An old video of Rajinikanth discussing the future of Raghavendra Mandapam has resurfaced amid reports that the Chennai property could be demolished to make way for a three-star hotel. In the video, the actor said the property’s future earnings would be used for a public purpose and benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.
Entertainment desk
October 02, 2026 / 18:39 IST
Rajinikanth old video resurfaces
Rajinikanth’s iconic Raghavendra Mandapam in Chennai has once again made headlines after reports of a possible transformation of the property. Amidst the speculation, an old video of the superstar has surfaced wherein he spoke about his plans for the venue and said its future earnings will benefit the people of Tamil Nadu.
The development has renewed interest in Rajinikanth’s long-standing association with the property, which has been linked to his fan interactions and gatherings for several decades.
Rajinikanth’s pledge on property
In the resurfaced video, Rajinikanth spoke about the property of around one and a quarter acres and revealed that he had handed over Raghavendra Mandapam to Raghavendra Public Charitable Trust.
He said the decision had been written into his will to be used for some public purpose in the end.
Rajinikanth made it clear that the profits from the property would go to the people of Tamil Nadu who had supported him throughout his career and not to his family.
Why Rajinikanth tied it to his fans
The actor’s comments were closely tied to the support he had from the public as he ascended the ladder of the cinema.
Rajinikanth reminisced the days when fans used to shell out their hard-earned money to watch his films even when the ticket prices were just a few rupees. He said the property was one way of giving something back to the people who helped him on his journey.
He also recalled discussing his decision with his wife Latha and family members before handing over the documents to his brother-in-law Varadacharya.
What is Raghavendra Mandapam doing now?
The old video has surfaced as reports about the future of Raghavendra Mandapam is creating a lot of buzz.
Times of India has quoted a Cinema Vikatan report that stated that the Chennai property could be demolished and a three-star hotel could be built there. But there has been no official word on the proposed development, its time frame or if the entire property will be changed as reported.
The uncertainty has also made Rajinikanth’s previous comments all the more relevant, with fans looking at his stated ambitions for the property.
A place much frequented by the Rajinikanth fan community
Raghavendra Mandapam has been more than just a regular wedding and function venue for Rajinikanth’s fans. The property, which was opened in 1989, has been associated with meetings with his fan clubs and other events related to his public life.
There have been reports of people getting financial aid through Rajinikanth regarding the venue, adding a different dimension to its history.
Rajinikanth’s forthcoming films
Meanwhile, Rajinikanth continues to be busy with his film work. His next project is Nelson Dilipkumar’s Jailer 2 which will release in theaters on October 15, 2026.
The actor is also shooting for ‘Dharman’ helmed by Ashwath Marimuthu. The film is currently going through its production schedule, and the last shooting was held in Mysuru.
As far as the Raghavendra Mandapam is concerned, its future is yet to be cleared further and Rajinikanth’s decades-old promise has again become a talking point for the iconic property.
Entertainment desk Entertainment Desk at Moneycontrol reports on the celebrities, movies that shape India’s entertainment industry. With a sharp focus on cinema, OTT, web series, and latest trends, the entertainment desk delivers verified news, and analytical stories that place entertainment within a wider economic and cultural context. Our coverage goes beyond celebrity to examine how storytelling, audiences and business decisions influence one of the country’s most influential creative industries.
first published: Oct 2, 2026 06:39 pm
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