Chennai, September 25, 2017 | UPDATED 14:28 IST
People are desperate for a leader who could reflect their voices, be it in the Cabinet or on Twitter. They need someone to empathise with them. Kamal Haasan has been quick to seize the opportunity.
Kamal Haasan has slowly but surely positioned himself as a potential third front option in Tamil Nadu. (File Photo) 
Arvind Kejriwal.
Rajinikanth, Haasan has been vocal about various issues.In July this year, media went berserk after Rajinikanth's explosive statement that he's willing to enter politics if that's "Aandavar's (God) wish". Call it ironical, but Kamal Haasan is dearly addressed as 'Aandavar'. And now, it's the latter who is racing ahead in what appears to be a political race.
Earlier in January, Kamal Haasan created quite a storm on social media following his infamous "ban biryani" statement during jallikattu. Since then, Haasan has been a soft target of armchair critics, political commentators and more importantly the ruling state government.
A few months ago, Haasan was accused of 'Twitter politics' by the MLAs of the now-merged EPS and OPS camps, who supposedly misinterpreted and took offence for the television reality show, Bigg Boss, as some sort of a satirical take on their pleasant stay at a Koovathur resort.
Often known for his rhetorical statements, Haasan vehemently criticised the AIADMK and levelled corruption charges. For what seemed like a mere criticism at first, turned out to be vendetta after the ministers, including Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswamy took several jibes at the actor and 'challenged' him to enter politics.
It's important to quote filmmaker Bharathiraja, who perhaps cautioned the ministers not to annoy Haasan. He said, "If Kamal doesn't understand politics, let him be. Don't compel him, as he would master it to perfection and taunt you."
With a calculative use of Twitter and Bigg Boss, Haasan has now positioned himself as a potential third front that may have a ripple effect in the upcoming elections. As we speak; as we write, Haasan is moved a step beyond political tourism towards what quite candidly calls a 'crown of thorns'.
Unlike his counterpart Rajinikanth, who has only been making news for almost two decades, Hassan was quick to confess that he's an opportunist - that might as well earn him a book 'The Accidental Chief Minister'. Now that he has come out in the open and said he wants to "serve the people", we must also understand that politics is a strenuous business.
Haasan isn't stupid to make such comments. Or we choose to believe so. While the state is witnessing a political vacuum, the elected 'puppet' government is busy taking a dip in the Cauvery. The difference, however, is that people perceive the puppeteer to be at the Centre this time.
People are desperate for a leader who could reflect their voices, be it in the Cabinet or on Twitter. They need someone to empathise with them. Kamal Haasan has been quick to seize the opportunity. He has spoken about many thorny issues while the other star Rajinikanth has chosen silence to be golden. There are reasons now to believe Haasan makes a better alternative.
PERIYARIAN AND GANDHIAN POLICY
Kamal Haasan is a staunch believer of the Periyarian and Gandhian principles that has echoed in his films like Unnal Mudiyum Thambi and Hey Ram. The Dravidian movement is possibly the best thing that could have happened to Tamils. The fact, however, remains that the state is driven by caste-based votes. Especially the other backward castes that constitute 68 per cent of the population. For someone who vouches for a caste-less society, it would be a hurricane task to garner votes. Haasan would still be targeted for his Brahminical roots, despite the fact that he's a self-declared atheist.
POTENTIAL THREAT FOR HINDUTVA
It's an open secret that Rajinikanth is the last hope for the BJP to sow its seeds in Tamil Nadu. For years, veteran journalist-satirist Cho Ramaswamy, an RSS sympathiser, has envisioned Rajini as a successor in Tamil Nadu. At the same time, Kamal has always been critical of the Hindutva norms, be it beef ban or Hindi imposition.
He's been strongly opposing the rising communal tension in the country. Perhaps it's one of the reasons why he made Hey Ram, where the Indian flag transforms and turns into a Lotus. After his recent educational trip to Kerala, some even predicted a strong opposition with a combined force of Pinarayi Vijayan and Kamal Haasan.
Kamal Haasan himself doesn't identify with the left and insists he is a centrist. But while being a Centrist, he so clearly leans Left. Rajinikanth on the other hand leans Right if he is not aloof.
Tamil Nadu is one of the very few states where communal riots are not a regular phenomenon. Now that the DMK has been a disappointing opposition amid rising intolerance, chances are high that Haasan's left-inspired Centrism will find support. It's worth mentioning that Kamal Haasan is ambidextrous, in case he has to deal with the other party.
TAMIL THALAIVANo work no pay only for Govt. Employees?. How about horse trading politicians languishing in resorts?
- Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 15, 2017
From the on and off-screen persona, Kamal Haasan seems to have modelled himself after the path-breaking Tamil poet Subramania Bharathi, who's known for his whimsical take on casteism and women empowerment.
The 'Tamil Pride' has always translated to vote banks. And Haasan is a staunch Dravidian, as much he's a Tamilian. Even in a recent interview, Haasan said that he's taking the plunge for the people - a gimmickry that politicians often intend to use. On the other hand, he was the first actor to disown his fan clubs and started a welfare organisation called 'Narpani Iyakkam' that has implemented many welfare activities for the past 37 years.
In fact, Pinarayi Vijayan appreciated the organisation and advised Haasan to take a concrete step. Considering the recent events and Haasan's bold stand on NEET among other issues, the state deserves a leader who could negotiate with the Centre without burning the bridges.
That said, in a conservative state like Tamil Nadu, it's very unlikely to have a rationalist ruling the hearts. And Haasan seriously needs to stop making statements like black includes saffron too", as it may lead to further confusions - like his tweets."We expect leaders to take us where we want to go. Failing which, they become something else. They become politicians." That is a popular quote and Kamal Haasan knows what it means. In a television interview, he said, "Don't elect and tolerate me for five years. If I fail you, sack me immediately." From what we comprehend, Haasan is aiming for a political reforms.
His main planks, in his own words, are corruption, agriculture, education and health. Corruption has been endemic in this otherwise progressive state. Agriculture has been a source of worry for decades as Tamil farmers find themselves at the mercy of the vagaries of nature. Education has come into sharp focus especially after the recent NEET controversy and healthcare for poor remains in misery. One can say he has got his issues in place.
Kamal Haasan is one of the biggest actors India has seen. In a macro second, he can impersonate Marlon Brando or John Wayne. But can he do an MG Ramachandran? Well, if he doesn't intend to end up as Sivaji Ganesan, he will have to put all his passion into politics.
WATCH: It is a crown of thorns, but I am willing to wear it: Kamal Haasan on joining politics