Ram-Gopal-Varma

RGV’s take on Rajinikanth’s stardom and acting skills, He says Rajinikanth’s fans love his style, not his ability to play real-life roles

 

Ram Gopal Varma has sparked a debate with his latest comments on superstar Rajinikanth’s acting. In an interview with Pinkvilla, the filmmaker questioned whether Rajinikanth is a "good actor" or if his presence relies on slow-motion sequences.

According to Varma, Rajinikanth embodies the essence of a star rather than an actor, suggesting that audiences view him as a larger-than-life figure rather than someone who can portray everyday characters.

 

Acting is about a character: Ram Gopal Varma

 

According to Varma, being a star varies from that of an actor. "People like to see Rajinikanth slow down rather than getting immersed in real-life roles," he said. "Without slow motion, I don’t know if Rajinikanth can exist," he added.

He, thus, compared it in the sense of audience perception to that of Amitabh Bachchan, specifying that the fans do not want to see their favorite stars doing uninteresting things or in vulnerable roles.

 

'Demigod' Status Limits Acting Range, Says Varma

 

Varma said that an actor's demigod-like status constrains their playability in normal acts. Varma talked of a scene where Amitabh Bachchan had a stomachache, noting that it was something he hated to watch. "I don’t want to see Amitabh Bachchan having a stomachache," he affirmed, bolstering the theory that those creatures are grand entities to watch in a particular light.

The filmmaker also mentioned that Rajinikanth’s on-screen presence is so iconic that the audience does not mind watching him walk in slow motion for extended periods. He argued that Rajinikanth's appeal lies in his screen presence rather than his ability to transform into different characters.

 

Varma's Opinions About Rajinikanth's Act Performance Range

 

Varma added Rajinikanth is not suitable for some of the heavier roles. He placed him on par with Bhikhu Mhatre, a gangster role played by Manoj Bajpayee in Satya. "I don’t think Rajinikanth can do a Bhikhu Mhatre," he said, thinking that type of movie also does not suit his image.

Even if Varma has talked down on Rajinikanth's acting prowess, his every utterance is a tribute to the unique charm that Rajinikanth has represented throughout his career. His fans glorify his unique style, and his appeal keeps reaching limitless boundaries.

 

Upcoming Project of Ram Gopal Varma

 

Besides decrying King, Varma has his film Syndicate coming up. Varma describes it as a nail-biting thriller that uncovers the dark truths concerning power and control. While announcing the film on social media, he hinted that Syndicate would unravel some truths that would shock human nature.

While there is a thoughtful discussion going on about Varma's utterances, Rajinikanth's star power is simply unquestionable. His fans celebrate their larger-than-life hero, and that a few legends exist independently of conventional definitions of acting.