Many second rung leaders interpret the message as Rajini’s attempt to rebuild ties with the party leadership and portray himself as politically neutral.

A DMK senior said Rajiniposted the message only after discussing the current political climate with his trusted friends. The DMK leader, who claimed that the actor had discussed the arrival of new faces to the State BJP and alliance arithmetic of both Dravidian parties, opined that a politically ambitious Rajinikanth would not have greeted Duraimurugan or Baalu in normal circumstances.

“One could argue that it was political decency to greet someone taking over as the second and third in command in the rival camp. But the Rajini of recent times was different,” the DMK senior said, attributing the rumours about him floating a party in November to the enthusiasm of his acquaintances who are attempting to secure political rehabilitation.

“We hear that the actor was not favourably disposed to take the political plunge now. It could be a smokescreen too. We are wary of it and are prepared for the entry of any number of actors. The momentum is with us,” said a DMK functionary.

Some opined that the actor was reciprocating to the gesture by Stalin’s son-in-law Sabarishan, who had greeted him on his 45th year in Kollywood. Unlike outspoken DMK youth wing secretary Udhayanidhi, Sabarishan has been reticent vis-à-vis Rajinikanth.