Animated Rajinikanth to get new mannerisms in 'Sultan'

An animated version of Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is set to wow fans in a 3-D film that features him in the role of an armour-clad warrior -- with a whole new set of his trademark mannerisms.

In "Sultan - The Warrior", directed by daughter Soundarya, Rajinikanth dons the persona of a swordsman with an uncanny resemblance to the 58-year-old actor.

"Thousands of years from now when you look up Indian entertainment history and you say animation, Rajinikanth will be the first man to (have) ever been animated," Soundarya said in an interview.

The animation film, slated for release in 12 languages by the end of 2008, is being promoted as a completely commercial venture and includes four song-and-dance sequences.


"It is a period film…on the lines of 'Troy' and 'Gladiator'…it is more of a war movie," the director said. "(But) It has everything a Rajinikanth commercial film needs in it".

Rajinikanth's unique acting style is characterised by a trademark gesture: toss a cigarette in the air, catch it in his lips, then light it with a match struck on a shirt sleeve.

In "Sultan - The Warrior", fans will get to see some new additions to his repository of popular mannerisms.

"Not only what he is already famous for but some new ones which my dad and I have personally worked on," said Soundarya.

"I want to do something that will become a trendsetter after 'Sultan', so lot of new mannerisms."

Rajnikanth's last film, "Sivaji -- The Boss", was a blockbuster hit in 2007 and fans are looking forward to seeing the superstar in a new avatar.

"We love Rajinikanth and we will go to see any film that he is in because we are sure that the film will be good," said businessman Vijay Menon. "Seeing Rajinikanth in an animation film will be a great experience."
Although his popularity remains largely restricted to southern India and the Tamil diaspora, Rajinikanth has also gained a cult following in Japan after his film "Muthu" was released there in 1998.

Courtesy: Deccanherald.com