Filmmaker Lenin Bharathi has criticized Tamil superstar Rajinikanth after the actor gifted a gold chain to a sanitation worker, calling the gesture “fake philanthropy” and questioning what he described as selective displays of generosity. The remarks were made on social media following widespread praise for Rajinikanth’s interaction with the worker at his Poes Garden residence.

The controversy began after Rajinikanth met Padma, a sanitation worker from T Nagar, who had found an unclaimed pouch containing 45 sovereigns of gold ornaments and promptly ensured it was returned to its rightful owners through official channels. The actor invited her to his home and honored her with a gold chain, a moment that was shared online by his team and widely applauded by fans for recognizing her honesty.

Reacting to the viral images, Lenin Bharathi reposted one of the photographs on X (formerly Twitter) and accused Rajinikanth of failing to support sanitation workers during protests for their rights. Referring to demonstrations held near the Ripon Building, the headquarters of the Greater Chennai Corporation, Lenin questioned the actor’s silence during those movements and criticized what he termed “so-called generosity” showcased through symbolic gestures.

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The filmmaker’s comments triggered a sharp divide online. Several Rajinikanth supporters defended the actor, arguing that advocating for labor rights was the responsibility of governments and elected representatives, not film stars. Others cautioned against expecting celebrities to act as moral or political leaders beyond their personal actions.

However, some social media users sided with Lenin Bharathi, arguing that public figures who are celebrated for charitable acts should also be scrutinized for their broader social engagement. The debate highlighted ongoing tensions around celebrity activism, optics, and the expectations placed on influential public personalities in social justice issues.

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