Rajinikanth Movies: Complete Filmography (1975-2026)

Rajinikanth, known simply as Superstar, is a cultural icon and one of the most influential actors in Indian cinema history. Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on December 12, 1950, in Bangalore, Rajinikanth began his film career in 1975 and has since become a phenomenon transcending cinema, inspiring devotion among millions of fans worldwide.

The Legend of Tamil Cinema

Rajinikanth’s career spanning over five decades is unparalleled in Indian cinema. From playing villain roles in his early career to becoming the Superstar whose films are celebrated as festivals, Rajini’s journey is the stuff of legend. His unique style, dialogue delivery, and on-screen charisma have made him an enduring icon.

Signature Style

Rajinikanth is famous for his:

• Iconic mannerisms - cigarette flip, sunglasses toss, walking style
• Punch dialogues that become part of popular culture
• Larger-than-life screen presence
• Stylish action sequences
• Mass appeal across all demographics

Career Phases

1975-1985: Rise to Stardom Starting with villain roles, Rajini evolved into a hero with films like Billa, Murattu Kaalai, and Moondru Mugam establishing his superstar status.

1986-2000: Superstar Era Collaborations with directors like K. Balachander, SP. Muthuraman, and P. Vasu created blockbusters like Thalapathi, Annamalai, Baasha, and Padayappa.

2001-2015: Magnum Opus Phase Films like Chandramukhi, Sivaji, Enthiran, and Lingaa showcased Rajini in grand spectacles with massive budgets.

2016-Present: Resurgence Recent hits like Kabali, Kaala, Petta, Darbar, and especially Jailer (2023) proved that Superstar’s box office pull remains undiminished even at 73 years of age.

Collaborations with Legendary Directors

• K. Balachander - Mentor who gave him his first break
• Shankar - Sivaji, Enthiran, 2.0 (India’s most expensive films at release)
• Mani Ratnam - Thalapathi (considered Rajini’s finest performance)
• Pa. Ranjith - Kabali, Kaala (politically charged narratives)
• Nelson Dilipkumar - Jailer (2023 blockbuster)

Awards and Honors

• Padma Bhushan (2000) - India’s third-highest civilian honor
• Padma Vibhushan (2016) - India’s second-highest civilian honor
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2019) - Highest honor in Indian cinema
• Multiple Filmfare Awards South
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
• Honorary doctorate from multiple universities

Box Office Phenomenon

Rajinikanth’s films are treated as festivals in Tamil Nadu and worldwide:

• First Tamil actor to have ₹100 crore+ films (Enthiran, Sivaji)
• 2.0 was India’s most expensive film at ₹570 crore budget
• Jailer (2023) crossed ₹600+ crore globally, proving his enduring appeal

Global Icon

Rajinikanth’s influence extends far beyond India:

• Films dubbed and released in Japanese, Chinese, and other languages
• Large fan following in Japan (Muthu was a Japanese box office success)
• Cultural phenomenon studied in film schools worldwide

Spiritual Journey

Known for his humility and spirituality despite massive fame, Rajinikanth regularly visits the Himalayas for meditation and is a follower of Ramana Maharshi’s teachings.

Musical Collaborations

Rajini’s films feature music by legends:

• Ilaiyaraaja (numerous films) - iconic combinations
• A.R. Rahman - Muthu, Sivaji, Enthiran, 2.0
• Anirudh Ravichander - Petta, Darbar, Jailer

Political Stance

Despite decades of speculation about entering politics (following MGR and Jayalalithaa’s path), Rajinikanth announced in 2020 that he would not enter politics due to health concerns, choosing to serve society through other means.

Legacy

Rajinikanth’s impact on Tamil cinema and Indian pop culture is immeasurable. His style has been copied, parodied, and celebrated across generations. New actors still cite him as their primary inspiration. His films continue to draw massive opening day crowds, proving that the Superstar aura remains undimmed.

This page lists all Rajinikanth movies chronologically. Click on any movie title for detailed information including cast, crew, songs, and streaming availability.