorn the CM chair and many more were also pasted by the Mandram members.

'Aatchi Matram, Arasiyal Matram Ippo Illaina Eppovum Illai,' (Political/regime change, now or never) and 'Thalaivarum Mudalvarum Neeye' (You are our leader and chief minister) were among the slogans found printed on the shirts of the actor's supporters. 'The fearless,' The future of Tamil Nadu' were some of the choicest words picked by Rajinikanth's followers to describe him.

December 13, 2020: Rajinikanth flew to Hyderabad to join the crew of 'Annaatthe'- his upcoming movie directed by Siruthai Siva.  Director 'Siruthai' Siva had announced on the occasion of the Super Star's birthday, that shooting of the movie will resume on December 15th after a break, due to the pandemic situation. Rest of the crew also were seen joining the sets. The makers of the movie - Sun Pictures also said that Rajinikanth was made to stay in a bio-bubble in order to protect him from infection.

December 23, 2020

December 25, 2020

December 27, 2020

December 29, 2020