As the date for polling draws near, it looks like Tamil Nadu's biggest stars are drawing back. While there was news a few days ago that Vijay -- an actor with the second largest fan base in Kollywood, after Rajinikanth -- was lending his support to the DMK, the actor seems to be doing an about turn.
Reports have it that sources close to him are now quickly spreading the word that he plans to focus on his new project, rather than the poll outcome. His source has also told sections of the media that the actor does not want to be associated with supporting any party.
But it looks like his fan club members haven't got the latest memo -- because they seem to be sticking to their guns saying they have been asked "by word of mouth" to extend their support to the DMK's 'Rising Sun'. In fact, Vijay supported the AIADMK in 2011 election miffed by the industry being dominated by family members of DMK leader M Karunanidhi. But with Vijay's movies - Puli, Thalaiva and Thuppakki - running into rough weather in the last five years when the AIADMK came to power, there were rumours that the actor had given the clarion call for a volte-face, which he is now denying.
Recollecting the problems faced during Thalaiva, a hardcore fan of Vijay said that their star went to meet the AIADMK leader at Kodanadu seeking her intervention to release the movie. But, the actor did not get an appointment to meet her. "We want to teach a lesson to the AIADMK party. We will vote against them (AIADMK party) in the election," claimed Nagaraj, office bearer of Sholinghur Union Vijay Fans Club.
Vijay and his usually vocal father S A Chandrasekhar though are maintaining a stoic silence.
Meanwhile, though all eyes are on the fans of Rajinikanth, they have decided to keep away from the media until the voting is over. "We have been asked not to speak for or against any party. We have the freedom to vote for whoever we want," says a Rajini fan association district head.
"This time, it appears that all the actors are going the Rajini way and staying away from leaning towards any party," he says, adding that it is probably because they are afraid of what might happen to them and their movies if the party they back loses. "Then all their genuine work will be stalled," he says, adding that they seem to want to keep the box office and ballot box separate.
A diehard fan and an office bearer at another district club, says that there are not less than 10,000 hard-core fans in each constituency. "Many political parties have approached us seeking our support in the election. But we have been asked to not support anyone," he says.
This time, it appears that all the actors are going the Rajini way and staying away from leaning towards any party, said a Rajini fan association.