Rajinikanth: The Unstoppable Force of Indian Cinema

Real Name: Shivaji Rao Gaekwad
Born: December 12, 1950 – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Nicknames: Thalaivar, Superstar
Languages Worked In: Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada
Years Active: 1975 – present

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From Bus Conductor to Icon

Rajinikanth wasn’t born into the world of cinema. He grew up in a Marathi-speaking family in Bengaluru and worked as a bus conductor to make ends meet. But the spark for performance was always there. His ticket to the big screen came when he joined the Madras Film Institute in the early 1970s to train as an actor.

He made his film debut in 1975 with a small role in Katha Sangama. But that same year, director K. Balachander cast him as a villain in Apoorva Raagangal. That role changed everything.

Breaking the Mold

In the late ’70s, Rajinikanth was the go-to bad guy. He played shady characters in hit films like Moondru Mudichu alongside Kamal Haasan and Sridevi. Even in supporting roles, his unique mannerisms—the cigarette flip, the confident strut—stood out.

His first lead role came in Bhairavi (1978). From there, he began taking on heroic characters, many of them modeled on Amitabh Bachchan’s roles. He starred in Tamil remakes of Hindi hits like Amar Akbar Anthony (Shankar Salim Simon) and Don (Billa).

The Rise of a Superstar

With Billa (1980) and Murattu Kaalai the same year, Rajinikanth broke into superstardom. He was no longer just a stylish actor—he was a full-blown action hero. Films like Moondru Mugam, Nallavanukku Nallavan, and Thalapathi kept raising the bar.

He made his Hindi film debut in 1983 with Andhaa Kanoon and even shared screen space with Amitabh Bachchan in Hum (1991). His fanbase exploded across the country.

Mass Appeal and Mad Fanbase

Rajinikanth doesn’t just have fans—he has followers. People worship his cutouts, pour milk on his posters, and celebrate his movie releases like festivals. His signature moves and punchlines are pop culture gold. His appeal even stretches to Japan, where he has a loyal fanbase.

The Blockbuster Era

Hits kept coming: Baashha (1995), Padayappa (1999), Sivaji (2007), and Enthiran (2010), where he played both a scientist and a robot. He brought style, swagger, and satire to the screen. His sci-fi sequel 2.0 (2018) took things further, while films like Kabali, Petta, and Jailer kept his star power alive.

Even when some films underperformed (Kaala, Darbar, Vettaiyan), his legend only grew.

Politics, Health, and Public Life

People always expected Rajinikanth to enter politics, following the path of MGR and Jayalalithaa. In 2017, he announced his political party, Rajini Makkal Mandram. But in 2021, citing health concerns, he stepped away from politics.

Despite health issues over the years, he remains active in films and public life. His connection with fans has never weakened.

Awards and Recognition

• Padma Bhushan (2000)
• Padma Vibhushan (2016)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2020)
• Multiple Tamil Nadu State Film Awards

The Legacy Lives On

Rajinikanth is more than an actor. He’s a symbol of ambition, resilience, and mass appeal. From bus conductor to box office king, his journey is a masterclass in reinvention. His story isn’t just about fame—it’s about impact. And that story is still being written.

Rajinikanth Movies List

Super Star Era	Year	Films
1970s – Early Beginnings & Breakthrough	1975	Apoorva Raagangal (Tamil)
	1976	Katha Sangama (Kannada), Anthuleni Katha (Telugu), Moondru Mudichu (Tamil), Baalu Jenu (Kannada)
	1977	Avargal, Kavikkuyil, Raghupathi Raghava Rajaram, Chilakamma Cheppindi, Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri, Ondu Premada Kathe, 16 Vayathinile, Sahodarara Savaal, Aadu Puli Attam, Gayathri, Kumkuma Rakshe, Aaru Pushpangal, Tholireyi Gadichindi, Aame Katha, Galate Samsara
	1978	Shankar Salim Simon, Kiladi Kittu, Annadammula Savaal, Aayiram Jenmangal, Annai Oru Aalayam, Amma Evarikkaina Amma
1980s – Rise to Superstardom	1980	Billa, Natchathiram, Ram Robert Rahim, Anbukku Naan Adimai, Kaali, Mayadari Krishnudu, Naan Potta Savaal, Johnny, Ellam Un Kairasi, Polladhavan, Murattu Kaalai
	1981	Thee, Kazhugu, Thillu Mullu, Garjanai/Garjanam, Netrikkan, Ranuva Veeran
	1982	Pokkiri Raja, Thanikattu Raja, Ranga, Pudukavithai, Nandri, Meendum Varuga, Enkeyo Ketta Kural, Moondru Mugam, Agni Sakshi
	1983	Paayum Puli, Padikkadavan
	1985–1989	Mr. Bharath, Naan Adimai Illai, Jeevana Poratam, Viduthalai, Bhagwaan Dada, Asli Naqli, Dosti Dushmani, Maaveeran, Velaikaran, Manithan, Dharmathin Thalaivan, Guru Sishyan, Bloodstone, Kodi Parakkuthu, Rajadhi Raja, Gair Kanooni,| Siva, Raja Chinna Roja, Mappillai, Bhrashtachar, ChaalBaaz
1990s – Peak Popularity	1990–1993	Panakkaran, Athisaya Piravi, Dharma Durai, Hum, Farishtay, Khoon Ka Karz, Phool Bane Angaray, Nattukku Oru Nallavan, Shanti Kranti, Thalapathi, Mannan, Tyagi, Annaamalai, Pandian, Insaniyat Ke Devta, Yajaman, Uzhaippali, Valli
	1994–1995	Veera, Baashha, Pedarayudu, Aatank Hi Aatank
2000s – Massive Blockbusters	1999–2007	Padayappa, Baba, Chandramukhi, Sivaji
2010s – Sci-Fi & Global Impact	2010–2019	Enthiran, Kochadaiiyaan, Kabali, Enthiran 2.0, Kaala, Petta
2020s – Recent & Ongoing	2020–2025	Darbar, Annaatthe, Jailer, Lal Salaam, Vettaiyan, Coolie, Jailer 2 (filming – Expected to release before November 2025)

I total, according to me, Rajinikanth has acted in 170 movies, till September 2025, across multiple Indian languages, primarily Tamil, but also Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.