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50 Years of Thalaivar: Rajinikanth’s iconic movies that fans cherish forever

ETimes.in | Last updated on - Aug 15, 2025, 11:00 IST
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​50 Years of Thalaivar: Rajinikanth’s iconic movies that fans cherish forever

Rajinikanth, a wonderful guest of Tamil cinema, has many films that have captivated the hearts of fans over the last 50 years. His style, charisma, and character have remained in the hearts of fans not only in India but across the world. In this slideshow, we take a look at five key films that represent each decade and are still fresh in the minds of fans.

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'Murattu Kalai' (1980)

The film 'Murattu Kalai' was a pivotal film that established Rajinikanth as a mass hero. Directed by SP Muthuraman, the action-packed fight scenes, heart-touching story, punchy dialogues, and Thalabaivar’s unique style have left a mark on the minds of fans. It showcased his acting skills, brilliant scripting style, and storytelling. Fans still remember the film's famous scenes and songs forever.

3/6

'Annamalai' (1992)

The film 'Annamalai' created a mass thriller that showcased the importance of friendship, family, and human relationships. Rajinikanth’s charisma, punchy dialogues, and heart-warming scenes captivated the audience. The film's protagonist's dimensions of strength, honesty, and love remained in the hearts of the fans. Suresh Krissna's directorial was a mega hit in Tamil cinema and has become an unforgettable film in the minds of fans of that time and the present.

4/6

'Baasha' (1995)

Directed by Suresh Krissna, 'Baasha' is a grand film that showcases Rajinikanth as a larger-than-life hero. Rajinikanth's style, punchy dialogues, action sequences, and plot twists left an indelible mark on the minds of the fans. Themes like social good, struggle for justice, and friendship characterized the film. Its impact still lingers in Tamil cinema and the minds of the audience.

5/6

'Sivaji' (2007)

Directed by Shankar, 'Sivaji' is a huge blockbuster in which social thought, a fight for justice, and mass entertainment are all integrated. Rajinikanth's multi-faceted talent, charisma, and grand visuals have captivated the audience. The film has technical excellence, excellent cinematography, and songs. Tamil fans and fans of other languages all over the world enjoyed the mass entertainer with great enthusiasm.

6/6

'Enthiran (2010)

'Enthiran' is a landmark film that introduced science fiction to Tamil cinema. Rajinikanth's role, the dimensions of his performance as both a robot and a human, the action sequences, modern technology, and grand visual effects mesmerized the audience. The film beautifully showcased the many dimensions of humanity, machine, and love. It has become a legendary film in the minds of fans around the world.

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