15 essential films that celebrate 50 years of Rajinikanth

Whether you’ve discovered him through Mullum Malarum, Enthiran or the very recent Jailer, here are some of his films that explain why there’s only one Thalaviar! 

Very few stars have the ability to command the kind of devotion that Rajinikanth inspires. Yet this Maharashtrian, from his first screen appearance in 1975 to now, has become the face of Tamil cinema all over the world. Shivaji Rao Gaikwad urf Rajinikanth’s career is not just a testament to talent but to the magnetic charisma that has made him Thalaivar (leader) to many. Though his stardom transcends box office numbers, his films are more than just movies as his dialogues become mantras and his signature gestures are mimicked from Chennai to Tokyo. Watching a Rajinikanth film is a ritual! In Tamil Nadu, first-day-first-show tickets sell out weeks in advance, often for 4 a.m. screenings. Fans throng theatres before dawn, bursting crackers, drumming, chanting his name. Giant cutouts are bathed in milk in a symbolic abhishekam usually reserved for deities, reflecting the god-like presence he commands. Every entry, punch dialogue, and slow-motion walk triggers deafening whistles and applause. For many, it’s less a film and more a communal celebration of a hero whose on-screen charisma fuels real-life optimism!

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His appeal bridges generations because if older generations recall Mullum Malarum and quote Baasha, younger kids today know him through Enthiran or Robot memes and viral songs. He has done it all - acted in more than 4 languages and four different formats including black and white, color, 3D and motion, and is still going strong. But just as Amitabh Bachchan was Hindi cinema’s Angry Young Man, representing the angst of the country, Rajinikanth, who also starred in some of Bachchan's remakes in Tamil, highlighted the common man as a mass commercial hero which also led to him building his legendary fan culture. As his rise coincided with a period in Tamil cinema when audiences wanted heroes who could be both relatable and larger-than-life. His style became a brand - flipping cigarettes, twirling sunglasses, delivering punch dialogues with a wink. But beyond the swagger, his films often offered a mere common man’s story of resilience and justice dealing with emotional depth and moral dilemmas. Over five decades, Rajini has been everything from an intense dramatic actor to a global action star. To celebrate this golden jubilee, here are 15 films from his 170th long list of filmography that capture some of his artistry and the magic that keeps fans queuing up for first-day-first-show tickets.

Check them out! 

Mullum Malarum (1978)

A moving drama about pride, love, and redemption, this film strips away Rajini’s mass image to reveal an actor of remarkable sensitivity. Playing Kali, a winch operator whose stubbornness leads to personal tragedy, he delivers a layered performance, a foundation of his acting depth before superstardom. The scene where Kali loses his arm is an emotional gut-punch!

Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979)

A heartfelt drama where he is a selfless brother who sacrifices his dreams for his family’s well-being, this fllm showcases Rajini's ability to embody resilience and quiet strength with compelling screen presence. This film established him in a role far removed from action-heavy personas; case in point - the poignant climax that acknowledges his chracter's sacrifices is one that's regarded as a classic tearjerker! 

Thee (1981)

A Tamil adaptation of Deewaar, this film places him in a morally conflicted anti hero role who is torn between poverty, ambition, and familial loyalty. His intense performance and unique spin on an iconic Bollywood story underline his ability to own even familiar material. 

Moondru Mugam (1982)

He tripled the entertainment in this police drama, playing the righteous Alex Pandian and his twin sons Arun and John offering a feast of heroism, humour, and high-voltage action, while Alex Pandian became an enduring pop culture figure. His stylish police entry is still a benchmark for cop introductions!

Thalapathi (1991)

Directed by Mani Ratnam in a visually rich, musically unforgettable, and emotionally charged way, this modern-day take on the Mahabharata casts Rajini as Surya, a loyal enforcer caught in a web of morality and friendship. The rain-soaked confrontation between Surya and Arjun is still considered to be cinematic gold!

Annamalai (1992)

A classic rags-to-riches story, Annamalai offers one of Rajini’s most iconic interval transformations, where his genial milkman character becomes a determined tycoon. Packed with drama, memorable songs, and that unbeatable Rajini charm, this film has that pure comeback king vibe to it! 

Baasha (1995)

Baasha is often regarded as the gold standard of Rajini mass films and Tamil cinema’s DON as it blends mystery, action, and unforgettable style. The slow reveal of Manickam’s past as a feared don is still goosebump-worthy as the “Naan oru thadava sonna…” dialogue is still arguably the most quoted line in Tamil film history.

Muthu (1995)

A delightful mix of comedy, romance, and action, Muthu is one such film that proved Rajini could charm beyond borders as it became a cult hit in Japan. His playful yet heroic turn offers pure escapist fun with that full Rajini swagger that made him a Leonardo DiCaprio style craze in Japan! 

Padayappa (1999)

A blend of mass moments and family drama, this film pits his righteous hero against Ramya Krishnan’s unforgettable Neelambari, as the dialogues and festival energy make it endlessly rewatchable. For instance, an entire character arc is depicted in just one gesture with a swing scene that is regarded as legendary!  

Chandramukhi (2005)

Mixing horror, comedy, and heroics, this remake of Manichitrathazhu, that was also later remade as Bhool Bhulaiyaa, became a record-breaking phenomenon as Rajini’s turn as a psychiatrist investigating supernatural happenings, brimming with charm and confidence, received appreciation from everyone.

Sivaji: The Boss (2007)

This Shankar spectacle gave us Rajini in his most flamboyant form, fighting corruption with disguises, wit, and style. With grand visuals and his signature swag, it’s a pure massy entertainer, something that is symbolic with Thalaviar as his cooling glass coin-flip disguise reveals vintage Rajini showmanship!

Enthiran/ Robot (2010)

A groundbreaking sci-fi film where Rajini plays both, the genius scientist and his android creation Chitti, the romance, comedy, villainy, and VFX mastery in this film is one that received huge appreciation with Hindi audiences too as Chitti became a phenomenon and Rajini’s transformation into Chitti made him a viral sensation! 

Kabali (2016)

A stylish yet emotional gangster drama, this film became a way to bring back that older Rajini blending mass hero swagger with heartfelt vulnerability as he delivers social commentary with high personal stakes. 

Kaala (2018)

This politically charged drama casts Rajini as a Dharavi Don defending the underprivileged from land-grabbing elites. It is quite symbolic of Rajini’s persona as a mass entertainter as high octane moments combine with social justice storytelling and that gritty rain-drenched climax fight!

Petta (2019)

A meta-celebration of Rajini’s legacy, this film offers his trademark style, punch dialogues, and emotional core in one package perfect for a nostalgia feast for his die-hard fans, especially that hostel corridor fight which is where pure 'Rajini in his element' cinema lives! 

As Rajinikanth marks 50 years in cinema, his journey feels like a living legend in progress, where a common man who was once a bus-conductor turned into a god! He’s already onto his 171st film, with Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie, set for August 14, 2025! 

Which of his films is a favorite of yours? Let us know in the comments below!

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