CHENNAI: 'Thalaivar' Rajini turns 70 years old today. With the announcement of his political party on the 31st, preparations for making the most of the birthday celebrations have been completed under the leadership of Tamilaruvi Maniyan, a close friend of Rajinikanth and the leader of 'Gandhimakal Iyakam'. Charitable activities will be carried out all over Tamil Nadu.

After attending the celebrations in the morning, Rajini will return to Hyderabad tomorrow to complete 'Annaatthe' directed by Siruthai Siva. 'Annaatthe' means elder brother. The film is 60 percent complete and will also boost Rajinikanth's political entry.

Produced by Sun Pictures, the film has three main female characters. Years later, Khushboo and Meena star alongside Rajini. The third female lead is Keerthi Suresh.

An informal discussion on the party's key office bearers will also be held tomorrow morning under the chairmanship of Rajinikanth. Apart from Tamilaruvi Maniyan and party formation committee chief co-ordinator Arjuna Ramamurthy, Rajani Makkal Mantram office bearers will also be present.

No application has been filed with the Election Commission for the formation of a political party. It can take up to 120 days for the party to be allowed the flag and emblem. Tamil Nadu Assembly elections may be announced by the end of March. Before that, the party must get approval.

A third political force?

Rajini is optimistic that his party will become a third force as an alternative to DMK and AIADMK. Rajinikanth can achieve his desired goal only by squeezing out the ranks that support the DMK. Anna DMK leader and former mayor of Chennai Syedai Duraisamy is rumored to be joining Rajinikanth's party.