If imitation is the best form of flattery, then Kamal Haasan may idolise Rajnikanth. 

Addressing a May Day function organised by his fans in Chennai, Kamal Haasan said he was ready to support and campaign for any political party that did not make caste or religion its plank and agenda.

"They should be genuine," he said, after distributing aid to the poor at a well-attended function at the Madurai Medical College.

His announcement comes at a time when Tamil Nadu's ruling party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, is showing a Hindutva streak.

Not everyone sees Kamal Haasan's announcement in isolation. Critics cite recent box-office failures like Aalavandan and Hey! Ram as the reason for his sudden interest in politics. With subsequent light-hearted comedies like Pammal K Sambandam and Thenali not faring too well either, they feel a brush with politics may be his attempt to retain the younger generation that is increasingly opting for younger stars.

His new film Sandiyar was launched in Madurai, otherwise known as Tamil Nadu's movie capital.

Coincidentally Madurai is also the main centre for state politics, with most major parties wanting to hold their conferences in this temple town, particularly on the eve of the polls.

Kamal Haasan's strategy, industry watchers say, is a repeat of what Rajnikanth has used to launch his movies in the last 15 years.

On the eve of launching Basha, Rajnikanth called on Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam General Secretary Vaiko, citing a wedding in the latter's family as the reason. That was when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was in power, and Rajnikanth shared cold vibes with the main opposition, the AIADMK.

Before launching Baba recently, he called on DMK chief M Karunanidhi. It seemed ironical, given the spiritual orientation of Baba's script, and Karunanidhi's known reservation about religion and the occult.

Since his maiden home production Valli, where he made a guest appearance, Rajnikanth's movies have always drubbed the political establishment. To add to that, there were regular predictions of his imminent entry into politics.

Kamal Haasan's announcement has not evoked much of a reaction yet.

As a star, Kamal Haasan has displayed a social conscience. His fan associations have been organising blood donation camps across the state on his birthday (November 7) for over two decades. Recently, he signed up to donate his organs.

Share your comments

What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 36 Sub: Rediff is worst in makin news Your message of everything about this article is worst..U r worst news provider ..neither kamal follows rajni or has intention of politics and TN's every ... Posted by thiruchelvan Sub: INTENTIONALLY Kamal will use the Political statements only when his films get flap, Rajini had not done that. He has not said that Politics is as ... Posted by VISU Sub: Fate of TN>. It seems that the fate of TN is in the hands of Movie stars all the time. But, Rajini , as a person looks to ... Posted by Ramanathan Sub: Class We should think actor/actors as only they are the entertainer, we should appreciate only their performance. There is no doubt Kamal is for class people ... Posted by KM Sub: plz dont compare rajini with kamal rajiniganth was not only a fine actor but also a benovolent person and genuine person.he is demi god of tamilnadu. he is indomitable actor.we cannot ... Posted by gopalakrishnan.m.k