Actor-politician Kamal Haasan has said that he is disappointed with the dig against actor Rajinikanth’s delayed political entry in the trailer of Jayam Ravi-starrer Comali, saying it is not in good taste. The trailer has been facing criticism from Rajinikanth fans and supporters since its release on Saturday, with many demanding the removal of the scene.
According to a Facebook post by Murali Appas, spokesperson of Kamal Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam, Kamal called the film’s producer Ishari Ganesh immediately after watching the trailer to say it was not enjoyable. “He said he did not find the scene entertaining, and was disappointed by it.”
Responding to the backlash, producer Ishari Ganesh said that the scene mocking Rajinikanth would be removed. However, the film’s director Pradeep Ranganathan told Silverscreen, “The scene will not be removed in its entirety, but we will be making some changes.”
The trailer garnered over a million views in a day, with many appreciating the makers for what promises to be an entertaining film. But it faced outrage from Rajinikanth fans who tweeted #BoycottComali, and also criticised the celebrities who shared the trailer.
In the trailer, Jayam Ravi’s character is seen waking up from a coma after 16 years, and when he asks for the year, Yogi Babu, who plays his friend, turns on the TV to show Rajinikanth making the grand announcement of his political entry. But, Jayam Ravi’s character refuses to believe this is from the present. He says, “Who are you fooling? This is 1996!”
1996 was when Rajinikanth had popularly said that if the then Chief Minister and AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa was voted back to power, even god could not save Tamil Nadu. Jayalalithaa faced a massive defeat in the elections that year, and this led to wide speculation that Rajinikanth was hinting at a political entry. The much-awaited announcement from him came years later, on December 31, 2017. However, Rajinikanth is yet to form his party and contest elections.
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth fans have demanding a boycott.
I never expected totally disappointed #boycottcomali pic.twitter.com/oW0zreD3Q6
— Khan (@Khan23842742) August 4, 2019
Not only @actor_jayamravi , the director, producer & the entire team involved in that scene making are SILLY & promotion minded.
Till a proper apology note & scene removal is confirmed. #BoycottComali ❌ https://t.co/sFIZoaDpsO
— R@j!n!⭐️Follo?ers™ (@RajiniFollowers) August 3, 2019
I'm gng to keep this pic as my DP, after seeing #ComaliTrailer. #Thalaivaa nee varum varai than avargalin aattam.. #நாளைய_தமிழகம்_ரஜினி 50K tweet???#BoycottComali 100% ? pic.twitter.com/77iz96nlPq
— Thalaivar 167 ?? (@geejeyz) August 3, 2019
The film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Yogi Babu, Samyuktha Hegde and KS Ravi Kumar. Music is by Hip Hop Tamizha, cinematography by Richard M Nathan, and editing by Praveen KL.
Watch the trailer here: