Rajinikanth, fondly known as Thalaivar (The Leader), is one of Indian cinema’s most iconic and influential stars. Rising from humble beginnings as a bus conductor to becoming a pan-Indian superstar, Rajinikanth redefined the South Indian hero archetype with his unmatched style, screen presence, and charisma. We will recommend here 5 Best Movies of Rajinikanth You Can’t Miss.
Rajinikanth known for his gravity-defying action, sharp dialogue delivery, and deep-rooted humility off-screen, he enjoys a near-divine following across generations. With a career spanning over four decades, Rajinikanth has headlined some of the most culturally impactful and highest-grossing films in Indian film history.
These seven IMDb‑rated classics (8.0 and above) showcase his range across genres—from comedy and drama to high-voltage action.
1. Thillu Mullu (1981)
Director: K. Balachander
Cast: Rajinikanth (Chandran/Indiran double role), Thengai Srinivasan, Sowcar Janaki
Plot: A lighthearted comedy where Chandran lies to his boss about needing time off, then pretends to have a twin to keep up the charade.
Moral: Mischief is fun—until it underscores the importance of honesty and simplicity. A charming lesson in embracing authenticity.
2. Thalapathi (1991)
Director: Mani Ratnam
Cast: Rajinikanth (Surya), Mammootty (Devaraj), Arvind Swamy, Srividya, Bhanupriya, Shobana
Plot: Surya, raised in a slum, forms a deep bond with local don Devaraj. Their friendship is tested when a principled district collector enters the scene, echoing the Karna–Duryodhana motifs from the Mahabharata.
Moral: Loyalty and morality often collide—Thalapathi reminds us that character shapes destiny.
3. Aarilirundhu Aruvathu Varai (1979)
Director: S. P. Muthuraman
Cast: Rajinikanth (Santhanam), others
Plot: Santhanam is the eldest son of a poor family who sacrifices his youth to support his siblings. When he becomes a writer, his ungrateful siblings test his resilience.
Moral: Responsibility can be a burden—but perseverance defines self-worth and legacy.
4. Mullum Malarum (1978)
Director: J. Mahendran
Cast: Rajinikanth (Kali), Shoba
Plot: Kali, a fiercely protective brother, clashes with a new engineer who becomes close to his sister. This clash destabilizes his quiet life, leading to emotional upheaval.
Moral: Love demands trust—control can shatter relationships. A moving portrayal of pride, vulnerability, and reconciliation.
5. Baashha (1995)
Director: Suresh Krissna
Cast: Rajinikanth (Manikam/Baashha), Nagma, Raghuvaran, Janagaraj
Plot: An auto-driver lives a simple life until his violent past resurfaces to protect his family. His transformation from humble driver to fierce protector is iconic.
Moral: True strength lies in humility—yet standing up when family is threatened reveals heroism.
6. Padayappa (1999)
Director: K. S. Ravikumar
Cast: Rajinikanth (Padayappa), Ramya Krishnan (Neelambari), Soundarya, Sivaji Ganesan
Plot: After betrayal by his foster brother and revenge from Neelambari, engineer Padayappa rebuilds his life, turning challenges into triumphs.
Moral: Resilience and dignity prevail—class and success must be earned with heart and conviction.
7. Sivaji: The Boss (2007)
Director: S. Shankar
Cast: Rajinikanth (Sivaji), Shriya Saran, Vivek, others
Plot: Sivaji returns from the U.S. to serve India by funding education and healthcare. He faces obstacles from corrupt forces but uses savvy and conviction to persevere.
Moral: Idealism meets resistance—architects of change must build with both strategy and soul.
🎯 Why These Films Define Rajinikanth
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These seven titles reflect Rajinikanth at his most compelling: from uproarious comedy (Thillu Mullu) and intense drama (Mullum Malarum) to blockbuster action (Baashha, Sivaji).
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Each film carries a strong moral theme—justice, loyalty, humility, social ambition—that resonates across generations.
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IMDb scores of 8.1 and higher confirm their enduring popularity and critical acclaim.
✅ Final Recommendation
Whether you’re introducing someone to Rajini’s genius or curating a must-watch list, these films illustrate why he remains a towering icon in Indian cinema. Every movie highlights different facets of his persona—power, pathos, humor, and heart.