To me, ‘Superstar’ will always mean Rajinikanth, says Sathyaraj

Sathyaraj, after a long hiatus, appears as an antagonist in the role of a police officer.

Niya Sankarathil is the female lead. The other cast includes Appukutty, Angadi Three Mahesh, Reina Karad, Neha Rose, Guru Chandran, and KCB Prasad.

Mohan Dachu, a former associate of Ram Gopal Varma, is the director.

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‘Rajinikanth is the superstar’

Sathyaraj addressing the press in Chennai. (Supplied)

When asked what his thoughts were about the ongoing showdown between the fans of Rajinikanth and Vijay on social media over who should be called the “Superstar”, Sathyaraj replied, “We call a person ‘superstar’ if he is number one in the film business and remuneration.”

He pointed out, “Initially, they called Charlie Chaplin a ‘superstar’. Then, they called Rajesh Khanna a ‘superstar’. But for the last 45 years, we all think of only Rajinikanth when the term ‘superstar’ is uttered. That shouldn’t be changed. For me, ‘superstar’ means Rajinikanth.”

Sathyaraj further substantiated his opinion. “Thyagaraja Bhagavathar was Tamil Nadu’s first ‘superstar’. But nobody addressed him that way. He was referred to by the title ‘Iyal Isai Mannar’ (King of Prose and Poetry). The next superstar was MGR. We call him ‘Makkal Thilagam’ MGR. Nobody else other than these people should be referred to by these titles.”

The actor added, “Will you agree if Rajinikanth was referred to as ‘Makkal Thilagam’ Rajinikanth? It shouldn’t be that way. The title used for Rajinikanth is ‘Superstar’ and that shouldn’t change!”

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Baahubali days

Sathyaraj reminisced about an interesting incident. “Even before narrating Angaaragan’s script, producer Sreepathy told me upfront that I was not going to play the hero but the villain in this film. It kindled memories of SS Rajamouli approaching me with the script of Baahubali.”

He then recalled, “Rajamouli, too, was upfront about what he wanted from me. When he came to narrate the script of Baahubali, he was tense and worked up.”

Sathyaraj as Kattappa in ‘Baahubali’. (Twitter)

The actor recollected, “He looked up at me after a long silence and said, ‘I don’t know how to tell you this, sir. There is a scene where Prabhas will place his foot on your head. Will you be okay doing it?’. He said he would narrate the script only if I’m okay with the scene. Else, it would amount to wasting my time!”

However, Sathyaraj asked Rajamouli to narrate the story first and assured that he would do the scene if it was essential. He also recalled citing two instances to put across his point.

First, Sivaji Ganesan sir’s role in a devotional film where he had to remove a ring off the feet of actor Sivakumar’s toes using his mouth for a scene. The great acting legend complied without complaining.

Second, Malayalam superstar Mohanlal had to lick the dirt off the boots of a junior actor when he did Kaalapani (1996).

“Rajamouli narrated the script after I cited these examples of two role models in acting,” he added.

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‘I am a Periyarist’

Sathyaraj with his mother. (Twitter)

Sathyaraj also spoke about how his mother was particular about respecting the idealogy he believed in.

“Many here asked me how I am attending a film event within a week of my mother’s demise. The custom in my family is that we are not permitted to step out of the house for 16 days after the demise of a family member,” he said.

“My mother was a deeply religious and spiritual person. In fact, she recited the popular Tamil devotional prayer ‘Kandha Sashti Kavasam‘ over five lakh times,” he remembered.

Further, the veteran actor recollected his mother’s unwavering support.

“Two years ago, my mother told our family members and relatives not to compel me in any way to perform her last rituals as I am a Periyarist. It is because of her understanding nature that I am here on this occasion.”