Rajinikanth thanks fans as TVK leader's 'slanderous' remarks spark row
17 Mar 2026

Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth has publicly thanked his supporters after a controversy erupted over remarks made by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Aadhav Arjuna.

The dispute began when Arjuna alleged that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had "threatened" Rajinikanth when he considered entering politics.

Despite his comments, Arjuna clarified that he did not intend to criticize Rajinikanth but rather highlight TVK founder Vijay's resilience.

Rajnikant takes to social media to thank supporters
Statement

The veteran actor took to social media to express gratitude to fans who spoke out on his behalf when Arjuna made the remarks.

Rajnikant wrote, "I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who condemned his slanderous remarks and raised their voices in support of me...above all, to my fans—whom I revere as deities—for sustaining and uplifting me."

Supporters reject TVK leader's claims
Supporters' response

Rajinikanth's supporters have strongly rejected Arjuna's claims.

Tamil Nadu Minister S Regupathy called the allegation a "blatant lie," while former advisor Ra Arjunamurthy slammed TVK for its lack of political understanding.

A fan club representative also defended Rajinikanth, saying his exit from politics was due to public health concerns during the pandemic, not threats.

"He wanted to avoid loss of lives due to the virus," the representative was quoted as saying.

BJP leader demands apology
Apology demand

The controversy has also drawn the attention of Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran, who demanded an apology from Arjuna.

He described Rajinikanth as "the emperor of cinema and a towering figure in acting."

"Rajinikanth is not only the emperor of cinema and a towering figure in acting, but also a great spiritual personality," he reportedly said.