Shanthanu speaks out on Bhagyaraj’s 'Thalapathi' memory; stands by his father, calls for peace

Actor Shanthanu Bhagyaraj has come forward to support his father, legendary filmmaker and actor K Bhagyaraj, after an old interview resurfaced on social media on his birthday and triggered a storm of controversy. The clip, which had been making the rounds on social media, saw Bhagyaraj recounting a story from the making of Thalapathi (1990) in which he said he had suggested a different ending to superstar Rajinikanth. Though the statement was made reminiscing, the judgment made in the video did not sit well with some social media users, culminating in a barrage of criticisms, criticisms, and needless comparisons, leading Shanthanu to set the record straight.Taking to his X (Twitter) handle, Shanthanu urged restraint and mutual respect, making it clear that his father’s comment was never meant to undermine anyone. “No one is greater than anyone. This is just his vision, his thought, his version of an alternative climax. It may work, it may not,” he tweeted. Making it clear that cinema is subjective, Shanthanu highlighted that arguments and discussions are common in the industry. His tweet was focused on educating the audience that sharing a memory or story does not mean that the user is trying to diminish the greatness of an iconic movie or its creators.Shanthanu further appealed to social media users to avoid turning casual recollections into heated arguments. “He is just sharing his thoughts and a memory. Let’s not do what everyone does on this platform and create arguments. Peace," he said, signaling his desire for others to cease the barrage of messages. It resonated with people as the outcry was a bit excessive, considering the fact that this reel was circulating on Bhagyaraj's birthday. The actor noted how easily conversations about cinema greats could turn polarizing in the digital age. “Thalapathi,” directed by Mani Ratnam, is a masterpiece film that has the iconic combination of Rajinikanth and Mammootty. Even decades later, it is still a huge success at the box office. Bhagyaraj celebrated his 73rd birthday on the 7th of January 2023 and is the only actor-director-writer whom the entire Tamil film industry respects. Besides, he has also said that he intends to return to the arena of films and that may be a reason for the pertinence to discuss a needlessly controversial article and respectful post against intolerance.