Koose Munisamy Veerappan is a Zee5 OTT series, that explores the life of notorious late sandalwood bandit Veerappan. Episode 1 of this documentary series is currently streaming on the digital platform, and a trailer unveiled before, revealed never-before-seen footages of real life Veerappan mentioning Superstar Rajinikanth at two instances. 

“He (MGR) struggled. So, he knows about people’s suffering. It is hard for someone like MGR to be born. But I very well knew that this Rajinikanth would become like him. He respects everyone. He doesn’t disrespect anyone. He is someone who believes in god a lot...Mr. Rajinikanth Sir… I am speaking to you. Don’t join anyone and don’t support anyone. Many crocodiles are waiting to exploit you… ambush you… Don’t be fooled.”- Sandalwood smuggler Veerappan about Rajiinikanth

During a press meet before Koose Munisamy Veerappan's premiere, journalist Nakkeeran Gopal, who is famous for his proximity to Veerappan while the bandit was alive, was asked about whether Rajinikanth knew of Veerapppan's statements about him,. To this Nakkkeeran said,

"I never told Rajinikanth about this (Veerappan calling Rajini the next MGR). He (Rajini) has to see through this (Zee5 OTT series Koose Munisamy Veerappan) only. To this date I never mentioned it to Rajinikanth.

When (late Kannada actor) Rajkumar was retrieved (post kidnapping by Veerappan and gang in 2000), Rajinikanth mediated a case for Veerappan. Before that in 1997, there was an issue and Veerappan had to surrender. But there was a notice objecting to it. At that time, I had asked Kalaignar (later Tamil Nadu CM and former DMK head honcho Karunanidhi) to ask Rajinikanth to speak to me. He spoke (to me) at that time. I had told Rajinikanth that I was leaving for the forest and I want to tell Veerappan that Rajini is interested in making a movie with him. Rajini told me to use his name without any hesitation. Because that was my trump card. Veerappan was interested in acting and entering politics (Veerappan was a known Rajinikanth fan and the Superstar at that time had shown signs of entering politics). This was all my interaction with Rajinikanth.

Veerappan's message to Rajinikanth!#KooseMunisamyVeerappan Premieres on Dec 14 #HBDSuperstarRajinikanth #HappyBirthdaySuperstarRajinikanth #HBDRajinikanth #VeerappanOnZEE5 #UnseenVeerappanTapes #Veerappan #ZEE5Tamil #ZEE5 pic.twitter.com/DBvtojfGxp

— ZEE5 Tamil (@ZEE5Tamil) December 12, 2023

When I see this clipping today, even I am concerned that Veerappan said such a thing in 1996, now that it is coming out (in 2023), what are people going to say tomorrow about it. It's his (Rajinikanth's) birthday too."