'Superstar' Rajinikanth - the name is synonymous with swag, pizzazz, and sophistication. He is one actor, who has been an inspiration for nearly four generations of aspiring actors, filmmakers, technicians, and people in the film industry across the country. The iconic star has come a long way in his illustrious career and is still going strong. Remember the Kaala audio launch speech when he said, "Indha kuthirai oditte irukku" (This horse has been running for forty years)? Yes, that pretty much says everything one has to know about THE 'Superstar' of Tamil and Indian cinema. However, there have been times when Rajinikanth as the star we know, has not been and should have been celebrated more as an actor from what we have witnessed him so far. In the midst of the bright lights that have celebrated the man who has been the face of celebrations for years now, we have seen him come up with legendary performances that deserve grand recognition again. And, in honor of the star performer Rajinikanth is, here's the list of his 11 best performances that fans need to be reminded of:
16 Vayathinile
"Idhu epdi irukku?" (How is this?) This dialogue by Rajinikanth wasn't just addressed to the characters in 16 Vayathinile, but was an indirect query to fans and critics about what one had to expect of him in the film and his future in cinema. And, he didn't disappoint. His character as Parattaiyan embodied ruggedness and sarcasm at each turn and that made him a larger-than-life character. Likewise, the actor delivered a powerhouse performance as the antagonist in this directorial debut venture of legendary Tamil filmmaker Bharathiraja, which also saw 'Ulaganayagan' Kamal Haasan and Sridevi set fireworks on the big screen. Despite Kamal Haasan and Sridevi lighting up the audiences' faces with bright smiles, it was Rajinikanth, who made everyone roar with a burst of huge laughter each time he delivered his one-liners and punchlines.
Take a moment to think about a rugged Rajinikanth, who is raw and sarcastic in expressing himself at every turn, yet his actions speak volumes that aid in the betterment of his fellow beings - these happen to be some of the base characteristics of his genuine character in Mullum Malarum. Playing the role of Kali, Rajinikanth played a winch operator of a cable trolley, who has an undying love for his younger sister, even when the entire world turns against him. Faced with ordeals at each and every turn, we see Rajinikanth not give in to the pressure as his sister is his biggest strength to stand tall in life. The dialogue, "Ketta paiyan sir indha Kali", remains iconic and one that inspires a never say die attitude for Rajinikanth's ardent fans everywhere.
Any Rajinikanth film that has him playing dual roles is a double bonanza treat for fans and his Johnny is no different as it shows him in the role of a con artist who gets framed for a crime committed by his lookalike Vidyasagar. What follows is an emotional journey for Johnny, who sets out on a quest to find out the truth behind his name getting sullied, while also winning Sridevi's heart. Likewise, we next witness Rajinikanth bringing together an amalgamation of extraordinary emotions in his performance, which has since remained etched in the minds and hearts of the superstar's fans.
The sole battle of a man, who carries the entire on his shoulder, as he goes out to bring about a change in the lives of the people closest to him. Not only do we see Rajinikanth coming up with a subtle and precise performance, we are once again shown there's more to him than meets the eye in Aarilirundhu Arubathu Varai. We see Rajinikanth play the role of a doting brother, a devoted husband, a loyal friend, and a compliant fighter, whose mission in life is to uplift those around him. There are moments in the film that will tug at your heartstrings and make you shed a tear or two and that is the true defining moment when you realize Rajinikanth the actor is here to stay.
One of the few films that established a massive fan following for Rajinikanth in the rural areas in Tamil Nadu in the early stages of his career, Murattu Kaalai as the title suggests, showed us the actor as a Raging Bull. There are many phases in the film when he triumphs over every other performer - be it with his roaring laughter, his wit, and charm, his fury, or as a loving brother to his siblings, when we get to also see his gentle side - Rajinikanth stood tall as a tower and his fiery performance is testimony enough.
Thillu Mullu
In Thillu Mullu, we are introduced to Rajinikanth's character(s) in an unconventional manner when we see him having completed his graduation and rants about having to take up a job for his future. Not only does this scene instantly connect with every youngster, but also sets the tone for the entire film and the riot that ensues later. In the hopes of having fun in life, Rajinikanth as Aiyampettai Arivudainambi Kaliyaperumal Chandran goes on an anxiety trip when he has to put up an act to convince his employer to not get into further trouble. And, that is exactly when more problems begin popping up when he brings into the picture his fictional sibling Indran and all hell breaks loose. What follows is a sensational performance from Rajinikanth putting up dual faces to avoid an impending disaster only to cause a domino effect.
The phrase, "like father, like son", is put to test in Netrikkan when Rajinikanth appears in dual roles as father and son, whose characteristics can be best described to be that of two sides of a coin. However, each of their characters is miles apart and that is where the superstar delivers a knockout performance where he gets to cut loose and be as eccentric as he can be. Worlds collide when Chakravarthy, a middle-aged womanizer, and his son, Santhosh, clash not only over their ideologies, but also their characters that reveal different faces altogether. In the role of the father, Rajinikanth presents a wacky version of the character and shows exactly how whimsical he can be at each turn.
The film that redefined the cop in Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth, who appeared in triple roles, embodied his character Alex Pandian and has since been a memorable one for the actor's fans. Not only did the star present a new kind of police officer Tamil cinema had never seen before where he went full out in being as enigmatic as can be, but he also set the trend for the cop who can be as assertive in his stance and decisions for serving justice. It can be fitting to say that Rajinikanth was his explosive best in Moondru Mugam compared to the few occasions he played the role of a police officer.
The time when Rajinikanth was well into the phase of being the man of the masses, and Thalapathi showed him to be a larger-than-life persona, who stood up for those who couldn't voice their views in the crowded society. In an action-packed role, there is one specific moment in the film, when we feel the plight he has been going through after Jaishankar reveals to him that his mother is none other than Srividya. The subsequent reaction of Rajinikanth where he struggles to put one and one together and then starts to shed tears will surely leave a lump in everyone's throat. The actor shows us once again why he is an underrated actor and Thalapathi proves why he is a beloved celebrated figure for everyone.
We saw Rajinikanth's character in Thalapathi yearning for his mother's love and Mannan gave us a big glimpse of how he would cherish it. The song 'Amma Endru' holds a special place in the hearts of Tamil cinema fans as it showed the superstar celebrating his mother on the big screen. There are several moments in Mannan where he shows us how much parents sacrifice for their children and what the first and foremost duty of a child is to his/her parents. We are moved on many occasions when Rajinikanth shows his love for his mother and that shows how impactful his performance has been. Likewise, the actor has embodied characters that are relatable to the common man such as a mechanic, laborer, milkman, auto driver, watchman, farmer, and so on, and Mannan has him playing the role of a factory worker and a union worker, who gives voice to those who want to express themselves at their place of employment. We see him stand up for the right cause at the right time and it is his charisma that has set him apart from many of his contemporaries as fans identify themselves with the characters he personifies on the big screen.
For many years, Rajinikanth was seen in action roles that appeal to his mass image. However, Kaala veered a little away from that aspect and found a balance between his mass elements and once again gave him a performance-driven role. Several moments in the film come to our mind where we see him as a rebel with a heart, who stands up for justice and raises his voice for the oppressed and the downtrodden. There is a fine line between keeping it low-key and going overboard, and Rajinikanth, once again, comes up with an ace act in Kaala, where he stands his ground in delivering one of the most iconic performances in his career.