Deepika Padukone’s next release is with ‘THE’ Rajnikanth. “Working with him in Kochadaiyyan was very inspiring. The kind of energy he brings to the sets even after working for so many years is amazing… he has that passion one can easily see in his eyes. After his illness I saw the same passion. We are trying out a new technique in <em>Kochadaiyyan</em>, the performance-capturing technique. So it’s a completely new experience with me. While the emotions are what I’ve conveyed, the technique used is completely new.”

While an appropriate date in December for the release of Rajnikanth’s eagerly-awaited post-illness opus Kochadaiyyan is being worked out, what emerges with absolute clarity is that this would be no run-of-the-mill release for a Rajnikanth starrer. All stops are being pulled out to ensure <em>Kochadaiyyan</em> is a historical event for Rajnikanth’s fans. Even as a date in December for a simultaneous worldwide release is being worked out, we now hear a 4-city ‘world’wind premiere tour is being planned for Rajnikanth.

Stories that Rajnikanth is being roped in to perform a song and dance for the new Aamir Khan starrer Talaash has Rajnikanth’s camp completely flummoxed and angry. And Ranikanth’s associates tell us the mega-star is not amused. What is more, when this writer questioned the Talaash director Reema Kagti about the rumours that the iconic Rajnikanth is turning into an item boy for Aamir, Reema completely denied the rumour. “Not true,” the beleaguered director responded.

Rajnikanth, who is known to go to any lengths to keep his fans happy, is apparently an unhappy man. He won’t be able to keep the promise that he made to his fans. And they are not going to like this one bit. Rajnikanth’s new release <em>Kochadaiyyan</em> won’t make it into theatres for Diwali, as the super-icon had promised. This is the iconic star’s first release after his health scare, his only release in the last two years and for at least the next two years. Theatres all over Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and other parts of the South were already being booked in bulk.