
Acting
Rajinikanth
Born 1950-12-12 · Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Rajinikanth (born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950) is an Indian actor, producer, and screenwriter who works primarily in Tamil cinema. Born in Bangalore (now Bengaluru) to a Marathi Hindu family, he worked as a bus conductor for the Bangalore Transport Service before joining the Madras Film Institute to pursue a diploma in acting. He made his cinematic debut with a brief but impactful antagonistic role in K. Balachander's Tamil drama *Apoorva Raagangal* (1975). Often referred to universally as "Superstar" or simply "Thalaivar" (Leader), Rajinikanth has established himself as one of the most successful, influential, and highest-paid actors in the history of Indian cinema, known for his unique acting style, distinct line delivery, and charismatic screen presence. After beginning his career primarily portraying villains and anti-heroes, he gradually transitioned to lead roles, achieving massive stardom in the late 1970s and 1980s. His collaborations with director S. P. Muthuraman in films like *Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri* (1977), *Murattu Kaalai* (1980), and *Nallavanuku Nallavan* (1984) firmly cemented his status as a leading action hero. The 1990s witnessed him delivering monumental, industry-defining blockbusters that achieved unprecedented box office success, most notably Suresh Krissna's *Annamalai* (1992) and *Baasha* (1995), K. S. Ravikumar's *Muthu* (1995)—which gained a massive cult following in Japan—and *Padayappa* (1999). His unique ability to blend high-octane action, mass appeal, and spiritual philosophy in his films made him an unparalleled phenomenon across the country. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Rajinikanth continued his unparalleled box-office reign, consistently pushing the boundaries of Indian commercial cinema. He delivered gargantuan blockbusters including P. Vasu's horror-comedy *Chandramukhi* (2005) and reunited with director Shankar for the spectacular successes *Sivaji: The Boss* (2007) and the science-fiction epics *Enthiran* (2010) and its sequel *2.0* (2018). His performances in Pa. Ranjith's politically charged dramas *Kabali* (2016) and *Kaala* (2018), and Karthik Subbaraj's stylish *Petta* (2019), were highly praised for combining his quintessential swagger with substantive character depth. Honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2000, the Padma Vibhushan in 2016, and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—India's highest award in the field of cinema—in 2021, he is a cultural icon whose fandom transcends generations. In his seventies, Rajinikanth continues to headline colossal projects and rewrite box-office records. In 2023, he starred in Nelson Dilipkumar's blockbuster actioner *Jailer*, which emerged as one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of all time. His 2024 releases include a prominent extended cameo as Moideen Bhai in his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth's *Lal Salaam* and the lead role in T. J. Gnanavel's action-drama *Vettaiyan*. His highly anticipated upcoming slate includes Lokesh Kanagaraj's massive action thriller *Coolie*, slated for a worldwide release in August 2025. Furthermore, he is set to reunite with Nelson Dilipkumar for the massive sequel *Jailer 2*, which is expected to arrive in cinemas in late 2026.
Acting credits
6.5Muthuvel Pandian, a retired, stern yet compassionate jailer lives a peaceful life with his family, but trouble knocks his door when his cop son’s tryst with an antique mafia gang goes awry and forces Muthu to step back into a dark world he had voluntarily took a break from.
Jailer
2023
6.6Dr. Vaseegaran creates Chitti, a powerful robot in his own image, but it is rejected by the scientific body AIRD due to its lack of human behaviour and emotions. After a lightning strike triggers emotions in Chitti, he begins to develop human-like feelings. However, Chitti falls in love with Dr. Vaseegaran's fiancée, Sana, and turns against his creator, leading to dangerous consequences.
Enthiran
2010
NRFollowing the events of "Jailer", former ruthless police officer Muthuvel Pandian must come face-to-face with an even larger threat.
Jailer 2
2026
5.7When the titular antagonist of an action game takes on physical form, it's up to the game's less powerful protagonist to save the world.
Ra.One
2011
6.2Deva, once living a quiet life, is shaken when his close friend dies under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, he infiltrates a powerful gang operating in the shadows. As he investigates, Deva becomes entangled in a dangerous web of crime, betrayal, and secrets from his own past, forcing him to confront powerful enemies while protecting the ones he loves.
Coolie
2025
7.4Pedarayudu, the eldest brother, sits on an ancestral throne that is cursed and whoever delivers a wrong verdict dies. However, things take a turn after his youngest brother is accused of murder.
Pedarayudu
1995
7.2Arunachalam, the son of a prominent village elder, discovers the truth about his past.
Arunachalam
1997
5.8An ornithologist who commits suicide returns as fifth force to wreack vengeance on mankind for harming birds with mobile phone radiation. The only thing that is standing in his way is 2.0, the upgraded version of Chitti, the robot.
2.0
2018
7.9Santhanam gives the best education to his siblings and takes care of all their basic needs. However, when they become financially stable they ill-treat and ignore him.
Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai
1979
4.0Tragedy strikes a family of four when the train they are travelling in meets with an accident and separates them from each other.
Mangudi Minor
1978
Aarupushpangal is a Tamil film is directed by K.M.Balakrishnan.
Aaru Pushpangal
1977
Janaki, the wife of a sepoy, lives in a village with her son and daughter. One night, when a drunkard tries to molest her, her son kills him with an axe.
Iddaru Asadhyule
1979
6.5A rendering of the classic Arabian tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp.
Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum
1979
6.8Creepy happenings in an abandoned mansion are attributed to the ghost of an ancient courtesan, back for revenge.
Chandramukhi
2005
6.8Manickam, a youngster, gets reformed by Gangadharan, a kind man, who eventually appoints him in charge of his business. Irked by his father's actions, Gangadharan's son seeks revenge against Manickam.
Nallavanukku Nallavan
1984
4.5A mafia leader tries to kill policeman Sivagiri, who took down his illegal businesses, with the help of a lookalike. Later, Sivagiri discovers that the leader is responsible for his father's death.
Kodi Parakuthu
1989
6.3Roommates Prasath and Balaji are both in love with Selvi. However, life takes an ugly turn when Balaji dies and Selvi is forced to marry Prasath's father.
Moondru Mudichu
1976
5.5The Story of a young man who returns from jail after imprisonment on crime he commits for justice during young age. He comes out and again fights for justice in everyway. This film released along with Kamal hassan starred and Mani Ratnam directed Nayakan,Sathyaraj starred Brahma and Vijayakant starred Uzhavan Magan for the Deepavali season. Collection wise, reportedly this was a hit.
Manithan
1987
8.0An anthology of short stories centred on a poor university teacher's dilemma, an old woman's life story and a man who is about to marry a woman who is visually impaired.
Katha Sangama
1976
6.3Baba is an atheist who always questions the existence of a higher power. But when a turn of events bestows him with divine powers, he uses the opportunity to help other people.
Baba
2002
6.1The hero falls in love with a girl and learns music for her. The girl's house is destroyed in a cyclone and the hero believes the girl is dead. He goes to the city and marries another woman. When his first love is alive and comes searching for him, fun ensues.
Veera
1994
5.5The illegitimate son of a rich man and a singer is raised by a poor drunkard. Before he can commit to the girl he loves, he wants to find out who his parents really are. Will the drunkard help him?
Panakkaran
1990
7.3Dharmadurai, a simple villager, helps his brothers financially against his father's wishes. He goes to jail when one of them kills a man, unaware that his brothers are nothing short of evil.
Dharma Durai
1991
7.1A wealthy engineer arrives in India with the mission of serving the nation and investing in the country's welfare but is met with strong opposition from corrupt officials and politicians. After being faced with insurmountable hardships, he decides to take drastic measures.
Sivaji: The Boss
2007
Behind the camera
6.3Baba is an atheist who always questions the existence of a higher power. But when a turn of events bestows him with divine powers, he uses the opportunity to help other people.
Baba
2002
6.3Baba is an atheist who always questions the existence of a higher power. But when a turn of events bestows him with divine powers, he uses the opportunity to help other people.
Baba
2002
4.8Valli returns to her village after studying for 15 years in the city. Her cousin celebrates her arrival to the city. He is in love with Valli from childhood days. But got changed after she went to study in the city. She is no more in love with him.She falls in love with a city guy called Shekar who came to the village with his friends for hunting. Shekar cheats her and escapes from the city. Later shekar was brought back by her cousin. Instead of marrying the city guy she kills him for cheating.
Valli
1993
4.8Valli returns to her village after studying for 15 years in the city. Her cousin celebrates her arrival to the city. He is in love with Valli from childhood days. But got changed after she went to study in the city. She is no more in love with him.She falls in love with a city guy called Shekar who came to the village with his friends for hunting. Shekar cheats her and escapes from the city. Later shekar was brought back by her cousin. Instead of marrying the city guy she kills him for cheating.
Valli
1993