The Ultimate Rajinikanth Experience: Top 10 Movies Every Fan Must Watch!



If you’re a fan of Indian cinema, especially Tamil movies, the name Rajinikanth needs no introduction. Known for his unmatched charisma, stylish screen presence, and powerful dialogue delivery, he has captivated audiences for over four decades. Here’s a rundown of the top 10 Rajinikanth movies that are a must-watch for any fan, complete with summaries, box office details, cast, and more.

1. Baasha (1995)

  • Plot: Rajinikanth plays Manikkam, a simple auto driver with a dark past as a feared gangster named Baasha. When pushed, he unleashes his former self to protect his family.
  • Box Office: ₹30 crore (estimated)
  • Director: Suresh Krissna
  • Producer: R. M. Veerappan
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Nagma, Raghuvaran
  • Fun Fact: "Baasha" popularized the anti-hero role in Tamil cinema and is considered one of Rajinikanth’s most iconic roles.

2. Padayappa (1999)

  • Plot: A drama about revenge and redemption, Padayappa returns to his village to rebuild his life, facing off against his nemesis, Neelambari, in a powerful, vengeful role.
  • Box Office: ₹80 crore (estimated)
  • Director: K. S. Ravikumar
  • Producer: Arunachalam
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Ramya Krishnan, Soundarya
  • Fun Fact: Ramya Krishnan’s portrayal of Neelambari is one of Tamil cinema's most memorable villain roles.

3. Sivaji: The Boss (2007)

  • Plot: Sivaji, an NRI, returns to India to fight against corruption and change the system but finds himself up against powerful politicians.
  • Box Office: ₹128 crore (worldwide)
  • Director: Shankar
  • Producer: AVM Productions
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Shriya Saran, Suman
  • Fun Fact: The movie was released in multiple languages and marked Rajinikanth’s global appeal.

4. Enthiran (Robot) (2010)

  • Plot: A scientist creates an advanced robot, Chitti, which later gains human emotions, leading to unforeseen chaos and a clash between creator and creation.
  • Box Office: ₹290 crore (worldwide)
  • Director: Shankar
  • Producer: Kalanithi Maran
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Aishwarya Rai, Danny Denzongpa
  • Fun Fact: One of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time, Enthiran showcased cutting-edge CGI and Rajinikanth’s versatility.

5. Kabali (2016)

  • Plot: Rajinikanth plays Kabali, a don returning from prison to reclaim his legacy and seek vengeance for his family's suffering.
  • Box Office: ₹650 crore (worldwide)
  • Director: Pa. Ranjith
  • Producer: Kalaipuli S. Thanu
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte, Winston Chao
  • Fun Fact: Kabali’s marketing created a massive buzz, and its dialogues became popular across India.

6. Thalapathi (1991)

  • Plot: A modern retelling of Mahabharata, where Surya, an orphan raised on the streets, befriends Deva, a local gang lord.
  • Box Office: ₹15 crore (estimated)
  • Director: Mani Ratnam
  • Producer: G. Venkateswaran
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Mammootty, Arvind Swamy
  • Fun Fact: Rajinikanth and Mammootty’s dynamic friendship in the film is legendary, and Mani Ratnam’s direction made this a classic.

7. Muthu (1995)

  • Plot: Muthu, a loyal servant, falls in love with a wealthy woman, leading to a complex journey filled with humor, romance, and action.
  • Box Office: ₹50 crore (worldwide)
  • Director: K. S. Ravikumar
  • Producer: Rajam Balachander, Pushpa Kandaswamy
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Meena, Sarath Babu
  • Fun Fact: Muthu was dubbed in Japanese and became immensely popular, boosting Rajinikanth’s international fame.

8. Arunachalam (1997)

  • Plot: Arunachalam, a common man, inherits a massive fortune but must spend it within 30 days to gain even more wealth. His journey is filled with both comic and dramatic moments.
  • Box Office: ₹30 crore
  • Director: Sundar C
  • Producer: K. S. Nagarajan
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Soundarya, Rambha
  • Fun Fact: Inspired by the Hollywood movie Brewster’s Millions, this film highlighted Rajinikanth’s comedic prowess.

9. Kaala (2018)

  • Plot: Rajinikanth plays Kaala, a powerful slum lord in Dharavi who fights for his people’s rights against corrupt politicians and corporate giants.
  • Box Office: ₹165 crore
  • Director: Pa. Ranjith
  • Producer: Dhanush
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Nana Patekar, Huma Qureshi
  • Fun Fact: Kaala presents a socially relevant message on land rights and equality, and Rajinikanth’s performance received widespread praise.

10. Petta (2019)

  • Plot: Petta, a hostel warden with a mysterious past, confronts his old enemies to protect the people he cares about.
  • Box Office: ₹220 crore (worldwide)
  • Director: Karthik Subbaraj
  • Producer: Kalanithi Maran
  • Cast: Rajinikanth, Vijay Sethupathi, Nawazuddin Siddiqui
  • Fun Fact: Directed by Karthik Subbaraj, a fan of Rajinikanth, Petta is a tribute to Rajinikanth’s early style and captures his signature flair.

Rajinikanth’s journey in the film industry has been nothing short of legendary, with each film adding a new layer to his superstar persona. These movies are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to experiencing the full Rajinikanth effect, but they are essential viewing for any fan or newcomer looking to understand why he’s one of India’s biggest stars. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the magic of Thalaivar!

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