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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Superstar Rajini overshadowed Actor Rajini: How the performer from Thalapathi was lost to stardom
When Rajinikanth forayed into cinema, exactly 50 years ago today with K Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal, he was not Thalaivar. The tag superstar was still a few years or so away from him. In fact, he was not even a hero. He was simply an actor, playing a flawed wife-beater, a character that evoked more derision than awe. To those who have grown up on Superstar Rajni, it may be hard to fathom, but the man was once known as a powerhouse performer - one that cinema lost at the altar of superstardom. Rajinikanth in Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi, widely considered his best performance. Rajinikanth's first few roles were of a wife-beater, a rapist, and someone who murders his own friend. Not the resume an aspiring hero would want. But in all these roles (from Apoorva Raagangal, Katha Sangama, and Moondru Mudichu, respectively), Rajni earned praise. Critics called him impressive, dignified, and powerful. But Moondru Mudichu featured the beginnings of what would become 'trademark Rajni'. In the love triangle, even though he played the villain (alongside Jaya Prada and Kamal Haasan), his cigarette-flipping style made him popular among the masses. Even as Rajinikanth continued to play negative and character roles, he longed for that love from the masses now. The Rajinikanth that began with Apoorva Ragangal (1975) was more actor than hero. It was Bairavi, the 1978 film, that launched him as a hero. A 35-feet cutout was erected outside cinema halls, and the sobriquet Superstar was invented. In the same year, Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye had an intro song for him, something that would become the norm for years to come. In 1980 came Billa, the remake of Amitabh Bachchan's Don, and Rajni's superstardom was confirmed. Not only did he become the top star in Tamil cinema, displacing Kamal, he was sadly offered only stereotypical hero parts. The actor in him still managed to do justice to the roles. His performances in Thee (Deewar remake) and Moondru Mugam were praised. But filmmakers and audiences wanted to see Rajni only as a goon-beating, cigarette-flipping, monologue-sprouting star. The cast was set, and Rajni did not disappoint. Moondru Mudichu (1976) brought to the screen Rajinikanth's signature style. Even as he entered Bollywood with films like Andha Kanoon and Dosti Dushmani in the early 80s, his signature style followed him. The formula was simple. Rajni played an exaggerated version of his image, usually a cop or a righteous goon, but almost always a man of the masses. As the star was doing 10-12 movies a year, the scope for 'performance' diminished. Then came Mani Ratnam. By the early 90s, Mani had developed a reputation for being one of the most promising Tamil filmmakers of his generation. Only a few years earlier, he had given Naayakan, arguably the finest Tamil film ever made, and one that brought out the best in Kamal Haasan. Mani partnered with Rajinikanth in 1991 for Thalapathi, a film inspired by the Mahabharat. Rajni played a character inspired by Karna, while Malayalam star Mammootty played his Duryodhana. A 20-year-old Arvind Swamy debuted as Arjuna. Thalapathi is considered one of the best films in Rajni's career, and certainly his finest performance. Just as Shah Rukh Khan would do a decade later with Swades, Rajni dared to experiment with his image during the peak of his stardom. In Thalapathi (1991), Rajinikanth gave the finest performance of his career, even overshadowing the indomitable Mammootty. This could have started a trend where Rajni experimented more. He did try to an extent with films like Veera, which was panned for its controversial climax. But the success of Mannan, Uzhaippali, and eventually Baashha meant that mass Rajni was what the audiences wanted. Baashha broke all box office records, turning the superstar into a demigod. And demigods do not experiment. They give their disciples what they want. With Muthu, Arunachalam, and Padayappa, he did just that. Superstar Rajni won, but Rajinikanth the actor took a back seat. It did not help that his comeback in 2000s happened with Chandramukhi, an out-and-out commercial entertainer, built on the tropes that made Rajni popular. And Enthiran solidified that. Attempts at doing something different - like Pa Ranjith's Kaala - did not land commercially, and the superstar was forced to toe the line again with 2.0 and Annaatthe. Kaala's (2018) failure dissuaded the ageing star from trying to be 'different'. In the last few years, Rajinikanth has found his niche, playing a veteran 'former badass'. Be it Jailer, Vettaiyan, or Coolie, this trope has served him well. And yes, he is formulaic, he uses his aura to fill the screen. But every once in a while, in a particularly intense scene, you see that glimmer of vulnerability in his eyes, making his character human. That is what separates Rajni from other mass action stars. He makes his characters human, relatable, even if they are invulnerable. That comes from his foundation of performing, which box office pressures whittled away. There is still hope that Rajni the performer will return to the screen in a big way some day. Till then, we will take what we can get.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
From being a bus conductor to undisputed box office king: Celebrating Thalaivar Rajinikanth's 50 years of journey in Indian cinema
It is because of Rajinikanth that the word 'Superstar' became a symbol in the history of Tamil cinema. He made his debut in the film industry in 1975 with the film 'Apoorva Ragangal' and has been living with the same sparkle in the hearts of fans for 50 years to date. But this extraordinary journey began in an ordinary workplace. The story of Shivaji Rao, a young man who worked as a bus conductor in Bangalore, journeying from the khaki uniform to the golden throne of the film industry, is a no less than a film in itself. Let's take a look at his cinematic achievements as the doyen celebrates 50 years of looming presence in Indian cinema Rajinikanth's unique sense of style Scouted by the notable director K. Balachander, Rajinikanth played a small role in the film 'Apoorva Ragangal'. Over the next few years, he played villain and character roles in films like 'Mudraam Pirai', 'Aval Apol', and '16 Vayathinile'. His unique style of acting, fast-paced dialogue delivery, 'style', cigarette rolling, glasses wearing, quickly captured the hearts of fans. The rise of the mass hero - Rajinikanth Rajinikanth saw a massive transformation in the 1980s. Films like 'Billa,' 'Murattu Kaalai,' and 'Dharmathin Thalaivan' transformed him into a mass hero. Since that time, most of the films he has starred in have been box office hits, creating a large fan base beyond Tamil Nadu, across India, and even abroad. In the 1990s, films like 'Annamalai', 'Baasha,' and 'Muthu' coined the term 'Rajini Blockbuster.' His films were also released in countries like Japan, where 'Muthu' was a huge hit. Rajinikanth's global reach & technological leaps After 2000, Rajinikanth's career saw a huge growth in terms of technology and global reach. Films like 'Sivaji' and 'Enthiran' were some of the biggest productions in Indian cinema. '2.0' grossed over Rs. 800 crore worldwide, proving once again that he is a box office powerhouse. Despite his increasing age, the edginess, power, and style he displays on screen have not diminished. Adulation from the industry for Rajinikanth "There is only one Superstar. The crown always belongs to him", said Vijay in a public event, when the junior actor was compared with the senior actor. "One 'Coolie' is equal to a hundred Baashas... The real superstar is Rajini sir!," said Nagarjuna Akkineni at the 'Coolie' audio launch. How Rajinikanth's magic continues to inspire generations The release of 'Coolie' coincides with Thalaivar's 50 years in the industry. Rajinikanth is the only star who has been the face of Tamil cinema for 50 years and has not lost his magic even after the change of generations. His journey from bus conductor to global superstar teaches every dreamer the lesson of 'Dream it, work for it, and it will surely come true.' #DarbarThiruvizhaJapan: Rajinikanth's cop drama sold out in Japan "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
‘Jailer' director Nelson congratulates Rajinikanth on completing 50 years in cinema: 'Can't wait to watch Coolie...'
Rajinikanth 's 50-year journey in Tamil cinema is being celebrated by fans and film stars alike and he is also known for his unique style, powerful screen presence, and iconic roles, he has become one of India's most loved actors. Nelson Dilipkumar shared a heartfelt message for Rajinikanth Director Nelson Dilipkumar has joined several other celebrities in congratulating superstar Rajinikanth for completing an incredible 50 years in Tamil cinema. Nelson, who directed Rajinikanth in the blockbuster film 'Jailer' in 2022, has now shared a heartfelt message for the legendary actor. In his post, Nelson wrote, "Hearty congratulations to the mammoth superstar ever Rajinikanth sir️ for completing 50 magical years in cinema." He added, "Can't wait to watch Coolie advance congratulations my dear friends Lokesh Kanagaraj , Anirudh, and Sun Pictures for a monstrous hit." Rajinikanth began his film journey with 'Apoorva Ragangal' in 1975, directed by K Balachandar and it also marked the first time Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan worked together and paving the way for many memorable collaborations in the years to come. 'Jailer 2' in development In 'Jailer', Nelson brought together an impressive ensemble cast alongside Rajinikanth, including Ramya Krishnan, Shivarajkumar, Sunil, and a special cameo appearance by Mohanlal. The film received massive love from audiences, cementing itself as one of Rajinikanth's big recent hits. With the success of Jailer, a sequel titled 'Jailer 2' is already in development. Nelson will once again take the director's chair and pen the script, while Anirudh Ravichander will return as the music composer, making fans eagerly await another grand cinematic experience.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Rajinikanth completes 50 years in cinema,wishes pour in
Chennai, Superstar Rajinikanth completed 50 years in cinema on Wednesday and wishes poured in from various sections of the society, including from actor-politician Kamal Haasan, a contemporary of the top actor. Rajinikanth completes 50 years in cinema,wishes pour in With the feat coinciding with the release of his much-anticipated 'Coolie' on Thursday, celebrities and politicians wished the actor a blockbuster. "Marking half a century of cinematic brilliance, my dear friend @rajinikanth celebrates 50 glorious years in cinema today. I celebrate our Super Star with affection and admiration, and wish #Coolie resounding global success befitting this golden jubilee," Haasan, also a Rajya Sabha MP, said on 'X.' He also shared a throwback black and white photograph of the two stars and a recent one as well. 'Coolie' is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj of 'Vikram' fame and has a star-studded cast of Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Sathyaraj and Haasan's daughter Shruti. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayandhi Stalin said: "I am truly delighted to congratulate our Superstar @rajinikanth sir on completing 50 glorious years in the film industry." "Had the opportunity to get an early glimpse of his much-awaited movie #Coolie, releasing tomorrow. I thoroughly enjoyed this power-packed mass entertainer and am sure it will capture the hearts of audiences everywhere. My heartfelt wishes for a roaring success to @rajinikanth sir, @sunpictures, #Sathyaraj sir,@Dir Lokesh , #AamirKhan sir, @iamnagarjuna sir, @nimmaupendra sir, @anirudhofficial, #SoubinShahir, @shrutihaasan and the entire team behind this movie," he said in a social media message. Former TN CM and Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami also greeted the top actor. He said, "brother Rajinikanth" captivated the audience with his unique style and acting and has completed 50 years in cinema. "In this golden jubilee year, I wish all success for his Coolie," the AIADMK general secretary said. A number of fan pages on social media heaped praises on the actor for his accomplishment. Rising from humble beginnings as a bus conductor in Bengaluru to ruling Tamil cinema as its undisputed 'superstar', a coveted title many top heroes in the movie industry aspire for, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad was spotted by the legendary director K Balachander, who gave the actor the name Rajinikanth. He made his debut in the 1975 film Apoorva Ragangal, directed by Balachander, a Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, and went on to intially star in negative roles, before transitioning into a hero who commands a crazy fan army and blockbuster box office openings. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Rajinikanth completes 50 years in cinema,wishes pour in
Agency: Chennai, Aug 13 (PTI) Superstar Rajinikanth completed 50 years in cinema on Wednesday and wishes poured in from various sections of the society, including from actor-politician Kamal Haasan, a contemporary of the top actor. With the feat coinciding with the release of his much-anticipated 'Coolie' on Thursday, celebrities and politicians wished the actor a blockbuster. 'Marking half a century of cinematic brilliance, my dear friend @rajinikanth celebrates 50 glorious years in cinema today. I celebrate our Super Star with affection and admiration, and wish #Coolie resounding global success befitting this golden jubilee," Haasan, also a Rajya Sabha MP, said on 'X.' He also shared a throwback black and white photograph of the two stars and a recent one as well. 'Coolie' is directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj of 'Vikram' fame and has a star-studded cast of Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Sathyaraj and Haasan's daughter Shruti. Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayandhi Stalin said: 'I am truly delighted to congratulate our Superstar @rajinikanth sir on completing 50 glorious years in the film industry." 'Had the opportunity to get an early glimpse of his much-awaited movie #Coolie, releasing tomorrow. I thoroughly enjoyed this power-packed mass entertainer and am sure it will capture the hearts of audiences everywhere. My heartfelt wishes for a roaring success to @rajinikanth sir, @sunpictures, #Sathyaraj sir,@Dir Lokesh , #AamirKhan sir, @iamnagarjuna sir, @nimmaupendra sir, @anirudhofficial, #SoubinShahir, @shrutihaasan and the entire team behind this movie," he said in a social media message. Former TN CM and Leader of Opposition, Edappadi K Palaniswami also greeted the top actor. He said, 'brother Rajinikanth" captivated the audience with his unique style and acting and has completed 50 years in cinema. 'In this golden jubilee year, I wish all success for his Coolie," the AIADMK general secretary said. A number of fan pages on social media heaped praises on the actor for his accomplishment. Rising from humble beginnings as a bus conductor in Bengaluru to ruling Tamil cinema as its undisputed 'superstar', a coveted title many top heroes in the movie industry aspire for, Shivaji Rao Gaekwad was spotted by the legendary director K Balachander, who gave the actor the name Rajinikanth. He made his debut in the 1975 film Apoorva Ragangal, directed by Balachander, a Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient, and went on to intially star in negative roles, before transitioning into a hero who commands a crazy fan army and blockbuster box office openings. PTI SA ROH view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
