Women must use #MeToo movement correctly: Rajinikanth

Actor Rajinikanth, who has been maintaining a stoic silence on the simmering #MeToo movement, finally broke his silence on the issue on Saturday and said, that it was a movement for women and that they must not misue it.

The actor, who was returning to Chennai from Varanasi after completing the shooting of Petta, his upcoming film with director Karthik Subbaraj, chose to take a few questions from by mediapersons at the airport.

“The shooting was scheduled to originally get over on 6 November but everybody in the unit worked hard and we were able to complete it well before the scheduled time," Rajinikanth said.

To a question on the #MeToo movement, Rajinikanth said, “This is a movement that is favourable to women. They must not misuse it. They should use it correctly.”

When his attention was drawn to the fact that singer Chinmayi had levelled allegations against lyricist Vairamuthu, Rajini replied, “Yes, but Vairamuthu has denied it. He has said that nothing of that sort has happened and that he has evidence to prove it. He has also asked them to file a case.”

When another scribe asked Rajinikanth whether the #MeToo movement had his support, Rajinikanth replied, “It is a movement that is useful for women. They must make correct use of it.”

The actor was also asked for his take on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow women of all ages to enter the famed Sabarimala temple in Thiruvananthapuram. “There can be no two opinions on whether women should have equal rights in everything. But when you talk about temples, there will be traditions, there will be a custom. It is my humble opinion that nobody should interfere with that,” Rajinikanth said.

When asked if what he said meant that one must sideline the SC order, Rajinikanth replied, “It is not like that. What I am saying is that certain issues like those that pertain to religion and customs, things should be done very very carefully.”

To a question if he would be launching his party on 12 December, his birthday, Rajinikanth said, “I am not announcing my party on 12 December. But 90% of work pertaining to starting my party is done. I will look at an appropriate time and announce it.”