Will political ambitions make three South Indian superstars quit films?

Politics in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have been taking interesting turns for quite long now. While Tamil Nadu’s political fraternities have been witnessing a turmoil ever since the death of former Chief Minister Sri Jayalalithaa, the newly carved Andhra Pradesh has been deprived of the promises made by the centre in 2014 and has been demanding justice ever since.

It is a known fact that film stars in South India are worshipped as figures no less than demi-gods and possess a fan base that can be considered to be unparalleled on several fronts. In the past, stars such as N.T. Rama Rao, M.G. Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa, and others were able to use this charisma to emerge as mass leaders and contribute immensely to their respective states by serving as Chief Ministers or in other prominent political roles.

Fans have always wanted more from their stars, be it through their larger-than-life films, or by occupying the chair and delivering justice to the people. While the current superstars here have always been in the frame to make their political entries, the above mentioned scenarios have made them announce their political entries. On the one hand, there’s Pawan Kalyan from Andhra Pradesh, who with his Janasena Party, has been striving to do his bit for the Telugu people. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu has recently seen the political emergence of Rajnikanth and Kamal Hassan. While the former has announced his arrival in last December, the latter intimated that he too will soon be floating his party for the Tamils.

As the fans seem to have embraced their superstars’ each step with open arms, there lies a flip of the coin which might prove to be a major disappointment to millions around the globe. Speculations have been rife that once these actors take on their political roles with a full charge, their film careers might come to an end.

Pawan Kalyan, who greeted the audience with his Agnyaathavasi earlier this year, has stated that at this stage, politics forms his first priority and he isn’t too keen on making films right now. Down South in Kollywood, Rajni, who is set to hit the screens with his Kaala

and 2.0, might call it quits on his acting career after another film or two. Kamal too will be releasing his Vishwaroopam 2 and Sabash Naidu before pursuing his political ambitions in a full-fledged manner.

However, at this point, these just pertain to be speculations as any change of events in the future might result in a different outcome, as was in the case of Telugu Megastar Chiranjeevi.