25 Best Movies of Rajinikanth
by abtheboss | created - 06 Nov 2017 | updated - 1 month ago | PublicRajinikanth is a popular Indian film actor and politician, who works primarily in Tamil cinema. He has often been referred to as the most popular film actor in South India by the media and audiences.
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1. Thalapathi (1991)
Not Rated | 157 min | Action, Crime, Drama
An orphan named Surya raised in a slum befriends a good crime boss named Devaraj and works for him. Their existence is threatened when a new honest district collector arrives.
Director: Mani Ratnam | Stars: Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Shobana, Arvind Swamy
Votes: 13,242
The film emerged as a critical and commercial success during its theatrical run.
2. Baasha (1995)
Not Rated | 145 min | Action, Crime, Drama
An auto driver, Manikam, desperately tries to hide his dark underworld side to keep his promise to his father.
Director: Suresh Krishna | Stars: Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran, Vijayakumar
Votes: 11,488
The film became one of the highly successful films in the career of Rajinikanth. Rajinikanth won Filmfans Association Award and Cinema Express Award for the Best Actor for his performance in the film. At the time of its release, it became the highest grossing Tamil movie, beating the collections of Apoorva Sagodharargal.
3. Padaiyappa (1999)
181 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
The death of Padaiyappa's father destroys his family. But his luck changes, and he is able to lead a prosperous life, until his nemesis plots to ruin his happiness once more.
Director: K.S. Ravikumar | Stars: Shivaji Ganesan, Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya
Votes: 7,885
The film became Tamil cinema's highest grossing film at that point, beating collection of Indian (1996). The film got positive reviews from critics, Ramya Krishnan's performance was praised, winning her a Filmfare Award under the Best Actress category. The film also won five Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including Best Actor for Rajini.
4. Mullum Malarum (1978)
Not Rated | 143 min | Drama
A boorish villager butts heads with a newly appointed engineer from the city.
Director: J. Mahendran | Stars: Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu, Jayalakshmi, Shoba
Votes: 966
Mullum Malarum won the Filmfare Award for Best Film – Tamil, and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for Rajinikanth. Mullum Malarum was remade in Malayalam by Sreekumaran Thampi as Venalil Oru Mazha (1979) and in Hindi by Bapu as Pyari Behna (1985). It was also dubbed in Telugu as Mullu Puvvu.
5. Sivaji (2007)
Not Rated | 188 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A software engineer comes to India in order to serve the nation and invest in its welfare. A few corrupt officials and politicians try to stop him while he tries to do good for the poor.
Director: S. Shankar | Stars: Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, Suman, Vivek
Votes: 21,611
The film was positively received by critics, and became a commercial success worldwide. It went on to win a National Film Award, three Filmfare Awards and two Vijay Awards. Rajinikanth received a salary of ₹26 crore (equivalent to ₹56 crore or US$8.7 million in 2017), for his role in the film, which made him the second highest paid actor in Asia after Jackie Chan.
6. Thillu Mullu (1981)
136 min | Comedy
Chandran , a young man fools his boss and attempts to woo his boss' daughter.
Director: K. Balachander | Stars: Rajinikanth, Madhavi, Thengai Srinivasan, Sowcar Janaki
Votes: 3,747
It is a remake of the 1979 Hindi film Gol Maal.
7. Enthiran (2010)
Not Rated | 174 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A brilliant scientist creates a humanoid robot to protect mankind, but things go awry when human emotions are programmed and inner turmoil causes the robot to switch sides.
Director: S. Shankar | Stars: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Danny Denzongpa, Santhanam
Votes: 30,038 | Gross: $4.37M
It was India's most expensive film up to that point. The film got positive reviews from critics and Rajini's performance was praised. The film emerged as the top-earning Indian film of 2010. It won two Indian National Film Awards, three Filmfare Awards, seven Vijay Awards and two Screen Awards.
8. Annamalai (1992)
Not Rated | 164 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
A class-divided friendship goes through highs and lows through several decades.
Director: Suresh Krishna | Stars: Rajinikanth, Sarath Babu, Kushboo, Radha Ravi
Votes: 2,372
It was a remake of 1987 the Hindi film Khudgarz, but got better response from critics and audience. It was the highest-grossing film in Rajinikanth's career until 1995 when the record was broken by Baasha.
9. 2.0 (2018)
Not Rated | 148 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
After mobiles start mysteriously flying out of the hands of people in Chennai, Dr Vaseegaran summons his trusted robot Chitti to ward off the bird-shaped supernatural powers of Pakshirajan.
Director: S. Shankar | Stars: Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Adil Hussain
Votes: 27,089 | Gross: $5.57M
10. Muthu (1995)
156 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
The movie is about a loyal servant, Muthu (Rajni), working for Zamindar Malayasimman (Sarath Babu) and the cunning plans by the uncle of Malasimman to capture the whole wealth which uncovers some mystery about Muthu.
Director: K.S. Ravikumar | Stars: Rajinikanth, Meena, Sarath Babu, Senthil
Votes: 3,610
Muthu is a remake of the 1994 Malayalam-language blockbuster Thenmavin Kombath.
11. Arunachalam (1997)
165 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
The movie revolves around Arunachalam (Rajini), who is the son of the VIP of a village who finds out about his past but destiny has its own play.
Director: Sundar C. | Stars: Rajinikanth, Soundarya, Rambha, Jaishankar
Votes: 2,588
The Film got positive reviews from film critics and went on to win three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, including an award for Best Film.
12. Billa (1980)
Not Rated | 175 min | Action, Crime, Thriller
A village bumpkin poses as a Mafia don to uncover the gang.
Director: R. Krishnamurthy | Stars: Rajinikanth, Sripriya, K. Balaji, A.V.M. Rajan
Votes: 888
It was a remake of Don, a 1978 Hindi film, starring Amitabh Bachchan.
13. Jailer (I) (2023)
Not Rated | 168 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
A retired jailer goes on a manhunt to find his son's killers. But the road leads him to a familiar, albeit a bit darker place. Can he emerge from this complex situation successfully?
Director: Nelson Dilipkumar | Stars: Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar, Jackie Shroff
Votes: 34,744
14. Aarilirindhu Aruvathu Varai (1979)
150 min | Drama
A story about life of a common man who is very genuine in his character and struggles to lead a normal life by bearing responsibilities of his siblings.
Director: S.P. Muthuraman | Stars: Rajinikanth, Jayalakshmi, Cho Ramaswamy, Sangeetha
Votes: 806
15. Apoorva Raagangal (1975)
Not Rated | 144 min | Drama, Romance
Drama and melodrama follow two relationships involving single parents.
Director: K. Balachander | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Major Sundarrajan, Srividya, Jayasudha
Votes: 463
It marked the acting debut of Rajinikanth. Apoorva Raagangal became a critical and commercial success. It won three National Film Awards and three Filmfare Awards South. It was later remade by Balachander in Hindi as Ek Nai Paheli with Kamal Haasan and Hema Malini as the leads, and in Telugu as Thoorpu Padamara (1976).
16. Chandramukhi (2005)
Not Rated | 166 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
Creepy happenings in an abandoned mansion are attributed to the ghost of an ancient courtesan, back for revenge.
Director: P. Vasu | Stars: Rajinikanth, Prabhu, Jyotika, Nayanthara
Votes: 7,107
It is a remake of the Critically acclaimed blockbuster Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu (1993) It was the longest running South Indian film, with a theatrical run of 890 days, until its record was overtaken by the Telugu film Magadheera (2009) which completed a theatrical run of 1000 days. The film won five Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, four Film Fans' Association Awards and two Filmfare Awards.
17. Pathinaru Vayathinile (1977)
Not Rated | 139 min | Drama, Romance
The movie revolves around the struggle and vulnerability of 16-year old Mayil (Sridevi) when in love.
Director: Bharathiraja | Stars: Kamal Haasan, Sridevi, Rajinikanth, Gandhimathi
Votes: 1,243
18. Mannan (1992)
Not Rated | 154 min | Action, Comedy, Drama
Mannan is a 1992 Indian Tamil-language film directed by P. Vasu. The film stars Rajinikanth, Vijayashanti, Kushboo, Manorama, Pandari Bai, Goundamani, and Visu. It is a remake of the 1986 Kannada film Anuraga Aralithu.
Director: P. Vasu | Stars: Rajinikanth, Vijayshanti, Kushboo, Visu
Votes: 955
It is a remake of the 1986 Kannada film Anuraga Aralithu.
19. Paayum Puli (1983)
Not Rated | 130 min | Action
A young man learns martial arts to seek vengeance from a gang of criminals who murdered his sister. Will he succeed in his attempt.
Director: S.P. Muthuraman | Stars: Rajinikanth, Radha, Jaishankar, K. Balaji
Votes: 174
20. Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984)
Not Rated | 175 min | Drama, Romance
Gangadharan, a kind man reforms Manickam, a youngster and appoints him as in-charge in his factory. But Gangadharan becomes bankrupt and his son vows to avenge Manickam, believing that his father's business was swindled by Manickam.
Director: S.P. Muthuraman | Stars: Rajinikanth, Radhika Sarathkumar, Karthik, Tulasi
Votes: 282
21. Padikkathavan (1985)
Not Rated | 129 min | Drama
Two brothers are ousted from their house by their stepbrother's wife. Years later, when one of the brothers is framed for a murder, his stepbrother, who is a judge, returns as a lawyer to save him.
Director: Rajasekar | Stars: Rajinikanth, Ambika, Vijay Babu, Shivaji Ganesan
Votes: 498
22. Johny Ustad (1980)
Not Rated | 140 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A parsimonious Barbar must flee from the Police after meeting with a look-alike gangster.
Director: J. Mahendran | Stars: Rajinikanth, Sridevi, Unni Mary, K. Balaji
Votes: 552
23. Kabali (2016)
Not Rated | 153 min | Action, Crime, Drama
A reformed gangster is released from prison and attempts to protect his family from his enemies.
Director: Pa. Ranjith | Stars: Rajinikanth, Winston Chao, Radhika Apte, Dhansika
Votes: 14,190
Kabali had the highest worldwide opening day for a South Indian film, surpassing the record set by Baahubali: The Beginning.
24. Sri Raghavendra (1985)
Not Rated | 153 min | Biography, Drama
This film is the life of Sri Raghavendra. From Birth till his Mahasamadhi has been portrayed by Rajinikanth. The film highlights some of the miracles Sri Raghavendra performed.
Director: S.P. Muthuraman | Stars: Rajinikanth, Lakshmi, Vishnuvardhan, Mohan
Votes: 247
25. Kaala (2018)
Not Rated | 162 min | Action, Drama
Kaala is about the life of Nellai / Tirunelveli based Tamils who live in large number in Mumbai.
Director: Pa. Ranjith | Stars: Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, Samuthirakani, Easwari Rao
Votes: 10,331
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