Rajinikanth reveals the real story behind his controversial 1995 speech against Jayalalithaa

In 1995, during the grand 100th-day celebration of 'Baasha', Superstar Rajinikanth made a bold political statement criticizing the concept of hereditary politics. The speech, though not directly aimed, was seen as an attack on then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, leading to serious consequences for R.M. Veerappan (RMV), a minister and the film’s producer. After 30 years, Rajinikanth has revealed the reason behind his controversial speech.
Rajinikanth Recalls Political Fallout from Baasha’s 100th Day Speech
In the recently released video remembering RM Veerappan, Superstar Rajinikanth opens up about a highly sensitive and emotional incident involving late minister R.M. Veerappan and the political fallout following the 100th-day celebration of the blockbuster film 'Baasha'. The documentary, which pays tribute to the towering political strategist and film producer, sees Rajinikanth sharing heartfelt memories about RMV’s influence, generosity, and resilience, calling him a “true kingmaker” and one of the few individuals he deeply respected in life, alongside leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Cho Ramaswamy.
The controversial speech and its aftermath
Rajinikanth recalled how during the grand 100th-day celebration of 'Baasha', a film RMV had produced, he made comments against the "Varigala aatchi" (hereditary politics) — remarks that were perceived as indirect criticism of the ruling AIADMK government led by then-Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Although his comments were aimed at broader political concerns, the fallout was swift and severe. RMV, who had since become a minister in Jayalalithaa’s cabinet, was abruptly sacked from his post. Rajinikanth was deeply shaken to learn that his speech had led to such consequences.

A personal crisis and RMV’s graceful reaction
Haunted by guilt, Rajinikanth shared that he couldn’t sleep the night he heard the news. He immediately reached out to RMV the next morning to express his heartfelt apology, believing his words had cost RMV his ministerial role. However, RMV, with remarkable composure, brushed it off, insisting Rajini not worry or feel responsible. “He acted like nothing happened at all. That was his greatness,” Rajinikanth reflected emotionally, emphasizing RMV’s strength of character and ability to stay calm under pressure.
A lasting legacy
Rajinikanth went on to describe RMV as the embodiment of humility, wisdom, and leadership — someone who genuinely lived up to the title "Kingmaker." Even though Rajini declined further appearances at political functions following that incident, the bond and admiration he shared with RMV remained unshaken. The R.M.V: The Kingmaker documentary thus not only highlights a defining moment in Tamil Nadu’s political and cinema history but also captures the deep personal connection between two iconic figures whose lives intersected in unforgettable ways.