Controversies: During the early 2000s, Rajinikanth had gotten himself involved in a lot of controversies due to his political moves and statements. The actor had taken part in many hunger strikes and protests against the Karnataka government which at one point led to the state banning his movies from being released there. The actor to publically apologize for his statements in order to lift the temporary ban from his films. This sparked rift between him and the Tamil Nadigar Sangam.