Ram Gopal Varma’s Bold Take: “Can Rajinikanth Exist Without Slow Motion?”
Renowned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma (RGV), known for films like Satya, Company, and Sarkar, recently sparked a debate on the difference between an actor and a superstar. In a candid conversation with Pinkvilla, he used the legendary Rajinikanth as an example to highlight this distinction.
RGV humorously questioned, “Without slow motion, I don’t know if Rajinikanth can exist.” His remark was not just a playful comment but an insight into the way audiences perceive larger-than-life stars.
Star vs. Actor: The RGV Perspective
According to Varma, acting is about portraying a character, while being a star is about commanding the screen. He admitted that he couldn’t imagine Rajinikanth playing a raw and gritty role like Bhikhu Mhatre from Satya, a character immortalized by Manoj Bajpayee.
He acknowledged, however, that Rajinikanth’s charisma is what makes him unique. Fans adore him not just for his performances but for the style, swag, and screen presence that define him. “You don’t mind seeing Rajinikanth walking in slow motion for half the film without doing anything—it gives you a high,” Varma explained.
Demigods on Screen: The Burden of Stardom
Expanding on his point, RGV also mentioned Amitabh Bachchan, stating that legendary stars become so iconic that audiences struggle to accept them in ordinary roles. He recalled watching a film where Amitabh Bachchan had a stomachache and confessed, “I used to hate that scene. I don’t want to see Amitabh Bachchan having a stomachache.”
This, according to RGV, is the essence of superstardom—where an actor transcends their craft and becomes a cultural symbol, making it difficult for fans to separate their real persona from their on-screen image.
Final Thoughts
While his comments may seem controversial, Ram Gopal Varma raises a compelling point about star power vs. acting prowess. Does Rajinikanth’s slow-motion persona overshadow his acting skills? Or is that very persona what makes him irreplaceable?
