[Updated: February 15, 2023] Lal Salaam starring Rajinikanth in an extended special appearance released in theaters on February 9, 2024. The movie written by Vishnu Rangasamy, Aishwarya Rajinikanth and directed by Aishwarya Rajinikanth is centered around the need for religious harmony, in particular between Hindus and Muslims in rural Tamil Nadu. Cinematographer turned writer Vishnu Rangasamy had based the Hindus Vs Muslims focus in Lal Salaam off real life incidents that took place in his hometown.

Murarbad, geographically near Kallakurichi is a village located in Sankarapuram taluka of Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu. This village has been depicted in the Vishnu Vishal, Vikranth lead Lal Salaam. The movie depicts the Hindu and Muslim traditions like the Ther Thiruvizha (temple car festival) and Santhanakoodu festival that take place in the region, and showcases how agenda-based evil powers weaponize these traditions to create religious disharmony. 

Post the release of the film, the Murarbad Santhanakoodu Committee from Kallakurichi registered their praise for Lal Salaam's depiction of their Islam festival, and the Hindu Muslim unity in their region. They also thanked actor Rajinikanth, his director-daughter Aishwarya and the entire cast and crew for highlighting their village.   

Kudos to @ash_rajinikanth , #Lalsalaam team feather on your hat . The movie reached and recognised by concerned people . Culture ❤️❤️❤️

Thalaivaaaa #superstar @rajinikanth ❤️#LalsalaamBlockbuster | #LalSalaamReview | #LalsalaamBooking | #Rajinikanth | #SuperstarRajinikanth |… pic.twitter.com/hklE5Mp2fO

— Suresh balaji (@surbalutwt) February 11, 2024

Lal Salaam ends with the Muslim community in Murarbad helping the Hindu community with their temple chariot festival, and religious harmony being restored. While this may seem cinematic, the Islam community taking part in Hindu religious festivity is not uncommon in Tamil Nadu. 

Killai, which geographically comes under Chennai is a second-grade panchayat town in the Chidambaram taluk of the Cuddalore district in Tamil Nadu. Every year, the Muzhukkuthurai beach in Killai sees the celebration of 'Masimaga' festival (the celebration of 'Magha' star in the 11th 'Masi' month of the Tamil New Year) with a Hindu temple chariot parade.

At this time, the Muslim 'Durgah' (mosque) in the region not just supports the Hindu festivity by welcoming the temple car, but also pays respect by reciting Al-Fatiha (Muslim prayer) and distributing sugar. This year, the 'Masimaga' chariot festival is all set to take place on February 23, 2024 [Friday].