Rajinikanth made his debut with ‘Apoorva Raagangal’.
By Dileep Thekkethil
The journey of actor Rajinikanth, who made his acting debut as an abusive husband in late director K Balachander’s 1975 movie ‘Apoorva Raagangal”, to the superstar or “Thalaivar” of Tamil cinema, is a saga to be told for ages.
From ‘Apoorva Ragangal’ to the forthcoming ‘Kabali’, Rajinikanth has set a standard that marks a distinctive place for him in Indian cinema.
Let us look at some of the top-grossing movies of Rajinikanth.
Enthiran
Enthiran was a science fiction movie directed by S. Shankar and co-written by him and Sujatha Rangarajan starring Rajinikanth in dual roles. The movie which tells the story of a scientist and his android humanoid that goes out of his control had Aishwarya Rai playing opposite to Rajinikanth. The movie grossed ₹580 million from all languages in the first weekend and ended earning approximately ₹1.865 billion in domestic collection and an overseas collection of $12 million.
Chandramukhi
Chandramukhi was a horror movie directed by P. Vasu, and was produced and distributed by Ramkumar Ganesan of Sivaji Productions starring Rajanikanth, Jyothika, and Nayanthara. The movie was the remake of a 1992 Malayalam movie “Manichitratazhu” starring Mohanlal. Chandramukhi which was made on a budget of ₹190 million grossed $8.4 million in 11 days on eight screens in Chennai and the distributors of the movie got a gross profit of 20% over $25 million.
Sivaji
Sivaji was a 2007 action film directed by S. Shankar starring Rajinikanth and Shriya Saran. The movie tells the story of a US-based computer engineer who returns to India to help the poor and the less privileged citizens. But his efforts are hampered by corrupt police and politicians. Shivaji was made on a budget of ₹600-780 million and ended earning ₹1.28 billion.
Padayappa
Padayappa was a super hit Rajinikanth movie directed by KS Ravikumar. The movie deals with the life of Padayappa whose father’s death ruins his family but he is able to lead a prosperous life, standing over the people who stood against him. But when the opportunity arrives, his nemesis plots to ruin his happy family. According to India Today, Padayappa is one of the best Tamil movies and it is estimated to have collected $440 million worldwide.
Baasha
Baasha was a 1995 action film directed by Suresh Krissna starring Rajinikanth as an auto driver who desperately tries to hide his dark underworld flashback to keep his promise to the father. The movie received wide appreciation and it went on to get ₹250 million (equivalent to ₹680 million or US$10 million in 2013) in the box office.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqSHmt6-rhc
Arunachalam
Arunachalam was a 1997 drama directed by Sundar C, featuring Rajinikanth, Soundarya, and Rambha in the lead roles. Rajinikanth plays the role of the son of a VIP of a village who finds out about his past but destiny has its own play. The move was a huge success at the box office.
Thalapathi
Thalapathi was a crime drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam, starring Rajinikanth and Malayalam superstar Mammotty. The movie is inspired by the story of friendship between Karna and Duryodhana of the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. Thalapathy was critically acclaimed and was called a movie ahead of its time and intellectually entertaining.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc5GSXF-Z8I
Muthu
Muthu was a Tamil romantic comedy-drama film, directed by K. S. Ravikumar starring Rajinikanth, Meena, and Sarath Babu. The movie says the story of the son of an affluent man who goes on a pilgrimage to Himalaya entrusting his son with his sister, asking her to treat him only as a servant. At the end of the movie, Muthu realizes who is really is but refuses to be a zamindar. The movie has some good songs directed by AR Rahman. The famous track “Oruvan oruvan Muthalali” which means God is the real master and we all are his servants, tells the gist of the movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InvPNJSPFZI
Thillu Mullu
Thillu Mullu was a Tamil comedy movie directed by legendary K. Balachander, featuring Rajinikanth, Madhavi in lead roles. The movie received positive response from critics, who were all praise for Rajinikanth’s performance. The film became successful at the box-office.
Mullum Malarum
Mullum Malarum was drama film written and directed by J. Mahendran who made his directorial debut. The film starred Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu, Fatafat Jayalaxmi and Shoba. Mullum Malarum gave a breakthrough for Rajinikanth, and the movie became a milestone in Tamil cinema. Director K. Balachander wrote a letter of appreciation to Rajinikanth: “I’m proud to have introduced you as an actor.”