MUMBAI – In Indian film, few stars have the staying power of Rajinikanth, known to millions as “Thalaivar” or the Superstar. On August 15, 2025, he reached an impressive landmark, hitting 50 years in cinema with the launch of his 171st movie, Coolie.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie stands as both a highlight in his career and an homage to his transformation from a bus conductor into an international superstar. This story takes you through Rajinikanth’s unforgettable path, his impact on Telugu cinema, the excitement around Coolie, and how he’s turned movie theatres into places of worship for his passionate fans.
Early Days: From Shivaji Rao to Rajinikanth
Rajinikanth, born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, grew up facing tough times. As the youngest in his family, he lost his mother at age nine and was raised in a modest home with his father, who worked as a police constable.
Rajinikanth took on several jobs to help out, including as a coolie, carpenter and bus conductor for Bangalore Transport Service. Even then, his lively personality drew attention as he entertained bus riders with his flair for flipping tickets and returning change, hinting at the performer he would become.
Everything changed when a close friend, Raj Bahadur, encouraged him to pursue acting and supported him in joining the Madras Film Institute. While there, director K. Balachander noticed his natural ability and cast him in Apoorva Raagangal (1975). Balachander suggested the name “Rajinikanth” to distinguish him from Sivaji Ganesan, another film legend. Rajinikanth’s first role, though small, left a mark and set the stage for his rise.
During his first years, Rajinikanth often played negative roles in films like Moondru Mudichu (1976), Avargal (1977) and 16 Vayathinile (1977). His intense expressions, sharp dialogue delivery, and unique style—including his flair for flipping cigarettes and sunglasses—caught the public’s eye.
By the end of the 1970s, he started taking leading roles, with Bairavi (1978) earning him the Superstar title. The 1980s cemented his fame, with hits like Billa (1980), Murattu Kaalai (1980) and Thillu Mullu (1981). These movies showed off his range in comedy, action and drama.
A Half-Century in Cinema: Rajinikanth’s Unique Career
Spanning 50 years, Rajinikanth’s life in film proves his ability to adapt and remain a fan favourite. With over 170 movies across Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam, he’s built a fanbase stretching from India to Japan. His career rhythms show his knack for change and fresh starts.
The First Act: Villain to Hero (1975–1980s)
In the late 1970s, Rajinikanth stood out with his roles as villains or anti-heroes, especially in Moondru Mudichu and Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977). His rugged looks and rough charm set him apart from the clean-cut stars of the time, such as M.G. Ramachandran.
By the 1980s, movies like Billa (a Tamil version of Don), Murattu Kaalai and Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988) turned him into a true hero for the masses. His catchy dialogue and bold presence became a culture of its own, with people imitating his every move.
The 90s: Icon Status
The 1990s were a golden period. Hits such as Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995), and Muthu (1995) became classics. In Baashha, his role as Manikkam, an auto driver who hides a gangster past, struck a chord with fans. Muthu became a hit in Japan, where it played for over 200 days, showing that “Rajinikanth fever” reached far beyond India. Fans held grand celebrations, pouring milk over his cut-outs and treating movie releases like big community events.
Keeping Up with Changing Times (2000s–2010s)
Rajinikanth moved forward as the industry changed. He took on large-scale projects and new technology in the 2000s. Sivaji: The Boss (2007) was a visual feast and made over ₹100 crore, with Rajinikanth swapping cigarettes for chewing gum due to new rules. Enthiran (2010) had him play a scientist and a robot, raking in over ₹250 crore worldwide. The sequel, 2.0 (2018), outdid it by grossing over ₹800 crore, proving his star power lasted well into his 60s.
His more recent films, like Kabali (2016) and Kaala (2018), focused on social themes, while Petta (2019) brought back his classic style. Jailer (2023) was another major hit, earning more than ₹600 crore. Even when a movie didn’t do well, he rebounded, working with up-and-coming directors like Pa. Ranjith and Nelson and showing he knows what fans want.
Thalaivar: More Than Just a Movie Star
Rajinikanth’s fame goes well beyond his films. With over 50,000 fan clubs, some fans see him almost like a deity, even building temples and offering milk to his images. A 2015 documentary, For the Love of a Man, captured this passion, with fans going so far as to mortgage homes to throw big celebrations.
For Kabali’s release, AirAsia dedicated a plane in his honour, showcasing his international fame. In Madurai, a fan built a temple lined with thousands of his photos. Off-screen, Rajinikanth keeps a low profile, lives a simple life and shuns product endorsements, which only adds to his legend.
Colleagues praise his legacy. Kamal Haasan calls him a “cinematic brilliance,” while Mammootty and Mohanlal talk about his unmatchable charisma. Director S. Shankar described his impact as reaching “fifty feet and beyond.” Even Vijay, another Tamil star, says, “There is only one Superstar. The crown always belongs to him.”
Rajinikanth and Telugu Cinema: All-India Appeal
While Rajinikanth is mostly linked to Tamil cinema, he’s left a mark in Telugu films as well, underlining his nationwide appeal. Telugu audiences welcomed him as early as the 1970s, with many Tamil films dubbed or remade into Telugu. His Telugu film list is shorter, but he made a strong impression.
Early Telugu Films
Rajinikanth entered Telugu cinema with Anthuleni Katha (1976), a remake of a Tamil hit directed by K. Balachander. His villain roles soon caught attention in Andhra Pradesh. Movies like Chilakamma Cheppindi (1977), Amma Evarikkaina Amma (1979), Vayasu Pilichindi (1978) and Tiger (1979) followed, with Rajinikanth’s on-screen action style fitting right in with the Telugu audience.
Big Hits and Collaborations
He starred in both original Telugu movies and dubbed versions of Tamil blockbusters in the 1980s and 1990s. Films like Peddanna (1980), Ranuva Veeran (1981), and Jeevana Poratam (1986) were well received. His iconic Tamil films, such as Billa, Annamalai, and Baashh, a become Telugu hits. Muthu Maharaja, the dubbed version of Muthu, turned into a pop culture favourite in Andhra Pradesh.
Telugu Box Office Royalty
Recent years show that dubbed versions of Rajinikanth’s films lead the Telugu box office. Jailer (2023), for instance, grossed over ₹100 crore in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. His bonding with Telugu stars, like Nagarjuna Akkineni in Coolie and in movies like Chandramukhi (2005), has made these ties even stronger.
Coolie (2025): Celebrating 50 Years in Style
Coolie, launched on August 14, 2025, is a perfect tribute to Rajinikanth’s five-decade legacy. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, already known for slick action films like Kaithi and Vikram, Coolie is a Tamil action thriller produced by Sun Pictures.
The film’s packed cast includes Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, and Rachita Ram, along with Aamir Khan and Pooja Hegde in special roles. Coolie set new records, with ₹100 crore in bookings and ₹150 crore on day one.
A Story That Feels Personal
Coolie draws from Rajinikanth’s early years, tracing his growth from a coolie and bus conductor to movie icon. The film’s poster shows Rajinikanth with a badge marked 1421, a tribute to his father’s badge as a conductor, as confirmed by Kanagaraj.
The plot centres on a working-class hero fighting a corrupt, wealthy villain, balancing full-throttle action with deeper emotion. Rajinikanth plays the underdog, staying true to the roles that built his career.
A Director with Fresh Vision
Lokesh Kanagaraj is known for action-packed stories and weaving in current issues. Working with Rajinikanth, he’s made Coolie appeal to both longtime fans and young viewers. The cast brings together talent from across India, supporting the movie’s broad reach. Aamir Khan’s special appearance, teaming up with Rajinikanth for the first time, has added even more excitement.
Breaking Records at the Box Office
Coolie has smashed records with its massive advance sales and wide release in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada. Theatres are crowded with fans pouring milk on cut-outs, lighting camphor, and dancing to Anirudh Ravichander’s score. Social media has exploded with messages tagged #50YearsOfRajinikanth and #Coolie, calling it a powerful celebration of Thalaivar.
Rajinikanth’s Legacy: More Than Just Movies
Beyond acting, Rajinikanth is admired for his down-to-earth personality and charity work. While he considered a run in politics, he decided to keep his focus on cinema. Through his fan clubs, he supports blood drives, aid for disaster victims and community events, showing his commitment to service.
Awards such as the Padma Bhushan (2000), Padma Vibhushan (2016), and Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2021) honour his contributions, though Rajinikanth often says his biggest prize is the love of his fans. His daughter Aishwarya once said that while he’s a superstar on screen, at home, he acts like any dad. This blend of humility in private and larger-than-life roles on screen keeps him popular across generations.
Conclusion
Rajinikanth’s milestone of 50 years in Indian cinema, capped by Coolie, is a story of grit and transformation. He’s shown a gift for reinvention, reaching audiences across languages and countries. Coolie has become a tribute not just to his career, but to the spirit of chasing your dreams.
For countless fans, Rajinikanth stands for hope and possibility—a reminder that anyone can rise above their roots. As theatres come alive and fans celebrate, one thing is sure: the Thalaivar legend lives on.
