The Shivaji Movie AVM 9th Film

The affinity that the super star has for AVM, which is celebrating its diamond jubilee, is easy to understand. `Murattukalai' (1980) was the beginning of what has proved to be a long and fruitful association — `Pokkiri Raja' (1982), `Paayum Puli' (1983), `Nallavanukku Nallavan' (1984), `Mr. Bharath' (1986), `Manidhan' (1987), `Raja Chinna Roja' (1989) and `Yejaman' (1993). `Sivaji' is the ninth.

Rajini fans, who cannot wait for the release of `Sivaji,' have one more reason to celebrate. It is the superstar's 100th Tamil film, a fact he was not aware of and was pleasantly surprised when told at a function he attended recently at the AVM Studios. The credit for ferreting out this vital piece of information goes to the inimitable Film News Anandan, who came up with more details about Rajini's career. Rajinikanth has acted in 173 films of which 99 are Tamil. Telugu films account for 16, Kannada 11, Malayalam 2, Hindi 24 and one each in Bengali and English (Blood Stone). Besides he has made guest appearances in 19.

After the puja ceremony was completed marking the launch of Ananda Film Circuit's maiden venture `Billa,' Rajini headed for the office of AVM Saravanan, who is producing `Sivaji' along with M.S.Guhan. There he posed with all the 250 employees of the studio for a photograph. Director Sp. Muthuraman (joint producer for `Sivaji') was also present on the occasion.

Mr. Saravanan was all praise for Rajinikanth. "I haven't come across a hero more well-behaved," he said. "The fame has not gone to his head. Declining to use an air-conditioned caravan, he retires to his room after the day's work and relaxes. All he needs is a decent bed to sleep on and a place to do yoga and meditation," he continued. "And what is more, apart from the advance of Rs.1001, he has not taken any money as payment. `That can wait. Let's first finish work,' was all he said," Saravanan concluded