Rajinikanth mania hits Malacca as 'Kabali' begins shooting

The Rajinikanth mania is sweeping across Malacca in fever-pitch mode as die-hard fans of the South Indian film superstar find themselves in seventh heaven, knowing their screen idol is in the state to film his latest movie, 'Kabali'.

One such loyal fan is Malacca MIC Liaison chairman Datuk M. S. Mahadevan who described the opportunity to meet the movie icon on Tuesday as an "unforgettable moment of my life".

That was when Rajinikanth paid a courtesy call on Malacca Governor Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob.

Mahadevan, who is also state company affairs, human resources and NGO committee chairman, was thrilled to bits when he came face to face with his number one idol who starred in blockbuster movies such as 'Muthu', 'Baasha', 'Sivaji the Boss' and 'Enthiran', among countless Rajinikanth superhits.

"Rajinikanth is a very friendly and easily approachable person, so I hope his management will let his fans, especially here in Malacca, meet him in person.

"This is his first visit to Melaka and I was told 'Kabali' tells the journey of the main character, who lives in this country for about 20 years, transitioning from bad to good," he told Bernama here Wednesday.

Mahadevan said the selection of Malaccaa as the film's location would help promote the state's tourism at international level.

'Kabali' is scheduled to shoot in several places in the state and Wednesday's filming was at the Sungai Udang Prison. The movie is scheduled to film here until Nov 2.

Rajinikanth, real name Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, was born on Dec 12, 1950 in Bangalore, India. His first foray into acting was through the film, 'Apoorva Raagangal' in 1975.

His other famous films include 'Thalapathy', 'Mannan', 'Annamalai', 'Uzhaippali', 'Veera', 'Arunachalam' and 'Padayappa'.

READ: When you hear the name Rajinikanth, what do you think of?

Malacca-based Makkal Osai journalist R. Malini, 37, said the opportunity to meet the superstar when she was covering the courtesy call on the Malacca governor was among the most defining moments of her career.

"Whenever he (Rajinikanth) is around, there is a very soothing and comfortable aura...like meeting up with my own late father. Rajinikanth is a very spiritual man.

"Even though I have met a lot of other actors previously, meeting him was the greatest experience," she said.

Food trader Dawood Abdul Ghafur, 49, said he wanted to meet his film idol personally since he was a teenager.

"If I was given the opportunity, I want to invite him to eat 'nasi lemak' at my stall," he said.

Civil servant Kamarudin Atan, 43, said he was looking for the next filming location for 'Kabali' to witness the filming process and meet the actor himself.