14 February,2026 08:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajinikanth
As Rajinikanth fans gear up to celebrate Maha Shivratri, a video from Madurai has stirred debate online. The clip shows a devoted admirer performing a special puja before an image of the superstar depicted as Lord Shiva, prompting mixed reactions across social media platforms.
The fan, identified as Karthik, reportedly constructed a small shrine inside his home for the ritual. In the now-viral video, he is seen offering milk and prayers to a framed still of the actor dressed as the deity. The image is said to be from the 1993 film Uzhaippali, in which the actor appeared in a divine avatar. As part of the tribute, Karthik decorated the photograph with a garland made of 500 vadais, symbolising the star's remarkable 50-year journey in cinema.
Speaking to ANI, the devotee explained that this was the third consecutive year he had performed the Shivratri puja in this manner. He described the gesture as an expression of gratitude and reverence toward the actor, whom he regards as a source of inspiration.
However, the act did not resonate well with many online users. As the video circulated widely on X and Instagram, several netizens criticised the ritual, questioning the blending of celebrity admiration with religious worship. Some argued that religious festivals should remain focused on deities rather than film personalities, while others described the act as excessive fan devotion. A few comments suggested that even the actor himself might find the spectacle amusing or unnecessary.
A user wrote, "Omg. So many f'''ls are there here. Even Rajini will laugh seeing it", with another writing, "I am sure Thalaivar rajinikanth will not approve this cringe stuff." Another one shared, "Behave yourselves, people.... See a human only as a human." "What the heck is this," one quipped, with another twitterati writing, "This should never be encouraged at any time."
The incident once again highlights the extraordinary fan culture surrounding the veteran star, whose influence often transcends cinema. While many admirers view such gestures as heartfelt tributes, others see them as an example of how celebrity worship can blur lines with faith. The debate underscores the powerful emotional connection fans share with their idols, and the conversations that follow when devotion takes unconventional forms.
