Fifty years. Half a century. That’s how long superstar Rajinikanth has illuminated Indian cinema. His magnetic presence has captivated millions across the country. His roles are legendary, touching hearts far beyond language barriers. We are celebrating this incredible milestone. Let’s explore ten of his most iconic characters. These roles left a huge mark on audiences everywhere. They certainly earned him a special place in movie history.
Baashha
Remember Manik Baashha from the 1995 Tamil action hit, *Baashha*? Rajinikanth played an auto driver with a secret past. He was once a feared gangster. Director Suresh Krishna brought this story to life. Rajinikanth, Nagma, and Raghuvaran delivered powerful performances. But it was Thalaivar’s unmatched charisma that made *Baashha* a true cult classic. It remains a fan favorite.
Sivaji: The Boss
In 2007, Rajinikanth took on corruption in *Sivaji: The Boss*. Director S. Shankar crafted this powerful tale. Rajinikanth played Sivaji, a smart software engineer. He bravely fought against a corrupt system. Shriya Saran and Vivek joined him on screen. A.R. Rahman’s music was a highlight. The film was a huge hit, even for Hindi-speaking viewers.
Robot
Director S. Shankar again teamed up with Rajinikanth in 2010. The result was *Enthiran*, known as *Robot* in Hindi. This movie pushed boundaries. Rajinikanth delivered a dual performance. He was both the brilliant scientist, Dr. Vaseegaran, and his creation, the advanced robot Chitti. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Danny Denzongpa also starred. This was one of India’s priciest films. It set new standards for special effects.
Kabali
In 2016, Rajinikanth surprised everyone with *Kabali*. Director Pa. Ranjith set this drama in Malaysia. Rajinikanth played an older gangster. His character searched for his missing family. Radhika Apte also appeared. This role showed a deeper, more emotional side of the superstar. It proved he could master serious acting too.
Kaala
Rajinikanth reunited with director Pa. Ranjith for 2018’s *Kaala*. This powerful film took place in Mumbai’s Dharavi area. Rajinikanth played Kaala, a local leader and former gangster. He fought tirelessly for the rights of the poor. Huma Qureshi and Nana Patekar shared the screen. The movie sharply commented on social problems.
Lingaa
Director K.S. Ravikumar’s *Lingaa* from 2014 was a grand affair. Rajinikanth took on a double role. He played both a king from history and a modern-day engineer. Anushka Shetty and Sonakshi Sinha were also featured. The film touched on big ideas. It explored social progress and building dams for the people.
Darbar
In 2020, director A.R. Murugadoss gave us *Darbar*. Rajinikanth was a police officer named Adil Arunachalam. His character sought revenge for his family’s murder. He went beyond the law to achieve this goal. It was a classic action-packed revenge story.
Petta
*Petta*, released in 2019, was a treat for fans. Director Karthik Subbaraj brought Rajinikanth back in a stylish role. He played a hostel warden with a hidden past as a gangster. Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vijay Sethupathi added to the star power. Rajinikanth’s signature style and swagger stole the show. That charm still captivates audiences.
Andha Kanoon
Rajinikanth made his big Hindi film debut with *Andha Kanoon* in 1983. Director T. Rama Rao assembled a strong cast. Rajinikanth played a blind young man. He fought against the system to get justice. Hema Malini also starred. Even Amitabh Bachchan made a special guest appearance. It marked a new chapter for the superstar.
John Jani Janardhan
The 1984 film *John Jani Janardhan* was pure entertainment. Director Ramanathan crafted this “masala” movie. Rajinikanth played three brothers. They started on different paths. Eventually, they found their way back to each other. Khushboo and Amrish Puri were also in the film. This movie was a special treat for all of Rajinikanth’s loyal fans.