Rajinikanth: The King of Mass Movies in Tamil Cinema

Rajinikanth, known as Rajni or Irular, is a legendary actor in South Indian cinema, particularly in Tamil films. He has starred in over 150 blockbuster movies that have captivated audiences for decades. This article explores his most famous mass movies, their impact, and the recent success of his films like Jailer.

Mass Appeal and Impact

Rajinikanth's mass appeal is unparalleled, with his movies often breaking records and attracting huge crowds. Some of his standout films that are considered the best in terms of mass appeal include:

1. Baasha (1995)

Baasha is an iconic film where Rajinikanth plays an auto driver with a mysterious past who takes on the underworld. The actor's performance and the film's dialogues have cemented it as a classic. The movie was screened for 15 months in theatres and achieved cult status in Tamil cinema.

2. Sivaji (2007)

This social drama involves Rajinikanth as a software systems architect fighting against corruption. The film features high-octane action and memorable music, making it a blockbuster. It also crossed the 100-crore mark, making it the first Tamil film to do so.

3. Enthiran Robot (2010)

In Enthiran Robot, Rajinikanth plays a robot named Chitti. The film was a massive hit with cutting-edge visual effects and a strong storyline. It resonated deeply with fans, especially due to its emotional depth.

4. Kabali (2016)

Kabali tells the story of an aging gangster and explores themes of identity and social justice. This film was deeply emotional and resonated strongly with fans, showcasing Rajinikanth's acting range.

5. Muthu (1995)

This film features Rajinikanth in one of his most celebrated works, known for its catchy songs and dance sequences. It has a cult following and remains popular even today.

6. Annamalai (1992)

Renowned for Rajinikanth's charisma and screen presence, this classic tale of friendship, love, and rivalry continues to be a fan favorite.

Recent Success of Jailer

In recent times, Rajinikanth's Jailer has made a huge impact at the box office. This was Rajini's 169th film and was released in 2023. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, Jailer was the first collaboration between Rajinikanth and Nelson Dilipkumar. Rajinikanth played the role of 'Tiger' Muttuveil Pandiyan, a retired jailer, and his performance was highly praised.

The ‘Kaavaali’ song, featuring Rajinikanth and Tamannaah, quickly became popular and went viral on social media. Jailer had a 200-crore budget and grossed over 600 crore worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2023 and the second-highest-grossing Tamil film of all time after 2.0. It also performed exceptionally well in North America and Karnataka.

Impact on Tamil Cinema

The success of Jailer was so significant that it inspired Nelson to make a sequel, Jailer 2. The movie was a massive entertainer, featuring good action, dance, comedy, and a stunning performance by Rajinikanth. The huge crowd that saw the film was enthusiastic, making it one of Rajinikanth's best mass movies in recent times.

In 1995, Rajinikanth starred in Baasha, which was screened in theatres for 15 months and gained cult status. The same year, Muthu also attracted masses, not only in Tamil Nadu or South India but also in Japan, where the audience became fans of Rajinikanth.

Championing Tamil Cinema

Rajinikanth has been a stalwart in Tamil cinema, earning millions of fans and making significant contributions to the industry. With two 500-crore movies under his belt, he has achieved a unique milestone. Fans eagerly await his upcoming film Vettaiyan, set to release in October 2024.

Rajinikanth's influence extends beyond Tamil cinema, making him a household name in South Asia. His humble nature and down-to-earth personality continue to endear him to fans, both in India and internationally. At 73, his mass support remains strong, and audiences flock to his films, ensuring his continued relevance in the world of cinema.