The world of Kollywood is currently witnessing a significant wave of controversy directed at actor and director Pradeep Ranganathan following his remarks about an iconic cigarette flipping style featured in his recent hit, Dragon (2025). The actor suggested that he “invented” the move—where a cigarette is effortlessly flicked from the mouth—for his character, only to later realize that cinema legend Rajinikanth had pioneered the very same style in his films dating back to the 1980s and ’90s.
The specific “Pradeep Dragon cigarette style” was a notable alteration from the original script, which called for the cigarette to be flicked from the hand. Ranganathan proposed the more elaborate mouth-to-air flip, a suggestion that became a signature moment in the movie. The actor recounted an anecdote where, upon meeting the Thalaivar after Dragon’s success, Rajinikanth himself performed the legendary style for him—a moment Ranganathan described as a “fulfilled dream,” according to reports.
The Claim of Invention and Fan Backlash
Despite the inspiration being crystal clear, it is Ranganathan’s initial narrative—that he was the creator of the style—that has ignited the fury of Rajinikanth’s massive fanbase. Critics are calling his claim a profound act of disrespect and arrogance, pointing out that his comment never properly acknowledged the original source of the inspiration.
One fan comment that has been widely circulated encapsulates the sentiment: “Aparam ennathuku u told what I did in dragon… it should be what Rajini did in old movies i imitated in dragon.” The consensus among fans is that Ranganathan merely copied a classic Rajinikanth move, a style that was performed by the veteran actor before Ranganathan was even born. Rajinikanth has long been considered an inspiration for actors and directors in many different aspects of filmmaking.
Success Versus Humility
The backlash has escalated beyond mere style credits. Rajinikanth devotees are now publicly criticizing the actor’s career trajectory and character. Numerous comments suggest that Ranganathan is a “fake, so untalented” and survives by appealing to a niche audience of “vidalai boys,” drawing parallels to other figures who supposedly enjoyed short-lived success.
The most stinging critiques focus on Ranganathan’s recent box-office favor. Fans are openly commenting that the actor is “riding on the wave of success and favoured by luck,” but predict that his apparent lack of humility will soon lead to a “failure stage in his career.”
The entire controversy serves as a stark reminder in the film industry of the deep reverence fans hold for their idols, and the absolute necessity for emerging stars to properly credit and acknowledge the legendary figures who paved the way. The line between creative inspiration and claiming invention appears to be one that Ranganathan has crossed, much to the chagrin of the millions who worship the ‘Superstar.’