Wunderbar Films rubbishes rumours that Rajinikanth's next is based on Haji Mastan's life

The team of actor Rajinikanth's next film, directed by Pa Ranjith, has clarified that the story of their film, which is being referred to at this point as Production No 12 or Thalaivar 161, is completely fictional and not based on the life of any particular individual.

In a statement, Wunderbar Films clarified that the story, in particular, had nothing to do with the life of Haji Mastan Mirza. The unit, however, confirmed that the story was set in Mumbai. 

“There are several speculations doing the rounds in the media regarding our next production, which is directed by Pa.Ranjith with Rajinikanth in the lead role. One of the speculations suggested that the film was inspired by the life of Haji Mastan. Based on the media reports, Haji Mastan’s adopted son Sundar Shaekhar sent a letter to Rajinikanth,” read an official statement from the Wunderbar Films, which is owned by actor Dhanush.

"The Production No 12 ( read Thalaivar 161) is completely a fictional story set in the Mumbai backdrop. The story of the film is not based on any real-life incidents or individuals. Especially, this film is not based on the life of Haji Mastan or any other members of his family," it added.

The team's clarification comes in the wake of Sundar Shaekhar, the foster son of Haji Mastan Mirza, sending a notice to actor Rajinikanth. In the notice, Shaekhar stated that he would be forced to initiate legal proceedings against the actor, should he make a film that portrayed his godfather as a smuggler and underworld don.

Read more: Haji Mastan's foster son threatens Rajinikanth with legal notice

In a two page letter, a copy of which was made available to the media, Sundar had said that he had got to know from a newspaper report that Rajinikanth and director Ranjith were making a film which is a biopic on his late godfather.

Sundar claimed that in the film, the actor and the director were depicting his godfather, 'a well known national political leader', as a smuggler and an underworld don.

Pointing out that Mirza had never been convicted by any court of law in any case pertaining to smuggling or the underworld, Sundar had said that presenting him as a smuggler and underworld don would be highly defamatory.

The film unit said that it was offering this explanation to put an end to the rumours that the film was based on the life of Haji Mastan Mirza.

The film is expected to go on the floors at the end of this month.