Did Rajinikanth Wish TN CM Vijay On His Birthday? Superstar Reveals

Rajinikanth's

upcoming film Thalaivar 173, now titled Dharman, was officially launched at a grand event in Chennai, with Kamal Haasan's Raaj Kamal Films International backing the project and Ashwath Marimuthu directing it. At the launch, Rajinikanth delivered a candid speech about the criticism and scrutiny he often faces over his statements and actions. Following the event, he interacted with reporters, who asked whether he had wished Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay on his birthday. The superstar clarified about the mattter putting to rest speculation surrounding his relationship with the TVK chief.

Rajinikanth on Skipping Social Media Birthday Wish for CM Vijay

Following the event, Rajinikanth also responded to reporters’ questions about not extending public birthday wishes to CM Vijay. He clarified that he had already spoken to Vijay in private. Soon, fans took to social media to laud the star for his clarification on the issue which is trending social media. This is not the first time rumours of a rift with Vijay have come to light.

Previously, at a press conference at his residence in Chennai’s Poes Garden, Rajinikanth dismissed suggestions that he was jealous of Vijay's victory in politics, pointing out that he is not involved in it. “Why would I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal Haasan became the CM, I might get jealous,” he joked. The veteran actor said he had congratulated Vijay as soon as the election results indicated his party's victory, though he admitted he was surprised to see the TVK leader become Chief Minister in his very first electoral outing.At the launch event of Dharman, Rajinikanth began his speech acknowledging that speaking publicly often leads to controversy. He said he sometimes hesitates to address people because his words tend to be misinterpreted or debated online. His comments come amid recent online criticism surrounding his decision not to publicly wish CM Vijay on his birthday.

About Dharman

Dharman, previously known as Thalaivar 173, marks Rajinikanth’s collaboration with director Ashwath Marimuthu and producer Kamal Haasan. The film introduces him in a striking 'deadly doctor' avatar. Simran and Raashi Khanna are part of the cast. Rajinikanth also revealed that Dharman went through multiple creative shifts before taking its final shape. “We didn’t have three directors we had four,” he said with a laugh.

He shared that filmmaker KS Ravikumar was initially attached to the project, but that version did not move forward. Sundar C later came on board but stepped away due to prior commitments, after which Cibi Chakravarthy developed another version of the film before the project eventually landed with its current team. The music is by Anirudh Ravichander and cinematography by Niketh Bommi.