Meet Mani, the Indian Pariah dog who Co-stars with Rajnikanth
Today is Super Star Rajnikanth’s Birthday, he doesn’t need an introduction. Thalaivar has been entertaining the world and especially the Tamil audience with his movies every since 1975 when his first flick hit the theatres.
One of his latest movies is KAALA, directed by Pa Ranjith and his second consecutive movie with Rajnikanth after Kabali, the film is set in the backdrop of Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s Slums. The cast includes Rajnikanth, Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi, Samuthirakani and one super special Star- MANI The Indian Pariah Dog. Rajnikanths love for Dogs in his movies in well know, in one of the previous movies Baasha, his close companion was a Great Dane.
Mani is KAALA’S — (Rajnikanth’s name in the movie ) shadow. He follows him throughout the movie. The director PA Ranjith auditioned around 30 dogs for the role with none passing the test. Animal Trainer Simon who has over 30 plus years of experience in the training industry and especially training animals for movies was entrusted with the task. The director was adamant that he doesn’t need breeds like Labrador or German shepherd and wanted to have a native breed to suit the role, the cast, and the backdrop. This was when one day Simon was traveling through the streets of Chennai, Tambaram when he suddenly spotted a Mongrel cross the road in two swift strides. Simon thought this would be a deer and he stepped out to inquire. He was told its a street dog and the locals were taking care of it. He followed it through the streets and was almost close to taking a picture when it jumped to bite him. He narrowly escaped but was able to take the picture and send it to the director.
When Ranjith saw the perky ears and sharp eyes he made an instant decision to cast him. Mani was bought in and the training began. Simon says he was on the verge of getting bitten several times in the beginning but slowly Mani decided to give in and they became friends. Simons training and maybe Mani’s own love for the superstar gelled well and this can be seen in the movie where Mani follows Rajni everywhere and the snap of a finger runs to him and climbs in the jeep.
Kaala has made Mani so famous that some Rajni fans from Malaysia have offered to buy mani by paying up to Rs 2 Crores. He isn’t for sale, he has become an integral part of the family says Simon white petting Mani on his head.
As for now, our superstar has moved on to act in other movies and so has Mani, his day is packed with shoots, auditions, interviews, and fans
Originally published at www.pawedy.com on December 12, 2018.
