Baashha

Manikam is a humble auto rickshaw driver who lives in Madras with his mother Vijayalakshmi, brother Shiva, and sisters Geetha and Kavitha, and would go to any extent for their well-being. He gets Kavitha married to her boyfriend, who is from an affluent family. Shiva manages to become an SI. On seeing Manikam's photo, DIG Dinakar, who interviewed Shiva, wants to meet Manikam. Manikam hesitates to meet Dinakar in his office, where Dinakar suspects Manikam's identity. Geetha gets admission to a medical college, but the chairman asks her for sexual favors in return for a seat. Manikam interferes and tells the chairman something behind closed doors that Geetha cannot hear, after which the chairman unconditionally gives a seat to Geetha.

Meanwhile, Priya travels in Manikam's auto frequently and develops a liking towards him, seeing his good character. Priya discovers that her father is a smuggler and decides to maintain a distance from him. Priya proposes her love to Manikam but initially, he does not accept upon learning that she is the daughter of Kesavan, with whom Manikam has a history. However, he eventually accepts her proposal. Indiran is a gangster who uses his henchmen to collect "commission" from all business owners. When Shiva beats two of Indiran's henchmen who attacked a man for not being able to pay commission, Indiran tells Shiva that he runs that area and his laws apply.

Shiva and Indiran's fight is stopped by Manikam, who requests that Indiran beat him, sparing Shiva. Manikam is tied to a pole and severely beaten by Indiran, but he bears it for the sake of his brother without retaliating. Later, Shiva again takes action against Indiran by submitting an arrest warrant which makes him furious again. This time after his release from jail, Indiran kidnaps Geetha and tries to molest her in front of the public. To everyone's surprise, Manikam hits back at Indiran and his men, thereby saving his sister. The beating of Indiran and his henchmen is so severe that it shocks Shiva. He confronts Manikam about his activities in Bombay where he lived previously years ago, but Manikam does not respond and recollects his past.

In the past, Manikam lived with his parents in Bombay while his siblings were studying in Madras. Manikam's father, Rangasamy, is an honest man, but is employed by gangster, Mark Antony. As Antony helped Rangasamy during the initial days, it made him loyal to Antony for life. Manikam and his friend Anwar Baasha are protesting against the ridiculous behaviors of Antony's men, which prompts Antony to kill Anwar; Manikam is spared as he is Rangasamy's son. Enraged, Manikam decides to take the same path to destroy Antony and kills Antony's hitmen to avenge Anwar's death.

Manikam receives the support of local people in Bombay who fear Antony where he transforms himself into a gangster named Manik Baashha and frequently interferes in Antony's illegal activities, which creates enmity between the two. Baashha's command over the city has increased, so Antony decides to kill Baashha, but Baashha escapes from Antony's plan. Enraged, Antony kills Rangasamy, prompting Baashha to help the police arrest Antony, while Kesavan (who is Antony's henchman) kills Antony's family and inherits his business and wealth. Before dying, Rangasamy requests Baashha to return to Madras and start a peaceful life. Baashha accepts, fakes his death, and secretly leaves to Madras along with Vijayalakshmi.

In the present, Manikam learns that Kesavan has arranged Priya's wedding against her wishes, so he arrives at the wedding hall to stop him. Kesavan is shocked to see Baashha alive in the form of Manikam. Frightened, Kesavan permits Priya to go along with Manikam. On learning that Baashha is alive, Antony escapes from prison, kills Kesavan for betraying him, and also kidnaps Manikam's family members. He threatens Manikam to surrender; otherwise, his family members will be killed. Manikam rushes to the spot, fights Antony and his gang, and also saves his family. He nearly kills Antony but is stopped by Dinakar. Antony then steals Dinakar's gun and tries to shoot Manikam, but is shot dead by Shiva. Manikam and Priya reunite.

{{Cast listing|

• Rajinikanth as Manikam / Manik Baashha
• Nagma as Priya{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=158}}
• Raghuvaran as Mark Antony
• Janagaraj as Gurumurthy
• Devan as Kesavan
• Shashi Kumar as Shiva
• Vijayakumar as Rangasamy
• Anandaraj as Indiran
• Charan Raj as Anwar Baashha
• Kitty as DIG Dinakar
• Sethu Vinayagam as the college chairman{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=185}}
• Sathyapriya as Vijayalakshmi{{Cite news |last=Anantharam |first=Chitradeepa |date=6 March 2017 |title=Baasha's amma returns |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/baashas-amma-returns/article17415818.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302113610/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/baashas-amma-returns/article17415818.ece |archive-date=2 March 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |work=The Hindu}}
• Shenbaga as Kavitha
• Yuvarani as Geetha
• Alphonsa (special appearance in the song "Ra Ra Ramaiah"){{Cite web |date=6 March 2012 |title=Boyfriend found hanging, actress attempts suicide! |url=https://www.sify.com/movies/boyfriend-found-hanging-actress-attempts-suicide-news-tamil-mdgkvtcjcbisi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201230062914/https://www.sify.com/movies/boyfriend-found-hanging-actress-attempts-suicide-news-tamil-mdgkvtcjcbisi.html |archive-date=30 December 2020 |access-date=30 December 2020 |website=Sify}}
• Hemalatha as Mark Antony's daughter{{Cite news |date=22 August 2019 |title=சூர்ய வம்சம் படத்தில் சரத்குமார் மகனாக நடித்த ஹேமலதா இன்று வளர்ந்த மங்கையாய்...! |url=https://tamil.asianetnews.com/cinema/suriyavamsam-child-artist-baby-hemalatha-latest-photo-pwmukt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302114433/https://tamil.asianetnews.com/cinema/suriyavamsam-child-artist-baby-hemalatha-latest-photo-pwmukt |archive-date=2 March 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |work=Asianet News |language=ta}}
• Thalapathy Dinesh as Manik Baashha's henchman{{Cite web |date=20 February 2018 |title="எம்.ஜி.ஆர் கொடுத்த வாழ்க்கை, ரஜினியின் சிபாரிசு, அஜித்தின் டெடிகேஷன்..!" - 'தளபதி' தினேஷ் |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/117016-fighter-thalapathi-dinesh-says-about-movie-journey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117133026/https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/117016-fighter-thalapathi-dinesh-says-about-movie-journey |archive-date=17 November 2023 |access-date=25 April 2024 |website=Cinema Vikatan |language=ta}}
• Mahanadi Shankar as Manik Baashha's henchman{{Cite web |last=Subramaniam |first=Elangovan |date=24 April 2024 |title=நடிகர் மகாநதி சங்கரின் மகள்கள் இவங்களா..? தெரிஞ்சா ஆடிப்போயிடுவீங்க..! |url=https://www.tamizhakam.com/mahanadi-shankar-villain-actor-wife-daughters-fans-surprise/ |website=Tamizhakam |language=ta |access-date=25 April 2024 |archive-date=26 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426140026/https://www.tamizhakam.com/mahanadi-shankar-villain-actor-wife-daughters-fans-surprise/ |url-status=live }}
• Krishnan as Krishnan{{Cite web |last=அருள்குமார் |first=அபிநயா எஸ் |date=6 July 2022 |title=" ரஜினியை மறந்துடுவாங்க! ஆனால் கமலை!" - 'கவிதாலயா' கிருஷ்ணன் ஓபன் அப்! |url=https://tamil.abplive.com/entertainment/kavithalaya-kirishnan-about-kamal-and-rajinikanth-59719 |website=ABP Nadu |language=ta |access-date=25 April 2024 |archive-date=26 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426140014/https://tamil.abplive.com/entertainment/kavithalaya-kirishnan-about-kamal-and-rajinikanth-59719 |url-status=live }}
• Dhamu as Dhamu

}}

During the making of the Hindi film Hum (1991), its director Mukul S. Anand had considered and discussed with Rajinikanth a potential scene, where Shekhar (Amitabh Bachchan) would help his younger brother Vijay (Govinda) get a seat in the Police Academy. Anand discarded the scene because he did not find it suitable, but Rajinikanth felt it had the potential to develop into a script for a feature film.{{Cite news |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=15 January 2015 |title=And Baasha lives on... |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/And-Baasha-lives-on%E2%80%A6/article14024543.ece |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115140200/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/director-suresh-krissna-talks-about-rajinikanths-epic-film-baasha/article6789166.ece |archive-date=15 January 2015}}{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=132}} On the sets of Annaamalai (1992), Rajinikanth and its director Suresh Krissna discussed the scene, which Krissna also found to be interesting. The title Baashha was suggested by Rajinikanth to Krissna, who suggested to Rajinikanth that a Muslim connection to the script was needed.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=134}}

Krissna brought up the subject again to Rajinikanth during the making of Veera (1994), but Rajinikanth wanted to discuss the script only after completing Veera.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=134}} The discarded scene from Hum became the foundation for Baashha where Rajinikanth's character in the film, Manikkam, helps his sister Geetha (Yuvarani) get admission to the medical college she had applied for.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|pp=132–133}} Krissna planned to weave the rest of the film's story around the scene.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=133}} Though Manikkam was initially considered to be written as a bus conductor, the "auto driver was the commonest man around. And Rajini liked the idea".

R. M. Veerappan, who had earlier collaborated with Rajinikanth in Ranuva Veeran (1981), Moondru Mugam (1982), Thanga Magan (1983), Oorkavalan (1987) and Panakkaran (1990), was the film's co-producer,{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|page=222}} along with V. Rajammal and V. Thamilazhagan.{{Cite AV media |title=Baashha |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Sathya Movies |year=1995 |time=0:00 to 4:55 |time-caption=Opening credits, from}} Development regarding the film's script commenced in the Taj Banjara hotel in Hyderabad. Eighty percent of the script, including the flashback portions of Rajinikanth as Baashha, was ready in ten days.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=135}} Balakumaran was selected to write the film's dialogues. The entire team of technicians who had worked with Krissna in Annaamalai, including music composer Deva, returned to work with him for Baashha.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=136}}

Nagma was the first and only choice for the role of the heroine Priya after Krissna was impressed with her performance in Kaadhalan (1994).{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=136}} Krissna considered some Bollywood names for the role of the antagonist Mark Antony, but nothing worked out. He then thought Raghuvaran would be a good fit, considering his tall height and deep voice. Rajinikanth also readily agreed to this proposal. Krissna met Raghuvaran at his residence and explained the role. Raghuvaran was excited and agreed to play Antony. According to Charan Raj, who played Anwar Baashha, Mammootty was the original choice for that role, but Rajinikanth objected to Mammootty's casting since they both already appeared together in Thalapathi (1991).{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qODlsAwKkJ8 |title=Actor Charan Raj Exclusive Interview -Baasha-ல Mammootty-க்கு பதிலா என்ன நடிக்க வச்சாரு Rajini |date=15 February 2022 |language=Ta |publisher=Cineulagam |access-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313112223/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qODlsAwKkJ8 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |last=சனா |date=23 November 2017 |title='பாட்ஷா'வில் மம்மூட்டி, அஜித் ஆட்டோகிராப், இயக்குநர் ஷங்கரின் சேட்டை! - சரண்ராஜ் நாஸ்டால்ஜி நினைவுகள் #VikatanExclusive |url=https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/108687-actor-saran-raj-says-about-his-life-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128113450/https://cinema.vikatan.com/kollywood/108687-actor-saran-raj-says-about-his-life-history |archive-date=28 November 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |website=Ananda Vikatan |language=ta}} Anandaraj was approached for an undisclosed role, later revealed to be Indiran; Rajinikanth told him the role required him to beat Manikkam who is tied to a pole, and Anandaraj agreed. According to Anandaraj, he was approached 10 days before filming ended.

Principal photography began in August 1994, and was completed in less than five months. The muhurat shot took place at AVM Studios at the venue which later came to be known as the Rajni Pillaiyar Temple. Fans of Rajinikanth were invited for the shot.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=146}} Choreography for the song "Naan Autokaaran" was done by Tarun Kumar, whose father Hiralal was also a dance choreographer.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=140}} Rajinikanth recommended Tarun to Krissna, who had initially wanted Raghuram to choreograph the song. Tarun completed the choreography in five days and the entire sequence was rehearsed at AVM Studios with fifty backup dancers.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=141}} As in the song "Vandhenda Paalakaaran" from Annaamalai, the sequence was shot with Rajinikanth looking into the lens with a smile, which was intended to make the audience feel that he was looking directly at them and then putting his hands together to greet them. The gesture, which was already effective in Annaamalai, prompted Krissna to extend the screen time of the shot.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=142}} Krissna wanted Rajinikanth to sport a dress that would make him look slightly unkempt, but Rajinikanth finished the sequence in a smartly tailored uniform and told Krissna that the audience would not find it odd. The filming of the song took place at the open space at Vijaya Vauhini Studios in Madras, the same area where Hotel Green Park is present;{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=143}} the song was completed with a hundred back-up dancers used for it in four days.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=145}} Choreographers Kalyan and Ashok Raj were part of the backup dancers for the song.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=144}}

In one of the action sequences involving the protagonist in a face-off against the antagonist's henchmen, the dialogue Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna madhiri (Saying it once is equal to my saying it a hundred times) is spoken. The first half of the film was shot for twenty-three days at a stretch.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=146}} Regarding the dialogue's development, Rajinikanth told Balakumaran that the dialogue had to be simple yet effective, as it would be used in a sequence where another side of the protagonist was revealed.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=147}} On the day when the sequence which featured the dialogue was to be shot, Rajinikanth came up with the dialogue, which was originally spoken by him as Naan oru vaatti sonna, nooru vaatti sonna madhiri, which impressed Balakumaran and Krissna. Before the take, Rajinikanth, who repeatedly rehearsed the dialogue, told Krissna that the word "thadava" sounded more effective than "vaatti", and suggested Krissna use "thadava" instead of "vaatti".{{efn|"vaatti" is a synonym of "thadava".{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=148}}}} Balakumaran initially disagreed with Rajinikanth and Krissna as he felt that "vaatti" was fine and did not need changing.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=148}} Rajinikanth then spoke both the versions of the dialogue and convinced Balakumaran to change "vaatti" to "thadava".{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=149}} The dialogue had such an impact on everyone present at the set that, in the break that followed, everyone started using it one way or another. The dialogues occur only five times in the film.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=149}} The scene where Manikkam gets beaten up to protect his sibling and the following sequence where he beats up the antagonist in turn, was suggested to Krissna by Raju, the choreographer for both the stunt sequences.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=150}}

Ramalingam, the son of R. M. Veerappan, informed Krissna that Veerappan wanted to meet him. Krissna had finished shooting the sequence where Manikkam gets beaten up by Indiran after trying to protect his younger brother Shiva (Shashi Kumar). When Veerappan enquired Krissna about how the film was shaping up, Krissna spoke about the scene which he had shot before his meeting with Veerappan. Veerappan wanted the scene to be deleted as he felt that people would not want to see Rajinikanth getting beaten up.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=150}} Rajinikanth offered to show a sneak preview of the film to Veerappan on 15 December 1994, and if Veerappan did not want the scene to be in the film, the scene would be re-shot, and Rajinikanth offered to bear the costs for re-shooting the scene himself.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=151}} The shooting was stalled for five days after Krissna's meeting with Veerappan. Later, Krissna, Raju, the choreographer for the stunt sequence, and cameraman Prakash concluded that the scene would be tweaked in such a way that it would be as if Mother Nature is angry at the treatment being meted out to a peace-loving person like Manikkam; it was also planned that backlighting and a poignant background music would be used as well.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=152}} Twenty-five scenes, including those which show Manikkam's house and neighbourhood were shot at Vijaya Vauhini Studios.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=144}} The set at the studio was designed by Magie, the film's art director. The set also consisted of a tea stall, a cycle stand, and a theatre.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=143}} The scenes featuring the comedy sequences, interludes featuring Nagma, and some of the action sequences featuring Anandaraj were also filmed at Vijaya Vauhini Studios.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=146}} Krissna wanted to complete the scenes scheduled to be filmed there before dismantling the sets.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=146}} According to Magie, the set cost around {{INRConvert|35|l|year=1994}}.{{Cite magazine |last=ஜி. எஸ். எஸ். |date=18 January 2004 |title=மலாக்காவை உருவாக்கினேன் |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki2004-01-18/page/n73/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230415111308/https://archive.org/details/kalki2004-01-18/page/n73/mode/2up |archive-date=15 April 2023 |access-date=9 January 2023 |magazine=Kalki |pages=72–73 |language=Ta |via=Internet Archive}}

The film's soundtrack was composed by Deva, with lyrics by Vairamuthu.{{Cite web |title=Baashha (1995) |url=http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=t0000309 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718030706/http://www.raaga.com/channels/tamil/moviedetail.asp?mid=T0000309 |archive-date=18 July 2014 |access-date=25 March 2016 |website=Raaga.com}}{{Cite web |title=Basha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/basha-original-motion-picture/id852663431 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915073544/https://music.apple.com/in/album/basha-original-motion-picture/852663431 |archive-date=15 September 2021 |access-date=20 December 2021 |website=Apple Music}} Due to the popularity of the rap genre at that time, Deva and Krissna wanted the introduction song to be in the Boney M. group style of music, but the method was not successful.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=137}} Deva then tried the gaana genre and sang a few lines to Krissna: "Kappal paaru, kappal paaru, Kappal meledora paaru, Dora kezhey aaya paaru, Aaya kayila kozhandahai paaru" (See the ship sailing, See the Englishman on it, also see the poor native woman on board, with a baby in her arms). This tune, originally done by Deva, laid the foundation for the song, "Naan Autokaaran". After Rajinikanth and Vairamuthu heard Deva's rendition, Vairamuthu wrote the lyrics for the song in ten minutes. Recording for the song was done by Deva in collaboration with Sabesh–Murali.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|pp=138–139}} Vairamuthu completed the lyrics of the song "Ra Ra Ramaiya" in eight minutes.{{Cite news |date=2 August 2009 |title=Musical medley with trivia on songs |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/musical-medley-with-trivia-on-songs/article195190.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224073323/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/musical-medley-with-trivia-on-songs/article195190.ece |archive-date=24 December 2014 |access-date=24 December 2014 |work=The Hindu}}

The song "Style Style Thaan" is partly based on the James Bond Theme.{{Cite web |last=Gerritsen |first=Roos |date=8 November 2012 |title=Fandom on display : intimate visualities and the politics of spectacle |url=https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/20107/introduction.pdf?sequence=5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114054808/https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/bitstream/handle/1887/20107/introduction.pdf?sequence=5 |archive-date=14 November 2016 |access-date=28 January 2014 |publisher=Leiden University |page=26}} The song "Azhagu" is based on the Hindi song "Dilbar Dil Se Pyaare", composed by R. D. Burman for Caravan (1971).{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.facebook.com/Vikatantv/videos/668506676610940/ |title=Tamil Copycat Songs |date=19 May 2013 |last=Vikatan TV |author-link=Ananda Vikatan |time=2:46 to 3:02 |time-caption=From |access-date=10 November 2014}}{{cbignore}} The theme music of Baashha is based on the theme of Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991),{{Cite web |last=Rohit |first=T. K. |date=19 October 2015 |title=Robots, humans and Rajni |url=https://www.thehindu.com/thread/entertainment-variety/article7780302.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014123713/https://www.thehindu.com/thread/entertainment-variety/article7780302.ece |archive-date=14 October 2023 |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=The Hindu}}{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=18 March 2016 |title=Mindframe: On older Tamil films and their long shelf life |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mindframe-go-going-gone/article8370437.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318110542/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/mindframe-go-going-gone/article8370437.ece |archive-date=18 March 2016 |access-date=12 November 2016 |work=The Hindu}} while a sample of Enigma's "Carly's Song" was used as the theme of Mark Anthony.{{Cite AV media |title=Baashha |type=motion picture |language=ta |publisher=Sathya Movies |year=1995 |time=1:22:22 to 1:22:32 |time-caption=From}} The music rights were acquired by AVM Audio for {{INRConvert|25|l|year=1995}}, at a time when most soundtracks by Deva were sold for {{INRConvert|6|l|year=1995}} or {{INRConvert|8|l|year=1995}}.{{Cite magazine |last=Thangadurai |first=S. |date=January 1995 |title=Inside Movies |url=https://twitter.com/incredibala/status/1169990108247773184 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921120730/https://twitter.com/incredibala/status/1169990108247773184 |archive-date=21 September 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019 |magazine=Filmfare |pages=26–27 |via=Twitter}} The soundtrack was a large success, and all the numbers were chartbusters. A special function was held at Hotel Chola Sheraton to celebrate the success of the film's soundtrack. Rajinikanth was presented a platinum disc on the occasion.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|page=140}}

{{track listing

| headline = Tamil version

| all_lyrics = Vairamuthu

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Thanga Magan

| extra1 = K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra

| length1 = 5:12

| title2 = Naan Autokaaran

| extra2 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length2 = 5:37

| title3 = Style Style Thaan

| extra3 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra

| length3 = 5:27

| title4 = Azhagu Azhagu

| extra4 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, K. S. Chithra

| length4 = 5:12

| title5 = Ra.. Ra.. Ramaiya

| extra5 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Swarnalatha

| length5 = 6:33

| title6 = Baatcha Paaru

| extra6 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length6 = 1:18

| title7 = Namma Thozhan

| extra7 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length7 = 1:55

| total_length = 31:17

}}

{{track listing

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| all_lyrics = Gopal Ram and Indeevar

| headline = Hindi version{{Cite web |title=Baashha (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – EP |url=https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/baashha-original-motion-picture/id808916507 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307050254/https://itunes.apple.com/in/album/baashha-original-motion-picture/id808916507 |archive-date=7 March 2016 |access-date=28 October 2015 |website=iTunes Store}}

| title1 = Auto Wala

| extra1 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length1 = 5:22

| title2 = Chahra Hai Tera Sundar

| extra2 = Kumar Sanu, Poornima

| length2 = 5:39

| title3 = Super Style

| extra3 = Kumar Sanu, Poornima

| length3 = 5:07

| title4 = Ek Hi Chand Hain

| extra4 = Udit Narayan

| length4 = 6:33

| title5 = Chahre Pe Dhup

| extra5 = K. J. Yesudas, K. S. Chithra

| length5 = 4:44

| title6 = Baashha Dekh

| extra6 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length6 = 1:00

| title7 = Baashha Dekh

| extra7 = S. P. Balasubrahmanyam

| length7 = 1:07

| note7 = Sad

| total_length = 29:35

}}

Baashha was released theatrically on 12 January 1995, two days before Pongal.{{Cite news |last=Srinivasan |first=Sudhir |date=3 March 2017 |title=Then and now: Rajinikanth's blockbuster Baasha to be re-released today |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/mar/03/then-and-now-rajinikanths-blockbuster-baasha-to-be-re-released-today-1577090.html |url-status=live |access-date=9 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816203401/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/mar/03/then-and-now-rajinikanths-blockbuster-baasha-to-be-re-released-today-1577090.html |archive-date=16 August 2017}} It was released with 18 prints in North Arcot, South Arcot and Chengalpet areas. The film was a major success, and took nearly 15 months to complete its entire theatrical run. For his performance, Rajinikanth won the Filmfans Association Award and the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor.{{sfn|Ramachandran|2014|p=269}}

On 13 January 1995, a review from The Hindu said, "Rajini blossoms fully to portray two different characters, a former dada of Bombay and a docile peace-loving auto driver in Tamil Nadu, trying not to fall back on his old ways and finding it difficult to do so when force of circumstances pressure him" and that Suresh Krishna "has fashioned his screenplay to suit the image of Rajini and the taste of his fans and the songs and sequences are fashioned to boost the image of the hero". On 23 January, K. Vijiyan of the New Straits Times said "If you are not a Rajini fan, go without expecting too much and you may not be disappointed".{{Cite news |last=Vijiyan |first=K. |date=23 January 1995 |title=Strictly for Rajinikanth's fans |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FLMVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6721%2C1002745 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211220074951/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FLMVAAAAIBAJ&pg=6721%2C1002745 |archive-date=20 December 2021 |access-date=18 May 2020 |work=New Straits Times |pages=27 |via=Google News Archive}} On 29 January, Ananda Vikatan said the director had intelligently created scenes to present Rajinikanth with full honour, also noting that Rajinikanth had taken the majestic form in the film through his acting and action sequences, and that made the film a treat to watch.{{Cite magazine |date=29 January 1995 |title=பாட்ஷா |magazine=Ananda Vikatan |language=ta}} R. P. R. of Kalki wrote that fans had come to a stage where they enjoy whatever Rajinikanth does, and encouraged the director to try something different next time.{{Cite magazine |last=ஆர்.பி.ஆர். |date=29 January 1995 |title=பாட்ஷா |url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1995-01-29/page/n49/mode/2up |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230123072949/https://archive.org/details/kalki1995-01-29/page/n49/mode/2up |archive-date=23 January 2023 |access-date=5 February 2023 |magazine=Kalki |page=48 |language=ta |via=Internet Archive}}

Baashha attained cult status in Tamil cinema,{{Cite web |date=23 December 2016 |title=Reliving the magic of Baasha: Superstar's 1995 classic will feel new in its latest avatar |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/reliving-magic-baasha-superstars-1995-classic-will-feel-new-its-latest-avatar-54671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303215728/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/reliving-magic-baasha-superstars-1995-classic-will-feel-new-its-latest-avatar-54671 |archive-date=3 March 2021 |access-date=27 December 2021 |website=The News Minute}} and was remade in Kannada as Kotigobba (2001).{{Cite web |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivas |date=23 February 2012 |title=Baasha 2 in Kannada |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Baasha-2-in-Kannada/articleshow/12001774.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216092611/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Baasha-2-in-Kannada/articleshow/12001774.cms |archive-date=16 December 2017 |access-date=22 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}} In May 2007, K. Balamurugan of Rediff.com ranked the film tenth in his list of "Rajni's Tamil Top 10" films.{{Cite web |last=Balamurugan |first=K. |date=22 May 2010 |title=Rajni's Tamil Top 10 {{!}} Badsha |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/22sli10.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122403/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/22sli10.htm |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=25 March 2016 |website=Rediff.com}} In October 2008, Outlook included Rajinikanth's dialogue "{{sic|Naan oru thadavai sonna nooru thadavai sonna madhiri}}" in its list, "13 Cheesiest, Chalkiest Lines in Indian Cinema".{{Cite web |date=20 October 2008 |title=13 Cheesiest, Chalkiest Lines in Indian Cinema |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/13-cheesiest-chalkiest-lines-in-indian-cinema/238709 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150326142610/http://www.outlookindia.com/article/13-Cheesiest-Chalkiest-Lines-In-Indian-Cinema/238709 |archive-date=26 March 2015 |access-date=25 March 2016 |website=Outlook}} The line was also used in "The Punch Song", a song from the film, Aaha Kalyanam (2014).{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=V. |date=18 January 2014 |title=After punch dialogues, it's punch song in Kollywood |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/After-punch-dialogues-its-punch-song-in-Kollywood/movie-review/28954703.cms |url-status=dead |access-date=19 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019073611/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/After-punch-dialogues-its-punch-song-in-Kollywood/movie-review/28954703.cms |archive-date=19 October 2014}} When stand-up comedian and television anchor Bosskey launched a play titled Dada (Don) in October 2005, he named the cast after famous characters in Tamil films. Accordingly, Anniyan (one of Vikram's characters in the film), Baasha (Rajinikanth's character in the film) and Velu Nayakkar (Kamal Haasan's role in Nayakan) play the central characters of a family of brothers.{{Cite news |date=14 October 2005 |title=Bosskey all set to launch new play |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/14/stories/2005101416550200.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=31 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070319112134/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/14/stories/2005101416550200.htm |archive-date=19 March 2007}} Maanik Baashha was imitated by Indrans in the Malayalam film Three Men Army (1995),{{Cite AV media |title=Three Men Army |language=ml |year=1995 |time=2:00}} by Rangayana Raghu in the Kannada film Rama Rama Raghurama (2011){{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgyC_S5WgN0 |title=Rangayana Raghu & Doddanna Back to Back Comedy Scenes From Rama Rama Raghurama Kannada Movie |date=27 July 2023 |language=kn |publisher=Sri Ganesh Videos |via=YouTube}}{{time needed|date=March 2025}} and by Rajendran in Bruce Lee (2017), which was initially titled Baasha Engira Antony.{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=17 March 2017 |title=Bruce Lee Movie Review |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bruce-lee-movie-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918010206/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/bruce-lee-movie-review |archive-date=18 September 2023 |access-date=28 November 2023 |website=Film Companion}}{{Cite web |last=Subhakeerthana |first=S |date=22 October 2016 |title='Bruce Lee has humour, but with a difference' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/oct/22/bruce-lee--has-humour-but-with-a-difference-1530443.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812052151/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/oct/22/bruce-lee--has-humour-but-with-a-difference-1530443.html |archive-date=12 August 2022 |access-date=28 November 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}}

A dialogue from the film, "Enakku Innoru Per Irukku" (I have another name) was used as the title of a 2016 film,{{Cite news |last=Balachandran |first=Logesh |date=20 January 2016 |title=GV drops in on the set of Rajini's 2.0 |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/GV-drops-in-on-the-set-of-Rajinis-2-0/articleshow/50639857.cms |url-status=live |access-date=29 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702063803/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/GV-drops-in-on-the-set-of-Rajinis-2-0/articleshow/50639857.cms |archive-date=2 July 2016}} while other films titled Antony (2018), Maanik (2019) and Mark Antony (2023) inspired by the lead characters were also released.{{Cite news |last=Sangeetha |first=P |date=10 December 2017 |title=Antony is a tribute to the late Raghuvaran |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/antony-is-a-tribute-to-the-late-raghuvaran/articleshow/62008580.cms |url-status=live |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111113159/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/antony-is-a-tribute-to-the-late-raghuvaran/articleshow/62008580.cms |archive-date=11 January 2021}}{{Cite news |last=Subhakeerthana |first=S. |date=6 July 2016 |title=Music will be one of the highlights of Atti: Anand |work=The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2016/jul/06/music-will-be-one-of-the-highlights-of-atti-anand-877653.html |url-status=live |access-date=5 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914064204/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/Music-will-be-one-of-the-highlights-of-Atti-Anand/2016/07/06/article3515216.ece |archive-date=14 September 2016}}{{Cite web |date=1 January 2022 |title=Vishal's film with Adhik Ravichandran titled Mark Antony |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishals-film-with-adhik-ravichandran-titled-mark-antony/articleshow/88635899.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101141536/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishals-film-with-adhik-ravichandran-titled-mark-antony/articleshow/88635899.cms |archive-date=1 January 2022 |access-date=4 January 2022 |website=The Times of India}} In 2002, the Telugu film Khadgam was dubbed and released in Tamil as Thiru Manick Baasha.{{Cite news |date=5 May 2003 |title=Cine News |work=Dinakaran |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2003/may/05-05-03.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=21 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041115050803/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/cinenews/2003/may/05-05-03.htm |archive-date=15 November 2004}} In 2008, the Malayalam film Big B was dubbed and released in Tamil as Maanik Baasha.{{Cite news |date=8 December 2008 |title=Mammootty is Manika Baasha |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mammootty-is-manika-baasha/articleshow/3804346.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241209044018/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/mammootty-is-manika-baasha/articleshow/3804346.cms |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=9 December 2024 |work=The Times of India}} The rivalry between Manik Baasha and Mark Antony became iconic, and was referenced in the song "Engadi Porandha" from Vanakkam Chennai (2013).{{Cite web |last=Rangan |first=Baradwaj |author-link=Baradwaj Rangan |date=10 March 2017 |title=Southern Lights: A Super Star, A Super Movie |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/soorarai-pottru-on-amazon-prime-video-suriya-and-aparna-balamurali-shine-in-a-solid-but-unspecial-drama/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209112513/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/soorarai-pottru-on-amazon-prime-video-suriya-and-aparna-balamurali-shine-in-a-solid-but-unspecial-drama/ |archive-date=9 December 2021 |access-date=21 December 2021 |website=Film Companion}} After the release of Padayappa (1999), Rajinikanth and Suresh Krissna discussed the possibility of making a sequel to Baashha. Ultimately, they felt that Baashha was inimitable{{mdash}}not even a sequel could equal it.{{sfn|Krissna|Rangarajan|2012|p=198}}

The Hindi-dubbed version of Baashha was released on 25 May 2012, after being digitally restored.{{Cite news |date=15 April 2011 |title=Rajnikanth's Baasha to be re-released |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajnikanths-Baasha-to-be-re-released/articleshow/7980158.cms |url-status=live |access-date=25 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830012710/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Rajnikanths-Baasha-to-be-re-released/articleshow/7980158.cms |archive-date=30 August 2016}}{{Cite web |date=24 May 2012 |title=Friday Fury-May 25 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-may-25-news-tamil-mfzePcjcffesi.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520083150/http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-may-25-news-tamil-mfzePcjcffesi.html |archive-date=20 May 2019 |access-date=20 May 2019 |website=Sify}} A digitally restored version of the Tamil original was released on 3 March 2017.{{Cite web |date=3 March 2017 |title=Friday Fury-March 3 |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-march-3-news-tamil-rddkfejgchehg.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170303133755/http://www.sify.com/movies/friday-fury-march-3-news-tamil-rddkfejgchehg.html |archive-date=3 March 2017 |access-date=3 March 2017 |website=Sify}}{{Cite news |date=3 March 2017 |title=Rajinikanth's Baasha creates fan frenzy, watch audience reactions to iconic scenes |work=The Indian Express |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/rajinikanth-baasha-creates-fan-frenzy-watch-audience-reactions-to-iconic-scenes-4552542/ |url-status=live |access-date=8 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307120011/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/rajinikanth-baasha-creates-fan-frenzy-watch-audience-reactions-to-iconic-scenes-4552542/ |archive-date=7 March 2017}} It features numerous Ola Cabs stickers digitally inserted on to auto rickshaws due to a partnership between the producers and Ola Cabs. These changes were received with ridicule by some netizens due to being perceived as anachronistic, while others viewed it as a "smart marketing move".{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Sonia Mariam |date=3 March 2017 |title=People Find It Hilarious That Rajinikanth Is Driving An Ola Auto In The New Version Of "Baasha" |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/soniathomas/the-digitally-remastered-version-of-baasha-has-rajinikanth-d |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240514080438/https://www.buzzfeed.com/soniathomas/the-digitally-remastered-version-of-baasha-has-rajinikanth-d |archive-date=14 May 2024 |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=BuzzFeed |language=en}} A month later, Ola announced the "Ola Baasha Mela", described as India's first and "largest Auto Driver Partners' Mela", which took place from 8 April to 10 April in Chennai.{{Cite web |date=7 April 2017 |title=Ola to Organise Auto 'Driver Partner' Mela - Ola Baasha Mela - in Chennai |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/ola-to-organise-auto-driver-partner-mela-ola-baasha-mela-in-chennai-1369554.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240514081703/https://www.news18.com/news/tech/ola-to-organise-auto-driver-partner-mela-ola-baasha-mela-in-chennai-1369554.html |archive-date=14 May 2024 |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}}

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|refs=

{{Cite news |last=Thimmayya |first=Daniel |date=15 January 2015 |title=Every Time it is on TV, I Receive at Least 20 Texts |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Every-Time-it-is-on-TV-I-Receive-at-Least-20-Texts/2015/01/15/article2619612.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118151435/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/Every-Time-it-is-on-TV-I-Receive-at-Least-20-Texts/2015/01/15/article2619612.ece |archive-date=18 January 2015 |access-date=17 January 2015 |work=The New Indian Express}}

{{Cite news |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=20 February 2016 |title=In-depth look at the Kollywood film trade: Centres that mean business |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/indepth-look-at-the-kollywood-film-trade-and-the-different-areas-that-have-commercial-importance/article8261868.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221071122/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/indepth-look-at-the-kollywood-film-trade-and-the-different-areas-that-have-commercial-importance/article8261868.ece?ref=sliderNews |archive-date=21 December 2016 |access-date=25 March 2016 |work=The Hindu}}

{{Cite book |title=Rajinikanth 12.12.12: A Birthday Special |publisher=Kasturi & Sons Ltd |year=2012 |editor-last=Ramachandran |editor-first=Naman |editor-link=Naman Ramachandran |pages=74}}

{{Cite news |date=26 April 2016 |title=சாதனை புரிந்த தமிழ்படங்கள் – 242 –எஸ்.கணேஷ் |url=http://www.dinamalarnellai.com/web/news/6953 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302113403/http://www.dinamalarnellai.com/web/news/6953 |archive-date=2 March 2020 |access-date=2 March 2020 |work=Dinamalar |language=Ta}}

{{Cite news |last=Krissna |first=Suresh |author-link=Suresh Krissna |date=11 December 2018 |title=Suresh Krissna's moving tribute to actor Raghuvaran |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/suresh-krissna-on-raghuvaran-birth-anniversary/article25716352.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181218111726/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/suresh-krissna-on-raghuvaran-birth-anniversary/article25716352.ece |archive-date=18 December 2018 |access-date=17 December 2018 |work=The Hindu}}

{{Cite news |last=Aiyappan |first=Ashameera |date=11 November 2018 |title="Films are too hero-centric these days" |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2018/nov/11/films-are-too-hero-centric-these-days-8709.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428215135/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2018/nov/11/films-are-too-hero-centric-these-days-8709.html |archive-date=28 April 2021 |access-date=10 November 2020 |work=Cinema Express}}

}}

• {{Cite book |last1=Krissna |first1=Suresh |title=My Days with Baasha: The Rajnikanth Phenomenon |last2=Rangarajan |first2=Malathi |publisher=Westland |year=2012 |isbn=978-93-8162-629-0 |author-link=Suresh Krissna}}
• {{Cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |title=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |title-link=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2014 |isbn=978-81-8475-796-5 |location=New Delhi |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |orig-date=2012}}

{{Commons category|Baashha}}

• {{IMDb title}}
• {{Rotten Tomatoes}}

{{Suresh Krissna}}

Category:1990s gangster films

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Category:Films directed by Suresh Krissna

Category:Films scored by Deva (composer)

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