Andhra Congress questions Naidu's 'Sivaji' fixation

Jun 19, 2007 IANS



Hyderabad, June 18 (IANS) The ruling Congress party in Andhra Pradesh Monday questioned Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N. Chandrababu Naidu's motive behind urging his party members to watch Tamil superstar Rajnikant's latest blockbuster "Sivaji: The boss".


The party even suggested that Naidu might have invested in the film, said to be the most expensive movie ever made in India with a whopping budget of over Rs.600 million ($15 million).


"Naidu could have either invested in the film because he is giving so much publicity to it, or he might have thought that it would change his fate," said state Agriculture Minister N. Raghuveera Reddy.


The Congress also claimed that the former chief minister was personally calling up district party presidents and asking them to direct their members to watch the film.


On Sunday, Naidu had asked TDP activists to watch "Sivaji", saying it reflected present-day politics in the state.


"All of you should see Rajnikant's latest film 'Sivaji'. Whatever is shown in the movie is what is exactly happening in this state," he said at a party meet.


A day before the film's release, Rajnikant had flown into Hyderabad and watched its premiere with Naidu and other TDP leaders.


Naidu also urged party members to don the role of "Sivaji" in real life to unearth black money from the houses and offices of Congress leaders.


Naidu, who was chief minister from 1995 to 2004, alleged that the Congress government was neck-deep in corruption. Raghuveera Reddy, however, said Naidu could not prove any of his allegations.


The Telugu version of "Sivaji" was released in 300 theatres across Andhra Pradesh Friday, with Rajnikant fans queuing up for long hours to get a ticket.


According to the superstar, the film's message to society was that black money bred more grudge, jealousy, greed and grief. Directed by Shankar, "Sivaji" is the story of a man who returns to India from the US to do good for the people.



Click the Movie button below for more info:
Sivaji


Rajinikanth Pictures

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