40 Best Rajinikanth Movies and Where to Watch Them
Rajinikanth, or Super Star Rajini as he’s often venerated, is a cinematic legend whose fandom is unparalleled in any part of the world.
From a Bus Conductor to a Superstar
Rajinikanth's film career has not only been about box office records but also about leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of his fans. The star is equalised to no less than a God among his staunchest fans, with hordes worshipping his posters with garland and milk as offerings every time a major Rajinikanth title hits the cinemas.
Before this gargantuan level of fame, Rajinikanth was just a bus conductor. His underdog story starts from 1950 when he was born in Bengaluru as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. Starting his career in the 1970s as a bus conductor, Rajinikanth's journey to stardom is a tale of sheer determination and talent.
Changing with the Times
His cinematic debut in K. Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal (1975) marked the beginning of a prolific career. Rajinikanth's unique style, distinctive dialogue delivery, and charismatic on-screen presence quickly made him a favorite among audiences.
The 1980s saw the rise of Rajinikanth as the "Superstar" with a string of blockbuster films. His collaborations with director S. P. Muthuraman in movies like Muthu and Annamalai established him as the undisputed box office king. The iconic "Rajini style" became a cultural phenomenon, characterized by his trademark mannerisms like an eccentric approach to spinning and wearing his sunglasses and a much-mimicked gravity-defying ritual of flipping cigarettes.
Entering the 2000s, Rajinikanth's career witnessed a resurgence with the sci-fi film Endhiran (2010), directed by S. Shankar. The film, also released as "Robot” in Hindi, broke several box office records and showcased Rajinikanth's ability to embrace cutting-edge technology in cinema. His charismatic performance as both the scientist and the robot in the film was a major career highlight.
The 2010s marked a new phase in Rajinikanth's career with movies like Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018). Directed by Pa. Ranjith, these films delved into socio-political themes, and Rajinikanth seamlessly adapted to the evolving tastes of the audience. His larger-than-life presence and magnetic screen persona continued to draw audiences to theaters, solidifying his legacy as an enduring superstar in Indian cinema.
Why is Thalapathi Rajinikanth’s best movie?
Rajikanth’s success in the 1990s was marked with commercial blockbusters like the gangster actioner Baasha. But this was also a decade for the superstar to showcase his more nuanced and emotional side, something that Tamil auteur Mani Ratnam seamlessly tapped into with the crime drama Thalapathi.
A contemporary take on the antiheroic warrior Karna from the Hindu mythological epic Mahabharat, Thalapathi featured Rajinikanth as a moralistic slum-dweller who is willing to go to any lengths to fight for his people. But his morals get questioned as he shakes hands with an influential gangster, played to perfection by Malayalam veteran Mammootty. Rajinikanth and Mammooty’s pairing was one for the ages and continues to remain relevant to this day, reminding cinephiles that Rajinikanth is much more than just eyebrow-raising theatrics and box office records.
If you too are a “Rajini fan”, have a look at the best movies of Rajinikanth with this comprehensive list celebrating the Tamil actor along with a handy guide to know where you can stream his multi-decade filmography.
