Rajnikant makes a surprise visit at `Ghilli' celebration

CHENNAI (1 June 2005) : It was a function to celebrate the silver jubilee of `Ghilli' but the invitees had no clue as to who would be the chief guest.

Naturally, the crowd was less and only a few connected with the tinsel world turned up at the avenue. But when superstar Rajnikant entered the hall, it became jam-packed in minutes. A minor commotion ensued as photographers jostled with each other to take snaps of the superstar.

But the audience waited in excitement for the superstar to speak.

After giving away over 200 shields to the stars, technicians and exhibitors of `Ghilli', Mr. Rajnikanth said: "Initially, I did not want to give a speech as I had decided to do so only on the 100th day celebrations of `Chandramukhi'. But after seeing the crowd I changed my mind."

"When `Chandramukhi' was released simultaneously with `Sachein', everyone was talking about who was competing with whom. But Vijay was humble enough to say that he was my fan and was never a competitor. If Vijay is my fan, I am his admirer," he said. "A film succeeds or fails depending on its subject. If you have a good subject you will pass with distinction. Hats off to Dharani for choosing this subject and making it a box-office success. `Ghilli' is nothing more than the story of Ramayana told in a different manner. When I see Vikram and Vijay together here it reminds me of my days in 1982-83 when Kamal Haasan and I used to have friendly chat together. Everybody (in the film world) must earn and we too must earn. That should be the spirit in making films. If this becomes a reality, then all of us will be prosperous," he said to a thunderous applause.

Rajnikant also had a word of praise for Vijay's ability to do comic roles.

The film's producer A.M. Rathnam said: "When I met him (Rajnikant) I requested him to come to the function as all the technicians were eager to receive the shields from him. He accepted it."

Director Dharani praised the entire team of assistants and technicians. Actor Vikram, Directors Bhakiyaraj and S.A. Chandrasekaran, and actor Prakash Raj spoke.