Rajinikanth Birthday: Top 10 Rajinikanth's must watch movies

December 12th is celebrated as the birthday of the legendary South Indian actor Rajinikanth, often referred to as the "South King." This year, he is celebrating his 73rd birthday. Having made his debut in the entertainment industry in 1975, Rajinikanth has contributed to the world of cinema for an impressive 48 years and continues to be an influential figure. His birthday is a special occasion for fans and admirers who recognize and celebrate his enduring impact on the film industry.

Rajinikanth, which made his debut in the film 'Apoorva Raagangal,' directed by the acclaimed filmmaker K. Balachander. Here's a quick glimpse of some must-watch movies featuring the iconic actor.

Thalapathi

The 1991 released movie 'Thalapathi' is an epic classic that narrates the story of Surya, a courageous man raised in the slums, who passionately fights for the rights of the poor. The plot takes a transformative turn when Surya befriends Deva, who appoints him as his commander, leading to a significant change in Surya's life. The film is celebrated for its impactful storytelling and the portrayal of themes related to friendship, social justice, and personal transformation.

Moondru Mudichu

In the mid-70s, Rajinikanth embarked on his career by taking on villainous roles, and one notable film from this period is the 1976 K. Balachander-directed 'Moondru Mudichu.' In this movie, Rajinikanth portrays a double-faced roommate to Kamal Haasan. He deceives Kamal Haasan by pretending to support his love for Sridevi, but his true intentions are sinister, driven by a lustful desire for his friend's girlfriend. 'Moondru Mudichu' stands out as a significant film to watch, showcasing Rajinikanth's early versatility as an actor and marking a phase in his career where he skillfully portrayed complex characters.

Billa

'Billa' is a remake of super hid movie 'Don', this movie is considered as a turning point in Rajinikanth's Carrer. This movie gave him a tag as a action hero and angry young man.

Mullum Malarum

In 1978, Rajinikanth delivered a memorable performance in the film 'Mullum Malarum,' which stands out as one of his top five favorite films. In this movie, he portrayed an alpha male character—an illiterate man with a deep and obsessive love for his younger sister. Rajinikanth's compelling portrayal in the film earned acclaim, and K. Balachander, the director, expressed pride in introducing an actor of his caliber to Tamil cinema. Not only was "Mullum Malarum" a critical success, but it also achieved commercial success, running for an impressive 100 days in theaters.

Thillu Mullu

This 1981 comedy remake of the Hindi film 'Golmaal' was directed by Rajni's favorite director, K Balachander. It's where Rajni showed he could do comedy. The uproariously funny scenes between Rajinikanth and Thengai Sreenivasan are a real treat and can still make you burst into laughter today. Balachander had to persuade Rajnikanth, a popular action hero, to break the mold and take on this film. You can watch the movie on YouTube and the aha channel.

Baasha

This movie has got some serious action and that classic Thalaivar's style. It's your typical commercial flick, but people were totally into this action-packed drama. The crowd really dug the chemistry between Rajini and the fiery Nagma. In this 1995 gangster flick, Rajini's character starts off as a humble auto driver with a hidden past. When he switches into his gangster mode, the audience went wild. The movie ran for a whopping 15 months and became a cult favorite among Rajini fans. And it's not just for the catchy lines like "If I tell it once, it's like I've said it a hundred times" or the serious dialogue with the hint of "I have another name."

Anthuleni Katha

The 1976 film you are referring to is likely 'Anthuleni Katha,' a Telugu remake of K. Balachander's classic "Aval Oru Thodar Kathai." In this movie, directed by Balachander himself, Jaya Prada played a key role, and Rajinikanth portrayed the character of her drunken and irresponsible brother. "Anthuleni Katha" is noteworthy as it marked one of Rajinikanth's first major roles, showcasing his versatility and establishing him as a prominent actor in the South Indian film industry. The film's narrative, based on Balachander's signature storytelling style, contributed to its success and further solidified Rajinikanth's presence in the world of cinema.

Padaiyappa

'En Vazhi Thani Vazhi,' translated as 'My Way is a Unique Way,' became a significant milestone in Rajinikanth's cinematic journey. Renowned for delivering dialogues with emphatic style, Rajinikanth's on-screen expressions and catchphrases from this film have become iconic in the history of Tamil cinema.

Muthu

The 1995 rural drama you're referring to is likely 'Muthu.' This film, a quintessential superstar vehicle, not only featured excellent songs but also enjoyed significant success, even making a big impact in Japan. With the comedic touch of Vadivelu and the dynamic presence of Rajinikanth, the movie was a crowd-pleaser.

Aval Appadithaan

The 1978 film you're referring to is likely 'Aval Appadithan,' a critically acclaimed Tamil movie that explores themes of feminism and equality for women.