Happy Birthday Rajinikanth: 5 Top Movies Of Thalaiva To Watch

A charismatic performer, a demigod, and a people’s icon – superstar Rajinikanth is perhaps one of the biggest screen legends in Indian cinema. His first-ever shot as an actor was throwing open a gate, and the rest is history. He opened the gates to a whole new world. The star who is hailed as a celluloid phenomenon for nearly five decades continues to rule hearts. His films have a cult following, outside the screen his magnetic persona and wit make his fans go berserk with joy.

The most stylish actor in Indian cinema Rajinikanth is celebrating his 72nd birthday today. The actor was born as Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950. His foray into films is nothing short of a celluloid dream. The actor who began his career with filmmaker K Balachander’s romantic drama ‘Apoorva Raagangal’ (1975) has brought Indian cinema to the world. Over the past few decades, his larger-than-life roles and extravagantly made films have found resonance with international audiences.

On his special day, here is a look at some of the Rajinikanth films that went on to win laurels not only in India but also across the world.

‘Muthu’ (1995)

At a time when Telugu filmmaker SS Rajamouli and actors Jr NTR and Ram Charan are enjoying the newfound glory of Telugu cinema across the world, it’s important to understand where it all started. Film-maker K S Ravikumar’s commercial potboiler ‘Muthu’ was released on October 23, 1995. The film, a perfect combination of music, melody, and melodrama, went on to win accolades and was an instant success for the masses. The film was dubbed in Japanese and released three years later to wider acclaim. Rajinikanth’s ‘Muthu’ went on to pave the way for south Indian films overseas. While ‘RRR’ which was released this Diwali went on to gross Rs 17 crore at the Japanese box office, ‘Muthu’ continues to hold the bastion with a lifetime gross of Rs 22 crore in the land of the rising sun.

‘Padayappa’ (1999)

After the roaring success of ‘Muthu’, Rajinikanth reunited with acclaimed filmmaker KS Ravikumar. The duo’s second collaboration – ‘Padayappa’ a saga of intergenerational vengeance, had the whistle-worth dialogues, foot-thumping music, and all the usual ingredients to make it a colossal success with the masses. The film also starring Shivaji Ganesan, Ramya Krishnan, and Saundarya was reportedly the first film to be released worldwide with over 200 prints and 7 lakh audio cassettes. The commercial entertainer went on to gross Rs 440 million worldwide. ‘Padayappa’ remained the highest-grossing film till ‘Chandramukhi’ in 2005.

‘Chandramukhi’ (2005)

In 2005, Rajinikanth collaborated with noted filmmaker P Vasu for the comedy horror ‘Chandramukhi’. An official remake of the blockbuster Malayalam film ‘Manichitrathazhu’ (1993), ‘Chandramukhi’ featured an ensemble cast. The intriguing plotline of the film was peppered with the right dose of humor, quintessential Rajini dialogues, songs, and dance. ‘Chandramukhi’ released on April 14, 2005, was made on a budget of Rs 19 crore and it went on to gross close to Rs 75 crore at the box office. The film capitalized on Rajinikanth’s overseas image that was cemented after the roaring success of ‘Muthu’ and ‘Padayappa’. ‘Chandramukhi’ was released in the US, Canada, the Middle East, Malaysia, and Europe and went on to win legions of fans for the star.

‘Sivaj: The Boss’ (2007)

In 2007, Rajinikanth joined hands with one of the biggest filmmakers in India S Shankar for the ambitious ‘Sivaji: The Boss’. The film came two years after the phenomenal success of ‘Chandramukhi’ and went on to solidify the icon’s hold at the box office. ‘Sivaji’ had all the usual ingredients seen in Shankar’s films such as peppy songs, high-octane action sequences, punchy dialogues, and lavish set design that came to life with the music score by Rahman. The film went on to collect over Rs 160 crore worldwide. It was one of the costliest films made in 2010.

‘Enthiran’ (2010)

In 2010, Rajinikanth joined hands with S Shankar for the second time. This time the duo delivered a science fiction action film. The film also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Danny Denzongpa, and Santhanam and Karunas went on to gross close to Rs 300 crore at the box office. It revolves around the scientist K Vaseegaran who invents an android humanoid robot that eventually falls in love with his girlfriend. The film is high on visual effects and also had a music score by AR Rahman. The film which is based on the theme of a man vs machine battle won accolades from international audiences.

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