One wishes success to each one of them individually (despite the fact that is a mathematical impossibility) and hope that they would deliver at-least a fraction of what they have promised to the masses.
But they must also understand that in mid-nineties virtually the entire state of Tamil Nadu was with Rajni. Yet he chose not to jump into the election arena. He realised, and wisely so, that personal popularity may not translate into electoral fortunes. And even if it does, it was difficult to beat the system. If that could happen to the biggest and the best amongst, the less said the better about the others.
Most of them would realise it is easier to start a political party than to sustain it. As a matinee hero, one could mouth a handful of dialogues against casteism, communalism, or anything else and get away. In real life it is entirely different. And the need to balance between caste and community in real life makes it extremely difficult even for these heroes of the silver screen to sustain their political activity beyond a point.
For instance, Vijaykanth's party -- the most promising amongst the lot -- polled approximately eight percent in the last assembly elections. That was sufficient to play spoiler to most of candidates, especially AIADMK across the state. Friends in the party tell me that by the next elections the vote share of Vijaykanth's party could well double if not treble.
Even at that stage, it is impossible to believe that he has reached the threshold number of votes to form the government all by himself. Assuming for the movement that it does, what next? This is one question most of these hero turned politicians fail to answer.
Image: Rajni with Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder Vijayakanth.
Photograph: Sreeram Selveraj
Also read: Rajnikanth leads Kollywood protest against K'taka
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