Five Rajinikanth films that courted controversy

Ever since his blockbuster movie Baasha in 1995, movies featuring Rajinikanth have seen their fair share of controversies. Ranging from political or religious controversies to plagiarism, Thalaiva has seen it all.

Here is a list of three movies, that have been entangled in controversy.

Lingaa

The movie is based on the destruction of a dam in a village. Before the release of the movie an aspiring filmmaker KV Ravi Rathinam from Madurai alleged that the plot of Lingaa was taken from his script based on the Mullaperiyar Dam. He filed a petition against the filmmakers of Lingaa starring Rajinikanth. Rajinikanth himself filed a counter affidavit claiming damage on his image. The movie also starred Sonakshi Sinha.

Baba

The movie was released in 2002, and the controversy surrounding it was of Rajinikanth smoking beedis. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S. Ramadoss condemned Rajinikanth for smoking and encouraging the Tamil youth to indulge in it. PMK supporters attacked the theatres and caused havoc in film theatres screening the movie. 

Kabali

The film found itself into many controversies after its release. It was called a Dalit movie as Kabali has multiple instances that showcase Dalit scriptures being read. Director Pa Ranjith portrayed the social issues facing the Dalit community in this film.

A case was also filed against the filmmaker for caste-based lyrics in the Ulagam Oruvanukka song.

Kuselan

Like Kaala, pro-Kannada groups protested against the release of Kuselan after a remark by Rajinikanth over the Hogenakkal Dam issue. After his speech where he had slammed Karnataka, his movies were banned in the state.  The movie was only released after the superstar apologized for his comments. 

Endhiran

The title of the Bollywood version of the movie, 'Robot', was under attack by a filmmaker who accused the Endhiran makers of stealing the title from his title. The makers later came back with a reply claiming that the rights to the title was registered with Shahrukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and he had given it in goodwill.