Rana title stays, assures director Ravikumar

Director K.S. Ravikumar has brushed aside media reports that the title of superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film ‘Rana’ might be changed. Reports appearing in the vernacular press said that the title could be changed as it didn’t prove ‘lucky’ for the superstar who fell ill on the evening of same day on which the film was launched (on 29th April).
Reacting to those reports, Ravikumar said that the reports were baseless. The director, who has already given two mega-hits in ‘Muthu’ and ‘Padaiyappa’ with superstar Rajini, would be directing him for the third time in the period flick ‘Rana’. Incidentally, Rajini would be essaying three roles in the film, something he hadn’t done after his super-hit film ‘Moondrum Mugam’ in the early eighties.
Rajini spent more than two months, during which time his fans and well-wishers were very anxious, in two Chennai hospitals and in Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth hospital before recuperating from the kidney-related and other ailments. The star returned to Chennai on the night of 13th July to a rousing reception from his fans and the public.
Ravikumar revealed that he had been meeting Rajini almost on a ‘daily basis’ after the latter’s return to Chennai from Singapore. “Neither did Rajini bring up the issue of changing the title nor did I take up the matter with him. I can only say that these rumours claiming a change in title are baseless. Both the title and the script are Rajini’s; as such, the title ‘Rana’ stands as it is,” he assured.