Amidst incessant speculations over their respective political careers, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan came together for an event honouring Tamil legend MG Ramachandran on his 101st birth anniversary, triggering a fresh round of speculations – this time, of an alliance.

The two shared the stage at the launch of the film ‘Kizhakku Africavil Raju’, a dream project of MGR which never materialised.

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Ever since Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan announced their respective foray into politics, there have been speculations on everything from the names of their parties to alliances with others.

While Rajinikanth announced his intention of joining politics on 31 December 2017, Kamal has been sending clear signals of his political intent for the last one year. Yet both Thalaivar, as Rajinikanth is fondly addressed by his fans, and Ulaganayagan, as Haasan is called by his, have kept themselves away from joining any political party.

This has triggered speculations that the two might join hands to give a fresh option to the people who are fed up with both the ruling AIADMK and the DMK.

No party other than AIADMK and DMK has come to power in Tamil Nadu since 1969.

Haasan will announce the name of his party on 21 February and begin a tour of Tamil Nadu on the same day to understand the needs and aspirations of the people. On 1 September 2017, Haasan, after a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, had remarked that his “colour” is “not saffron” indicating that he has no intention of forming an alliance with the BJP.

Later that month, Haasan had said that he will join Rajinikanth if the latter enters politics.

“We have been rivals on the professional front, but we always consult over key issues,” Haasan had told a leading Tamil daily.

Both the actors have been friends from the start of their respective careers.

On the other hand, Rajinikanth has already stated that his party, once officially formed, will contest from all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the 2021 elections. He has said that he wants only those who will work for the party without ulterior motives. There are speculations that he might join or form an alliance with the BJP.

On the stage, Rajini and Kamal stood next to each other and spoke with other guests at the event. Rajinikanth sounded the clapper board before a portrait of MGR to mark the start of the shooting of the film.