Rajinikanth's decision to enter politics has already shaken the Tamil film industry as several top heroes and producers have begun announcing that they would join his party as soon as he launches it.
Raju Mahalingam, the creative head of Lyca, is among those who have made this decision. Lyca has produced several big budget films in Tamil and is also producing 2.0, the country's costliest film which features Rajinikanth and Amy Jackson in the lead. 2.0 is directed by Shankar.
Raju Mahalingam had tweeted on 1 January: “A New REVOLUTION -A New POLITICAL WILL- A NEW YEAR ”- awaits for the people of TAMIL NADU!!! However, not many had realised then that the producer too would be among those who would be joining Rajinikanth's political outfit.
This noon, news broke out that the Mahalingam, who is actually a consultant of Lyca, had already joined Rajinikanth's Mandram (association).
Raju said, "I saw him at close quarters during the making of #2PointO. Rajini sir's sincerity, honesty and dedication has attracted me to his party."
Meanwhile, actor Raghava Lawrence, a famous choreographer who turned actor a couple of years ago, has announced that he would also be joining as Thalaivar's kavalan (protector). The actor said that he had plans to make this announcement on 4 January, but because he had to rush to attend the funeral of a fan in Cuddalore, he was postponing this announcement to 7 January.
Raghava Lawrence said, "Friends and fans, A sad news. My biggest fan R Shekhar has passed away. He is married and his wife is pregnant. I got this sad news while I was shooting last night. I am starting to Cuddalore now as I wish to be near and do all the formalities. I cancelled my shooting for two days as well. As I was about to make an announcement as Thalaivar's kavalan on January 4 but unfortunately, I'm not able to make the announcement. Therefore, the official announcement will be made on 7th in Madurai as I will be attending Thalaivar's fans function there. I will be making the announcement before Thalaivar's fans there. Without my fans, I would not be in this position. I miss my wonderful fan. Please pray for his soul to rest in peace (sic)."