Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth was born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad on 12 December 1950 in a Marathi family in Bangalore, Mysore State (present day Karnataka).{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. Introduction}}{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Even_more_acclaim_will_come_his_way/articleshow/2178985.cms |title=Even more acclaim will come his way |last=Ruma Singh |date=6 July 2007 |work=The Times of India |access-date=20 April 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216163710/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore/Even_more_acclaim_will_come_his_way/articleshow/2178985.cms |archive-date=16 February 2012}} His mother was a homemaker,{{efn|While Naman Ramachandran's 2012 biography of Rajinikanth identifies his mother's name as Ramabai, journalist Ramachandra Rao, a childhood friend of the actor, said in 2012 that her name was Jijabai.{{Cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/tracing-kabalis-rajinikanth-his-link-to-shivaji/articleshow/53330949.cms |title=Tracing 'Kabali's' Rajinikanth & his link to Shivaji |date=22 July 2016 |website=The Economic Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170411143021/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/tracing-kabalis-rajinikanth-his-link-to-shivaji/articleshow/53330949.cms |archive-date=11 April 2017 |access-date=11 April 2017}}}} and his father Ramoji Rao Gaekwad was a police constable.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-shivaji-became-rajanikanth/20130116.htm |title=How Shivaji became Rajinikanth |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006154556/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-shivaji-became-rajanikanth/20130116.htm |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014}} His ancestors hailed from Mavadi Kadepathar, Pune district, Maharashtra.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/report-rajinikanth-invited-for-saswad-literary-meeting-1942995 |title=Rajinikanth invited for Saswad literary meeting |date=31 December 2013 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123014805/http://www.dnaindia.com/pune/report-rajinikanth-invited-for-saswad-literary-meeting-1942995 |archive-date=23 January 2014}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Rajini-creates-drinking-water-facility-in-his-parentsrsquo-memory/article16624915.ece |title=Rajini creates drinking water facility in his parents' memory |newspaper=The Hindu |date=28 April 2009 |via=www.thehindu.com |access-date=20 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602083354/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/Rajini-creates-drinking-water-facility-in-his-parentsrsquo-memory/article16624915.ece |archive-date=2 June 2017 |url-status=live}} He is the youngest of four siblings in a family consisting of two elder brothers (Satyanarayana Rao and Nageshwara Rao) and a sister (Aswath Balubhai).{{Cite web |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/news-id-rajinikanth-birthday-rajinikanth-life-history-12-12-111181.htm |title=Biographical article about Superstar Rajini Kanth |website=www.tamilstar.com |publisher=Tamil Star Inc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006121541/http://www.tamilstar.com/news-id-rajinikanth-birthday-rajinikanth-life-history-12-12-111181.htm |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=4 October 2014}}{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. Introduction}} After his father's retirement from work in 1956, the family moved to the suburb of Hanumantha Nagar in Bangalore and built a house there.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. Introduction}} He lost his mother at the age of nine.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/reel-to-real-image-a-tome/article4278597.ece |title=Reel to real image, a tome |last=S |first=Anandan |date=6 January 2013 |work=The Hindu |access-date=22 February 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628032143/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/reel-to-real-image-a-tome/article4278597.ece |archive-date=28 June 2013}}

Rajinikanth had his primary education at the Gavipuram Government Kannada Model Primary School in Bangalore.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajini-s-friends-to-renovate-primary-school-news-kannada-kmnme1fbiff.html |title=Rajini's friends to renovate primary school |date=13 December 2010 |website=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205145727/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajini-s-friends-to-renovate-primary-school-news-kannada-kmnme1fbiff.html |archive-date=5 December 2013 |access-date=9 July 2011}} As a child, he was "studious and mischievous" with a great interest in cricket, football and basketball. During this time, his brother enrolled him at the Ramakrishna Math, a Hindu monastery set up by the Ramakrishna Mission. In the math, he was taught Vedas, tradition and history, which eventually instilled a sense of spirituality in him.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 1}} In addition to spiritual lessons, he also began acting in plays at the math. His aspiration towards theatre grew at the math and was once given an opportunity to enact the role of Ekalavya's friend from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. His performance in the play received praise from the Kannada poet D. R. Bendre.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. Introduction}} After sixth grade, Rajinikanth was enrolled at the Acharya Pathasala Public School and studied there till completion of his pre-university course.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 1}} During his schooling at the Acharya Pathasala, he spent a lot of time acting in plays.

Upon completion of his school education, Rajinikanth performed several jobs including that of a coolie,{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-specials-9-life-lessons-to-learn-from-rajinikanth/20121212.htm#2 |title=1. Struggle is a stepping stone |date=12 December 2012 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140204092600/http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-specials-9-life-lessons-to-learn-from-rajinikanth/20121212.htm |archive-date=4 February 2014 |access-date=5 February 2014}} before getting a job in the Bangalore Transport Service as a bus conductor.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22friend.htm |title=You can see God in him at times |last=M. D |first=Riti |date=22 December 1999 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006101320/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22friend.htm |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=14 June 2011}}{{cite magazine|magazine=Kalki|language=Ta|url=https://archive.org/details/kalki1983-06-05/page/n45/mode/2up|pages=46–48|date=5 June 1983|access-date=21 April 2023|title=சிவாஜிராவின் இளமைப்பருவம்}} He continued to take part in plays after the Kannada playwright Topi Muniappa offered him a chance to act in one of his mythological plays. He decided to take up an acting course in the newly formed Madras Film Institute after coming across an advertisement.{{Cite news |date=2 February 2009 |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2009/02/02164256/Rajini05.html |title=திரைப்படக் கல்லூரியில் 2 ஆண்டு நடிப்பு பயிற்சி |work=Maalai Malar |access-date=6 February 2014 |language=ta |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140206101403/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2009/02/02164256/Rajini05.html |archive-date=6 February 2014 |url-status=live}} Although his family was not fully supportive of his decision to join the institute, his friend and co-worker Raj Bahadur motivated him to join the institute and financially supported him during this phase.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/16/stories/2007061612510100.htm |title=He drove Rajnikant to stardom |last=K. V. Subramanya |date=16 June 2007 |access-date=4 November 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101107065743/http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/16/stories/2007061612510100.htm |archive-date=7 November 2010 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/13ssraj.htm |title=Meet the bus driver Rajni worked with |date=13 June 2007 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106150541/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/13ssraj.htm |archive-date=6 November 2014 |access-date=9 September 2010}} During his stay at the institute, he was noticed by the Tamil film director K. Balachander.{{Cite web |url=http://forbesindia.com/article/recliner/why-rajinikanth-rocks/17592/1?id=17592&pg=1 |title=Why Rajinikanth Rocks |last=Lakhe |first=Manisha |date=27 September 2010 |website=Forbes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150327154329/http://forbesindia.com/article/recliner/why-rajinikanth-rocks/17592/1?id=17592&pg=1 |archive-date=27 March 2015 |access-date=9 April 2011}} Balachander provided Rajinikanth with his stage name to avoid confusion with fellow actor Sivaji Ganesan, having taken it from a character's name in his earlier film Major Chandrakanth.{{Cite book |last=Vaasanthi |title=Rajinikanth: A Life |date=2021 |isbn=978-93-90652-10-5 |location=New Delhi |oclc=1268466867}}{{Cite news |date=8 December 2012 |title=It was a small role, but people would remember him |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/It-was-a-small-role-but-people-would-remember-him/article12190436.ece |url-status=live |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406055925/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/It-was-a-small-role-but-people-would-remember-him/article12190436.ece |archive-date=6 April 2018}} The director advised him to learn to speak Tamil, a recommendation that Rajinikanth quickly followed.{{Cite web |url=http://forbesindia.com/article/person-of-the-year-10/rajinikanth-who-really-is-the-super-star/20452/2?id=20452&pg=2 |access-date=22 February 2013 |title=Rajinikanth: Who Really Is the Super Star? |last1=N.S. |first1=Ramnath |last2=D'Souza |first2=Nilofer |date=22 December 2010 |website=Forbes |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418110323/http://forbesindia.com/article/person-of-the-year-10/rajinikanth-who-really-is-the-super-star/20452/2?id=20452&pg=2 |archive-date=18 April 2015}} Although he can read the language, he cannot write in it.{{Cite web |last=Asokan |first=Mamtha |date=25 October 2021 |title=Does Rajinikanth know how to write in Tamil? Daughter Soundarya says he doesn't |website=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/does-rajinikanth-know-how-to-write-in-tamil-daughter-soundarya-says-he-doesnt/articleshow/87263200.cms |access-date=15 November 2021}}

{{Main|Rajinikanth filmography}}

{{quote box

| quote = "Rajinikanth claims that I am his school. But I must admit that this wasn't the Rajinikanth I introduced. He has evolved on his own merits and strengths. I gave him an opportunity and unveiled him to the world. He went and conquered it."

| source = — K. Balachander about Rajinikanth{{Sfn|Hindu|2012|p=12}}

| align = right

| width = 25em

}}

Rajinikanth began his film career with the Tamil film Apoorva Raagangal (1975), directed by K. Balachander.{{Cite news |url=http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/12/12/super-star-rajnikanth-turns-61-fans-celebrates-enthusiastically |title=Super Star Rajnikanth turns 61: Fans celebrates enthusiastically |last=Sathyalaya Ramakrishnan |date=13 December 2010 |work=Asian Tribune |access-date=18 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215013133/http://www.asiantribune.com/news/2010/12/12/super-star-rajnikanth-turns-61-fans-celebrates-enthusiastically |archive-date=15 December 2010}} He was cast in a small role as the ex-husband of the female lead played by Srividya.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/agenda/150th-anniversary-issue/the-other-rajinikanth.html |title=The other Rajinikanth |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=5 January 2014 |work=The Pioneer |access-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418113701/http://www.dailypioneer.com/sunday-edition/agenda/150th-anniversary-issue/the-other-rajinikanth.html |archive-date=18 April 2015}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fans-celebrate-rajinikanths-61st-birthday/723665/ |title=Fans celebrate Rajinikanth's 61st birthday |last=C Raja Mohan |date=12 December 2010 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120060826/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/fans-celebrate-rajinikanths-61st-birthday/723665 |archive-date=20 January 2011}} The film explored relationships between people with wide age differences and was deemed controversial upon release.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/experiments-in-tamil-cinema/photostory/29651841.cms |title=Experiments in Tamil cinema — Apoorva Raagangal (1975) |work=The Times of India |access-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509033249/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/Experiments-in-Tamil-cinema/photostory/29651841.cms |archive-date=9 May 2015}} However, it received critical acclaim and won three National Film Awards including the Award for the Best Tamil Feature at the 23rd National Film Awards in 1976.{{Cite web |url=http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm23rdNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=23NFA.pdf |title=23rd National Film Awards |publisher=Directorate of Film Festivals |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110526091043/http://iffi.nic.in/Dff2011/Frm23rdNFAAward.aspx?PdfName=23NFA.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2011 |access-date=23 April 2011}} A review from The Hindu noted that, "Newcomer Rajinikanth is dignified and impressive."{{Sfn|Hindu|2012|p=67}} His next release was Puttanna Kanagal's Kannada anthology film Katha Sangama (1976).{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2008101851261100.htm&date=2008/10/18/&prd=mp& |title=Blast from the past: Naagarahaavu- 1972 |date=18 October 2008 |work=The Hindu |access-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110055318/http://hindu.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2008101851261100.htm&date=2008%2F10%2F18%2F&prd=mp& |archive-date=10 November 2012}} Rajinikanth appeared in the last segment of the film; he played the role as a village ruffian who rapes a blind woman in the absence of her husband.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 3}} Balachander cast him in a pivotal role in Anthuleni Katha (1976), the Telugu remake of his own Tamil film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974).{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 3}} In Moondru Mudichu{{em dash}}the first Tamil film to feature him in a prominent role{{em dash}}he played a character that "blithely row[s] away" when his friend drowns accidentally in the lake only to fulfill his desire to marry the former's girlfriend.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 4}} His style of flipping the cigarette in the film made him popular among the audience.{{Cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-12-19/news/35912468_1_new-flavours-asin-rajinikanth |title=Mirinda advertisement: Can Asin match the charisma of Rajinikanth, Sridevi and Kamal Hassan |last=Chamikutty |first=Preethi |date=19 December 2012 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=7 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011059/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-12-19/news/35912468_1_new-flavours-asin-rajinikanth |archive-date=5 October 2013 |url-status=dead}} In his final release of the year, Baalu Jenu, he was cast as the main antagonist who troubles the female lead.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 3}} He played similar roles in Balachander's Avargal (1977),{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2011/04/10/stories/2011041050170800.htm |title=We will miss you, Sujatha |last=Malathi Rangarajan |date=10 April 2011 |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810024423/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2011/04/10/stories/2011041050170800.htm |archive-date=10 August 2011 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}} and Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile (1977).{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 3}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/815331.aspx |title=Return of Rajinikanth |date=22 February 2012 |work=The Hindustan Times |access-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140205182315/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print/815331.aspx |archive-date=5 February 2014}} The same year, he made his first-ever appearance as a lead actor in the Telugu film Chilakamma Cheppindi (1977), which earned him his only nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Telugu.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-specials-9-life-lessons-to-learn-from-rajinikanth/20121212.htm#3 |title=Success has humble beginnings |date=12 December 2012 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225021844/http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-specials-9-life-lessons-to-learn-from-rajinikanth/20121212.htm |archive-date=25 February 2013 |access-date=24 February 2013}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/04/stories/2010090464702000.htm |title=Fusion of culture at celebrity wedding |last=Srinivasan |first=Meera |date=4 September 2010 |access-date=22 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020140220/http://www.hindu.com/2010/09/04/stories/2010090464702000.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=20 October 2011}} S. P. Muthuraman experimented Rajinikanth in a positive role in Bhuvana Oru Kelvi Kuri (1977).{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22muthu.htm |title=Rajini acts in front of the camera, never behind it |last=Rajitha |date=22 December 1999 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107121339/http://www.rediff.com/movies/1999/dec/22muthu.htm |archive-date=7 January 2017 |access-date=14 June 2011}} The success of the film brought the duo together for 24 more films till the 1990s. Rajinikanth played supporting and "villainous" roles in most of the films released during the year.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 4}} In Gaayathri he was cast as a pornographer who secretly films his relationship with his wife without her knowledge and in Galate Samsara he played the role of a married man who develops an affair with a cabaret dancer.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. 5}} He had 15 of his films released during the year.{{Sfn|Sreekanth|2008|p=370}}

In 1978, Rajinikanth had 20 releases across Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc=chpt. 6}}{{Sfn |Sreekanth |2008 |pp=369–370}} His first film of the year was P. Madhavan's Shankar Salim Simon, in which he was among the three leads. Following that, he co-starred alongside Vishnuvardhan in the Kannada film Kiladi Kittu. He played the second lead in Annadammula Savaal, which starred Krishna; Rajinikanth reprised his role from the Kannada original. He then played an important role in the supernatural thriller Aayiram Jenmangal. In Maathu Tappada Maga, he was the main antagonist. Bairavi, directed by M. Bhaskar, was the first Tamil film to cast Rajinikanth as a solo hero.{{Cite news |url=http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/rajinikanth-top-films-19150.html |title=40 years of Superstar Rajinikanth: His top movies |date=19 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703200749/http://www.indiatvnews.com/entertainment/bollywood/rajinikanth-top-films-19150.html |archive-date=3 July 2015 |publisher=India TV}}{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc=chap. 6}} It was for this film that he earned the sobriquet "Superstar".{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc=chap. 6}} S. Thanu, one of the film's distributors, set up a {{convert|35|ft|m}} high cut-out of Rajinikanth.{{Cite news |url=http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2012/10/28231007/I-do-not-want-the-title-Super.html |title=சூப்பர் ஸ்டார் பட்டம் எனக்கு வேண்டாம்!: ஏற்க மறுத்தார், ரஜினிகாந்த்! |date=28 October 2012 |work=Maalai Malar |access-date=12 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130318013621/http://cinema.maalaimalar.com/2012/10/28231007/I-do-not-want-the-title-Super.html |archive-date=18 March 2013 |language=ta}} His next appearance Ilamai Oonjal Aadukirathu, a quadrangular love story written and directed by C. V. Sridhar, saw him play the role of a man who sacrifices his love for his friend, played by Kamal Haasan. The film's success prompted Sridhar to remake the film in Telugu, Vayasu Pilichindi, which retained the original cast of the Tamil film.{{sfn|Ramachandran|2012|p=79}}

His next film, Vanakkatukuriya Kathaliye, had an introductory song to mark his entry, a trend that would soon catch on in with his later films.{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc=chap. 6}} Mullum Malarum, released during the same period, received critical acclaim, and earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil nomination.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/13/stories/2009121356310700.htm |title=A phenomenon called Rajnikanth |last=D. Karthikeyan |date=13 December 2009 |access-date=22 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015162317/http://www.hindu.com/2009/12/13/stories/2009121356310700.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=15 October 2013}} The film marked the directional debut of Mahendran, with a screenplay adapted from a novel of the same name published in Kalki.{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc=chap. 6}} It won the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Film and a Special Prize (Best Actor) for Rajinikanth at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc= chap. 6}} Following this, he made a foray into Malayalam cinema with I. V. Sasi's fantasy film Allauddinum Albhutha Vilakkum, which was based on a story from the Arabian Nights. The same year, he acted in Dharma Yuddam, in which he played a mentally-ill person avenging the death of his parents. He then co-starred with N. T. Rama Rao in Tiger. Upon completion of Tiger, Rajinikanth had acted in 50 films over a period of four years, and in four languages. Some other popular films released during this period are the youthful entertainer Ninaithale Inikkum, the Tamil–Kannada bilingual Priya, the Telugu film Amma Evarikkaina Amma and the melodrama Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai. Priya, based on a detective novel by Sujatha, had the distinction of being the first film of Rajinikanth to be shot mostly outside India, mainly in Southeast Asia.{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc=chap. 6}} Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai earned him his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.

Raijinikanth, who credited Hindi film star Amitabh Bachchan as his inspiration,{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Amitabh-is-my-inspiration-says-Rajini/article16133086.ece |title=Amitabh is my inspiration, says Rajini |date=15 August 2010 |work=The Hindu |access-date=24 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516093145/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/Amitabh-is-my-inspiration-says-Rajini/article16133086.ece |archive-date=16 May 2018 |url-status=live}} began playing Amitabh Bachchan's roles in Tamil remakes of his films.{{Cite news |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/revisiting-prakash-mehra-zanjeer-the-film-that-made-amitabh-bachchan-4714064/ |title=Revisiting Prakash Mehra's Zanjeer: The film that made Amitabh Bachchan |date=20 June 2017 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=24 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033352/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/revisiting-prakash-mehra-zanjeer-the-film-that-made-amitabh-bachchan-4714064/ |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}} This began with Shankar Salim Simon (1978), a remake of Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), followed by Naan Vazhavaippen (1979), a remake of Majboor (1974).{{Cite news |url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/1zecmlLkbhchQlpXOOOsxN/10-Rajinikanth-films-that-were-remakes-of-Amitabh-Bachchan-s.html |title=10 Rajinikanth films that were remakes of Amitabh Bachchan starrers |last=Jha |first=Lata |date=18 July 2016 |work=Mint |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719141109/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/1zecmlLkbhchQlpXOOOsxN/10-Rajinikanth-films-that-were-remakes-of-Amitabh-Bachchan-s.html |archive-date=19 July 2016 |url-status=live}} He was subsequently cast in a series of roles modelled after Amitabh Bachchan in Tamil remakes of his films. Rajinikanth starred in eleven Tamil remakes of Amitabh Bachchan films,{{Cite news |url=http://www.catchnews.com/bollywood-news/like-amitabh-bachchan-does-rajinikanth-owe-his-success-to-salim-khan-and-javed-akhtar-catch-flash-back-bollywood-news-1469260347.html |title=What do Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth have in common? |date=23 July 2016 |work=Catch News |access-date=29 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033736/http://www.catchnews.com/bollywood-news/like-amitabh-bachchan-does-rajinikanth-owe-his-success-to-salim-khan-and-javed-akhtar-catch-flash-back-bollywood-news-1469260347.html |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=live}} as well as a Telugu remake of Amar Akbar Anthony, Ram Robert Rahim (1980), alongside Sridevi. The most successful of these were remakes of Salim–Javed films, such as Billa (1980), Thee (1981) and Mr. Bharath (1986).

During this phase of his career, Rajinikanth abruptly chose to quit acting, but was coaxed to return with the Tamil film Billa (1980), a remake of the Bollywood blockbuster Don (1978), written by Salim-Javed and starring Amitabh Bachchan. Billa had Rajinikanth playing dual roles and eventually became his first solo commercial success.{{Cite news |url=http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=88218 |title='Yesterday I was a conductor, today I'm a star' |last=Girija Jinnaa |date=15 June 2007 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=4 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617192827/http://www.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=88218 |archive-date=17 June 2007}}{{Cite web |date=27 August 2015 |title=Best films of Rajinikanth |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/40-years-of-rajinikanth-south/20150827.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170107120017/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/40-years-of-rajinikanth-south/20150827.htm |archive-date=7 January 2017 |access-date=16 May 2018 |website=Rediff.com}} His pairing with Sridevi continued in Johnny, where he was once again cast in a double role, earned him his third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. He also starred in Murattu Kaalai which was a commercial success. The success of Billa was a turning point in Rajinikanth's career, disproving detractors that claimed Rajnikanth was "finished" and which saw him accepted as a full-fledged hero. The success of Billa established Rajinikanth as one of the top stars of Tamil cinema.{{Cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rajanikant-his-name-spells-box-office-magic-in-the-south/1/329580.html |title=Rajanikant: His name spells box-office magic in the south |date=31 July 1988 |work=India Today}}

In 1981, he appeared in Garjanai which was shot simultaneously in Kannada and Malayalam, making it his last film in those two languages up until 2023. In K. Balachander's first home production, Netrikan, he played dual roles as a womanising father and a responsible son. His first full-length comedy was Thillu Mullu, directed by K. Balachander. He agreed to it solely due to the strong suggestion by his mentor that he should do non-commercial roles, to break the stereotyped action-hero mould by which he was getting famous at the time. Thillu Mullu earned him his fourth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/return-of-rajinikanth/article1-815331.aspx |title=Return of Rajinikanth |date=22 February 2012 |work=The Hindustan Times |access-date=10 February 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140210092421/http://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/regional/return-of-rajinikanth/article1-815331.aspx |archive-date=10 February 2014}} 1981 also saw the release of Thee, a remake of blockbuster Hindi film Deewaar (1975), also originally written by Salim-Javed and starring Amitabh Bachchan; in Thee, Rajinikanth reprised the role of Bachchan.{{Cite web |url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/1zecmlLkbhchQlpXOOOsxN/10-Rajinikanth-films-that-were-remakes-of-Amitabh-Bachchan-s.html |title=10 Rajinikanth films that were remakes of Amitabh Bachchan starrers |date=18 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719141109/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/1zecmlLkbhchQlpXOOOsxN/10-Rajinikanth-films-that-were-remakes-of-Amitabh-Bachchan-s.html |archive-date=19 July 2016}} In 1982, he starred in Pokkiri Raja, Moondru Mugam, Thanikattu Raja, Puthukavithai and Enkeyo Ketta Kural. Moondru Mugam which starred Rajinikanth playing three different roles for the first time, earned him his fifth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/29/stories/2011012959320200.htm |title=Raana Rajini's next venture |last=Srinivasan |first=Meera |date=29 January 2011 |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110010958/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/29/stories/2011012959320200.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=10 November 2012}}

By 1983, he was a popular actor across South Indian cinema, including Telugu and Kannada films.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/society/article2153059.ece |title=The Rajini mystique |date=2 July 2011 |work=The Hindu |access-date=6 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225031116/http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/society/article2153059.ece |archive-date=25 December 2014}} In 1983, he starred in his first Bollywood film, Andhaa Kaanoon, alongside Hema Malini, Reena Roy and Amitabh Bachchan (in an extended cameo appearance).{{cite magazine |last=Narayan |first=S Venkat |date=30 April 1983 |title=Film review: Andhaa Kaanoon is what they call a masala film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19830430-film-review-andhaa-kaanoon-starring-amitabh-bachchan-rajnikant-hema-malini-771321-2013-10-19 |magazine=India Today |location=New Delhi |publisher=Living Media India Limited |access-date=30 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430172223/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/films/story/19830430-film-review-andhaa-kaanoon-starring-amitabh-bachchan-rajnikant-hema-malini-771321-2013-10-19 |archive-date=30 April 2023}} The film opened to excellent response from the audience and emerged a blockbuster at the box office.{{cite web |url=https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4612 |title=2018 Has High Number Of Blockbusters |date=9 January 2019 |access-date=16 January 2024 |archive-date=16 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116170928/https://boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4612 |url-status=live}} In 1984, he appeared in Naan Mahaan Alla, a remake of Subhash Ghai's directional Vishwanath, the film proved to be a superhit.{{Cite web |date=8 January 2020 |title=Baashha to Darbar: Here is a list of Rajinikanth's Pongal releases that turned super hits |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/lifestyle/baashha-to-darbar-here-is-a-list-of-rajinikanth-s-pongal-releases-that-turned-super-hits-q3s7ap |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215045100/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/gallery/lifestyle/baashha-to-darbar-here-is-a-list-of-rajinikanth-s-pongal-releases-that-turned-super-hits-q3s7ap |archive-date=15 February 2021 |access-date=15 February 2021 |website=Asianet News}} That same year, he played a small role in Anbulla Rajinikanth and delivered three more successful Hindi films, Meri Adalat, Gangvaa and John Jani Janardhan (in which he played a triple role).{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/Film-Information-1984-Classifica.jpg|title=Film Information Classification (1984)}} His performance in Nallavanuku Nallavan earned him his first and only Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ |title=Collections |publisher=Update Video Publication |year=1991 |pages=394 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203223423/http://books.google.com/books?id=Q5UqAAAAYAAJ |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live}} In his 100th film Sri Raghavendra (1985), he played the Hindu saint Raghavendra Swami.

In the second half of the 1980s, Rajinikanth acted in commercially successful films, such as Naan Sigappu Manithan (1985), Geraftaar (1985), Padikkathavan (1985), Mr. Bharath (1986), Dosti Dushmani (1986), Velaikaran (1987), Manithan (1987), Insaaf Kaun Karega (1987), Guru Sishyan (1988) and Dharmathin Thalaivan (1988), with Velaikaran earning him his seventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil.{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/Trade-Guide-1985-Classification.jpg|title=Trade Guide Classification 1985}}{{Cite web |date=2 June 2022 |title=Mani Ratnam reacts to Rajinikanth's Manithan beating Kamal Haasan's Nayakan at box office |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/mani-ratnam-reacts-to-rajinikanth-manithan-beating-kamal-haasan-nayakan-at-box-office-7947893/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603021507/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/mani-ratnam-reacts-to-rajinikanth-manithan-beating-kamal-haasan-nayakan-at-box-office-7947893/ |archive-date=3 June 2022 |access-date=3 June 2022 |website=The Indian Express}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bobbytalkscinema.com/bobbytalk/adminpanel/imagetemp/TG-Classification-1987.jpg|title=Trade Guide Classification 1987}} In 1988, he made his only American film appearance in Bloodstone, directed by Dwight Little, in which he played an English-speaking Indian taxi driver.{{Sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |loc= chap. The 1980s}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HrsbAQAAIAAJ |title=The Psychotronic Video Guide |last=Weldon |first=Michael |publisher=Titan Books |year=1996 |isbn=978-1-85286-770-6 |pages=66 |access-date=22 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203223429/http://books.google.com/books?id=HrsbAQAAIAAJ |archive-date=3 December 2013 |url-status=live}} Rajinikanth finished the decade with films including Rajadhi Raja, Siva, Raja Chinna Roja and Mappillai while also starring in a few Bollywood productions. Raja Chinna Roja was the first Indian film to feature live action and animation.{{sfn |Ramachandran |2012 |p=127}}{{Cite news |url=http://hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/14/stories/2004051401350100.htm |title=Finger on people's pulse |last=S.R. Ashok Kumar |date=14 May 2004 |access-date=28 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150221163631/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/05/14/stories/2004051401350100.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=21 February 2015}}

File:Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan at audio release of Shamitabh.jpg

Rajinikanth began the new decade with a mega blockbuster in Panakkaran (1990), which was a remake of Amitabh Bachchan's 1981 film Laawaris.{{Cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |title=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |title-link=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2014 |isbn=978-0-14-342111-5 |location=New Delhi |pages=128 |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |orig-date=2012}} The film earned him his eighth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. His next two Tamil films, the fantasy comedy Athisaya Piravi, (a remake of Chiranjeevi's 1988 film Yamudiki Mogudu) which also released in 1990 and the family drama Dharmadorai (1991), did above-average business at the box office. His stint with Bollywood continued since the past decade as he went on to star in more Hindi films. Hum released in 1991 saw him doing the second main lead with Amitabh Bachchan became an inspiration for Baashha.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506571400.htm |title=It's India-Japan Friendship Year |date=15 December 2006 |access-date=20 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520065653/http://www.hindu.com/2006/12/15/stories/2006121506571400.htm |archive-date=20 May 2007 |location=Chennai, India |work=The Hindu |language=ta}} In 1991, he worked with Mani Ratnam in Thalapathi, which was heavily inspired by the Mahabharata.{{Cite web |url=http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/09/slide-show-1-looking-at-mani-ratnams-landmark-movies.htm |title=Looking at Mani Ratnam's landmark movies – Rediff.com Movies |date=9 June 2010 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006132648/http://movies.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/09/slide-show-1-looking-at-mani-ratnams-landmark-movies.htm |archive-date=6 October 2014 |access-date=30 May 2011}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tamil-superstar-rajnikant-turns-60-fans-celebrate/553338/2 |title=Tamil superstar Rajnikant turns 60, fans celebrate |date=12 December 2009 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100326003855/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tamil-superstar-rajnikant-turns-60-fans-celebrate/553338/2 |archive-date=26 March 2010}} in which he co-starred with actor Mammooty; the film dealt with the friendship between two unknown characters based on Karna and Duryodhana, respectively, and was set in a more contemporary milieu and was both critically acclaimed and successful upon release.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mag/2010/10/24/stories/2010102450020100.htm |title=Magazine : He's back |last=K. Hariharan |date=24 October 2010 |access-date=23 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028131931/http://www.hindu.com/mag/2010/10/24/stories/2010102450020100.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=28 October 2010}} He received his ninth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for the film. He went on to appear in remakes of films from other languages, mostly from Hindi and Telugu. Annamalai, which released in 1992, was yet another friendship-centric film and was loosely based on the 1987 Bollywood film Khudgarz.{{cite news|last=Suganth|first=M|date=27 June 2017|title=Without Annamalai, there wouldn't be Baashha|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/without-annamalai-there-wouldnt-be-baashha/articleshow/59322761.cms|accessdate=14 July 2021|archive-date=28 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223001/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/without-annamalai-there-wouldnt-be-baashha/articleshow/59322761.cms|url-status=live}} The film was the first to have the Superstar graphic title card.{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/story-behind-rajinikanths-iconic-title-card-superstar-rajinikanth/articleshow/92784388.cms|title=Story Behind Rajinikanth's Iconic Title Card 'Superstar Rajinikanth'|website=The Times of India |date=10 July 2022}} He received his tenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for the film. Mannan, directed by P. Vasu, a remake of Kannada actor Rajkumar's 1986 blockbuster Anuraga Aralithu, also was released in 1992 and became a box office success. Rajinikanth wrote his first screenplay for the film Valli (1993), in which he also made a special appearance. He also starred in the film Yajaman, in which he played the role of Vaanavaraayan, a village chieftain. His romantic-comedy Veera (1994) was controversial for its climax but went on to become one of the highest-grossing films in 1994.{{Cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/38534/inspiration-remakes.html |title=Inspiration for remakes |last=Megha Shenoy |date=4 April 2011 |website=The Deccan Herald |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021111848/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/38534/inspiration-remakes.html |archive-date=21 October 2012 |access-date=26 February 2013}} That year, he earned his eleventh nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for the action-drama Uzhaippali.

He joined hands with Suresh Krishna for Baashha (1995), which emerged as an industry record,{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-working-with-rajinikanth-baasha-director-tells-all/20121212.htm |title=Working with Rajinikanth: Baasha director tells all |date=12 December 2012 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208151126/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-working-with-rajinikanth-baasha-director-tells-all/20121212.htm |archive-date=8 February 2013 |access-date=26 February 2013}} and is routinely touted by fans and critics alike as a major-hit, as the film elevated him from being just another very popular actor to nearly demigod status among the masses.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Rajinikanth-Old-is-gold/articleshow/4138227.cms? |title=Rajinikanth: Old is gold |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=17 February 2009 |work=The Times of India |access-date=9 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114114139/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/Rajinikanth-Old-is-gold/articleshow/4138227.cms |archive-date=14 January 2016}} He made a cameo in Peddarayudu for his friend Mohan Babu and also helped him in obtaining the remake rights. The same year, he acted in yet another gangster film, Aatank Hi Aatank with Aamir Khan which was also his last Hindi film in a major role till date.{{Cite web|url=https://mio.to//album/Aandavan+%282000%29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140904042748/http://mio.to/album/Aandavan+%282000%29|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2014|title=Aandavan (2000) - Deva|via=mio.to}} His film Muthu, a remake of Mohanlal's blockbuster Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombathu, was another commercial success, directed by K. S. Ravikumar and produced by K. Balachander, and became the first Tamil film to be dubbed into Japanese, as Mutu: Odoru Maharaja.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mid-day.com/photos/b-town-specials/happy-birthdayrajinikanth/2/ |title=Happy birthday, Rajinikanth! |website=Mid-Day |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014211458/http://www.mid-day.com/photos/b-town-specials/happy-birthdayrajinikanth/2/ |archive-date=14 October 2013 |access-date=9 October 2013}} The film grossed a record US$1.6 million in Japan in 1998 and was responsible for creating a large Japanese fan-base for the actor.{{Cite news |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/brand-rajinikanth/895433/0 |title=Brand Rajinikanth |last=S Saroj Kumar |date=4 January 2012 |work=The Financial Express |access-date=9 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006113614/http://www.financialexpress.com/news/brand-rajinikanth/895433/0 |archive-date=6 October 2014}} Muthu{{'}}s success in Japan led American news magazine Newsweek to comment in a 1999 article that Rajinikanth had "supplanted Leonardo DiCaprio as Japan's trendiest heartthrob".[http://www.newsweek.com/1999/05/09/dancing-maharajas.html "Dancing Maharajas".] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125150815/http://www.newsweek.com/1999/05/09/dancing-maharajas.html |date=25 November 2010 }} Newsweek. 10 May 1999. During a visit to Japan in 2006, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh acknowledged the success of Muthu in the country during a speech, justifying the positive relationship between the two nations.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/dec/14prem.htm |title=When the PM wowed Japan's parliament |last=Prem Panicker |date=14 December 2006 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120805172727/http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/dec/14prem.htm |archive-date=5 August 2012 |access-date=8 January 2012}} He received his twelfth and thirteenth nominations for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performances in Baashha and Muthu.

He also entered Bengali cinema through Bhagya Debata, which was released at the end of 1995. 1997's Arunachalam, another commercial success, earned him his fourteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. Rajinikanth released his last film of the millennium with Padayappa (1999), which went on to become a blockbuster success, and earned him his fifteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil. It starred Ramya Krishnan and Soundarya, the former critically acclaimed for her performance. It was also the last prominent role for veteran Tamil actor Sivaji Ganesan.

After a brief pause, Rajinikanth starred in Baba in 2002, for which he had also written the screenplay.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/08/16/stories/2002081600960300.htm |title=Baba |last=Rangarajan |first=Malathi |date=16 August 2002 |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225032939/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2002/08/16/stories/2002081600960300.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=25 December 2014}} Released with much fanfare and hype at the time, the film featured a story revolving around the reforming of a gangster, later revealed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu saint Mahavatar Babaji, and fights against political corruption. It fell short of market expectations and the high bids reportedly translated to heavy losses for the distributors. Rajinikanth himself repaid the losses incurred by the distributors.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/03gv.htm |title=Film producer GV commits suicide |last=N Sathiya Moorthy |date=3 May 2003 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170107125855/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/may/03gv.htm |archive-date=7 January 2017 |access-date=17 May 2007}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/05/12/stories/2004051200960100.htm |title=Superstar wannabes |last=Sudhish Kamath |date=12 May 2004 |access-date=17 May 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001064811/http://www.hindu.com/mp/2004/05/12/stories/2004051200960100.htm |archive-date=1 October 2007 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}} The film was received with comments such as "the bloom was off the rose" and that "the gold does not glitter any more".{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/05msg.htm |title=Will Sivaji be Rajini's biggest hit?- History |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607142307/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/05msg.htm |archive-date=7 June 2007 |access-date=6 May 2007}} Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader S. Ramadoss condemned him for smoking and posing with beedis in the film. He was criticised for spoiling the Tamil youth by glorifying smoking and drinking. PMK volunteers attacked the theatres which screened the film and usurped film rolls and burned them.{{Cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Mar232004/n7.asp |title=Rajini keeps everyone guessing |date=23 March 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070309043030/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/Mar232004/n7.asp |archive-date=9 March 2007 |access-date=5 April 2007}}

Two years later, Rajinikanth signed up for P. Vasu's Chandramukhi (2005), a remake of the Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu. Upon release the film was highly successful at the box office, and in 2007 it set the record of being the longest running Tamil film.{{Cite web |url=http://sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13736924 |title=The Final Verdict – History |date=8 May 2005 |website=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224110012/http://www.sify.com/movies/tamil/fullstory.php?id=13736924 |archive-date=24 December 2014 |access-date=24 February 2013}} Chandramukhi was also dubbed in Turkish and in German as Der Geisterjäger and released in the respective nations.{{Cite web |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2006/04/02/rajnis-chandramukhi-in-turkish-and-german-1143979538.html |title=Rajni's 'Chandramukhi' in Turkish and German |date=2 April 2006 |publisher=Oneindia.in |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026145318/http://news.oneindia.in/2006/04/02/rajnis-chandramukhi-in-turkish-and-german-1143979538.html |archive-date=26 October 2014 |access-date=7 June 2011}} Following Chandramukhi{{'}}s release, it was reported that AVM Productions was set to produce a film directed by Shankar starring Rajinikanth – the largest collaboration yet for a Tamil film. The film was titled Sivaji and was released in the summer of 2007, following two years of filming and production. It became the first Tamil film to be charted as one of the "top-ten best films" of the United Kingdom and South Africa box offices upon release.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/uk/?yr=2007&wk=24&p=.htm |title=United Kingdom Box Office June 15–17, 2007 |publisher=Box Office Mojo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626043750/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/uk/?yr=2007&wk=24&p=.htm |archive-date=26 June 2007 |access-date=18 June 2007}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/southafrica/?yr=2007&wk=31&p=.htm |title=South Africa Box Office August 3–5, 2007 |publisher=Box Office Mojo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024011722/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/southafrica/?yr=2007&wk=31&p=.htm |archive-date=24 October 2007 |access-date=8 June 2007}} Rajinikanth received a salary of {{INRConvert|260|m|year=2007}}, for his role in the film highest in his film career at that time.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Rapchik-Rajinikanth-mind-it/Article1-606098.aspx |title=Rapchik Rajinikanth, mind it! |last=Sharma |first=Neha |date=29 September 2010 |work=The Hindustan Times |access-date=9 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224090431/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Rapchik-Rajinikanth-mind-it/Article1-606098.aspx |archive-date=24 December 2014}}{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-interviews/What-makes-Rajinikanth-the-Boss/articleshow/6762996.cms |title=What makes Rajinikanth the Boss? |last=Varma |first=Anuradha |date=17 October 2010 |work=The Times of India |access-date=13 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104110543/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-17/news-interviews/28228019_1_hero-worship-mgr-sivaji-ganesan |archive-date=4 November 2013 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1062351/report-after-brangelina-its-rajinikanth |title=After Brangelina, it's Rajinikanth |last=Vilakudy |first=Rajaneesh |date=5 November 2006 |website=Daily News and Analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014080020/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1062351/report-after-brangelina-its-rajinikanth |archive-date=14 October 2013 |access-date=9 October 2013}} He received his sixteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance in the film. During the production of Sivaji, Soundarya Rajinikanth announced her intention of producing a computer-generated imagery film starring an animated version of her father titled Sultan: The Warrior. The film was set for release in 2008,{{Cite web |url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2010/rajinikanth-sultan-rechristened-hara-251010.html |title=Rajinikanth's Sultan rechristened as Hara |date=25 October 2010 |work=OneIndia |access-date=27 March 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707231049/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2010/rajinikanth-sultan-rechristened-hara-251010.html |archive-date=7 July 2012 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-12-13/news/27690498_1_soundarya-rajnikant-film-sultan-the-warrior |title=Animated film on Rajnikant to be released in December 2008 |date=13 December 2007 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=9 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015023424/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2007-12-13/news/27690498_1_soundarya-rajnikant-film-sultan-the-warrior |archive-date=15 October 2013 |url-status=dead}} however, it entered development hell, and its development status would become unknown over the next few years.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/tamil/news-interviews/The-day-Rajini-took-ill/articleshow/12910784.cms |title=The day Rajini took ill |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivas |date=29 April 2012 |access-date=9 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015111052/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-04-29/news-interviews/31475535_1_superstar-rajinikanth-rana-soundarya-rajinikanth |archive-date=15 October 2013 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live}}

File:Rajinikanth 2010 - still 113555 crop.jpg release event in Mumbai|alt=|left]]

He worked with P. Vasu again for Kuselan, a remake of the Malayalam film Kadha Parayumbol, which was made simultaneously in Telugu as Kathanayakudu, in which Rajinikanth played an extended cameo role as Ashok Kumar, a film star in the Indian cinema, and as a best friend to the film's protagonist. According to Rajinikanth, the film somewhat narrated his early life.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/01ssk3.htm |title=Pasupathy, the real star of Kuselan |last=P |first=Krishnakumar |date=1 August 2008 |website=Rediff.com |publisher=Rediff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110802201524/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/aug/01ssk3.htm |archive-date=2 August 2011 |access-date=12 June 2011}} The film, however, performed poorly at box offices and led to many distributors incurring major losses.{{Cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/kuselan/featured/3 |title=Kollywood in a flap |last=Pillai |first=Sreedhar |date=20 August 2008 |access-date=24 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616205822/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/keyword/kuselan/featured/3 |archive-date=16 June 2013 |work=The Times of India |url-status=dead}} Rajinikanth also stated that he would work with Pyramid Saimira again to compensate for Kuselan.{{Cite web |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?238204 |title=Hope Floats For SRK |last=Iyengar |first=Pushpa |publisher=The Outlook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028041643/http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?238204 |archive-date=28 October 2011 |access-date=30 July 2011}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=10&contentid=2008121620081216010601113f7794623 |title=Kuselan may spark Tamil film boycott |last=S |first=Shyam Prasad |date=16 December 2008 |work=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=24 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524180750/http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article§name=News%20-%20City§id=10&contentid=2008121620081216010601113f7794623 |archive-date=24 May 2013}}{{Quote box

| quote = "Is there anything left to be said about a man who, at 61, still manages to star in one of the most successful films of the year, not just in the south, but across India? Superstar Rajni once again proved that he is the actor with the Midas touch with the sci-fi flick Endhiran, where he played an ambitious scientist, a naive robot and an evil android bent on destroying the world [...] He did it with such aplomb that he's been the talk of the town for months. He might do one film in two years, but when he does, he pulls out all the stops."

| source = —Rediff.com on Rajinikanth's performance in Enthiran (2010){{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-best-tamil-actors-of-2010/20101214.htm |title=Rajinikanth in Endhiran |date=14 December 2010 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527010449/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-south-best-tamil-actors-of-2010/20101214.htm |archive-date=27 May 2011 |access-date=12 July 2011}}

| align = right

| width = 25em

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Rajinikanth worked again with Shankar for the science fiction film Enthiran.{{Cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/chulbul-pandey-now-lives-in-chennai/729300/ |title=Chulbul Pandey Now Lives in Chennai |last=Gupta |first=Shubhra |date=26 December 2010 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=2 January 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211152620/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/chulbul-pandey-now-lives-in-chennai/729300/ |archive-date=11 February 2011}} The film was released worldwide in 2010 as the most expensive Indian film ever made, ultimately emerging an All Time Blockbuster and the second highest-grossing film in India of its time.{{Cite web |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=7234|title=Ponniyan Selvan Part 1 Is A Historic BLOCKBUSTER For The Tamil Film Industry|publisher=Box Office India}}{{Cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?from=bottomrelated&ID=538&StoryID=ENTEN20100154445 |title=Rajini's Endhiran: A sell out in Chennai |publisher=NDTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106150430/http://movies.ndtv.com/Ndtv-Show-Special-Story.aspx?from=bottomrelated&ID=538&StoryID=ENTEN20100154445 |archive-date=6 November 2012 |access-date=26 September 2010}} Rajinikanth was paid a remuneration of {{INRConvert|450|m|year=2010}} for the film.{{Cite news |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/avatar-technology-powers-rajnikant-in-enthir/673748/ |title=Avatar technology powers Rajnikant in Enthiran |date=28 August 2010 |work=The Indian Express |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124071605/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/avatar-technology-powers-rajnikant-in-enthir/673748 |archive-date=24 November 2010}} He received his seventeenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance in the film. The film's success lead to the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad to use the film as a case study to analyse the business of cinema and its success story in a post-graduate elective management course called Contemporary Film Industry: A Business Perspective. The course would also study Muthu.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rajinikants-Robot-part-of-IIM-A-course/articleshow/7147893.cms |title=Rajinikanth's Enthiran – Case study in IIM A |date=23 December 2010 |access-date=9 April 2011 |location=India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025122818/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-23/india/28227042_1_case-study-iim-rajinikanth |archive-date=25 October 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live}}

In January 2011, Rajinikanth was slated to appear in Rana, a period film to be produced by Soundarya Rajinikanth and directed by K. S. Ravikumar, who would work with the actor for a third time. During the principal photography of the film on 29 April 2011, he suffered a mild foodborne illness on the sets, which led to vomiting, dehydration, and exhaustion.{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_rajinikanth-admitted-to-hospital_1537595 |title=Rajinikanth admitted to hospital – Entertainment – DNA |date=29 April 2011 |website=Daily News and Analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110818115734/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_rajinikanth-admitted-to-hospital_1537595 |archive-date=18 August 2011 |access-date=14 July 2011}} He was treated at St. Isabel's Hospital for a day before being discharged.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajinikanth-hospitalised-news-news-le3q2ebeebh.html |title=Rajinikanth hospitalised |website=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811141240/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajinikanth-hospitalised-news-news-le3q2ebeebh.html |archive-date=11 August 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011}} Five days later, he was rushed to the same hospital again after suffering from breathlessness and fever.{{Cite web |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rajinikanth-again-hospitalised/1/138159.html |title=Actor Rajinikanth hospitalised again |last=ITGD Bureau |date=14 May 2011 |website=India Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014172404/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/rajinikanth-again-hospitalised/1/138159.html |archive-date=14 October 2013 |access-date=1 July 2011}} He was diagnosed with bronchitis and was kept at the hospital for a week, while also spending a few days in an intensive care unit.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Rajini-writes-letter-to-fans-says-he-will-be-back-soon/Article1-710881.aspx |title=Rajini writes letter to fans, says he will be back soon |date=18 June 2011 |work=The Hindustan Times |access-date=1 July 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110621070954/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Rajini-writes-letter-to-fans-says-he-will-be-back-soon/Article1-710881.aspx |archive-date=21 June 2011}} Several conflicting reports of discharge dates arose, as well as claims of Rajinikanth's health deteriorating. Two days after his last discharge, Rajinikanth was admitted to the Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute on 16 May 2011 for recurring respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.{{Cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/modi-to-visit-rajini-in-hospital-105754 |title=Modi To Visit Rajini in Hospital |publisher=NDTV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216130427/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/modi-to-visit-rajini-in-hospital-105754 |archive-date=16 December 2013 |access-date=1 July 2011}} The hospital maintained that Rajinikanth was in stable condition and showed positive response to treatment.{{Cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie_story.aspx?id=ENTEN20110175793&keyword=regional§ion=Movies&subcatg=MOVIESINDIA |title=Rajinikanth's Condition Stable: Hospital |publisher=NDTV |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210090601/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/rajinikanth-s-condition-stable-hospital-106385 |archive-date=10 February 2014 |access-date=1 July 2011}} It was widely reported that he required a kidney transplantation, which was later denied by Dhanush.{{Cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/chennai/29608004_1_dhanush-isabel-hospital-national-award |title=Rajini will soon be back to complete 'Raana': Dhanush |date=1 June 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905124113/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-01/chennai/29608004_1_dhanush-isabel-hospital-national-award |archive-date=5 September 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=dead}}

On 21 May 2011, Aishwarya Rajinikanth released a photo of her and Rajinikanth in his hospital ward, both posing with a thumbs-up, responding to fans' negative reaction to news reports.{{Cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-23/chennai/29573758_1_private-ward-icu-senior-doctor |title=Rajinikanth out of ICU, moved into private ward |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905124119/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-23/chennai/29573758_1_private-ward-icu-senior-doctor |archive-date=5 September 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=dead}} The hospital restricted unauthorised visitors.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Rajini-getting-better-say-docs-as-fans-pray-for-their-superstar/articleshow/8172875.cms |title=Rajini getting better, say docs as fans pray for their superstar |date=6 May 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025122809/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-06/chennai/29516197_1_rajinikanth-triple-role-enthiran |archive-date=25 October 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live}} Rajinikanth's brother, Sathyanarayana Rao Gaekwad, reported that the cause of the sudden illness was due to stress from rapid weight-loss and changes in diet, as well as withdrawal of alcohol consumption and smoking cessation.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/rajini-suffering-from-lung-liver-ailment-brother-106258 |title=Rajini suffering from lung, liver ailment: Brother |date=17 May 2011 |publisher=NDTV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520205352/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/rajini-suffering-from-lung-liver-ailment-brother-106258 |archive-date=20 May 2011 |access-date=1 July 2011}} After addressing fans in a 4-minute digitally recorded voice message to the media, Rajinikanth, under the advice of Amitabh Bachchan, travelled from Chennai to Singapore with his family on 21 May 2011, where he was to undergo further treatment for nephropathy at Mount Elizabeth Hospital.{{Cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/international-news-of-the-week-111060400093_1.html |title=International news of the week |date=4 June 2011 |work=Business Standard |access-date=17 February 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620163528/http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/international-news-of-the-week-111060400093_1.html |archive-date=20 June 2013}}{{Cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/rajini-in-singapore-hospital-on-big-b-s-advice_709858.html |title=Rajini in Singapore hospital on Big B's advice |date=30 May 2011 |publisher=Zee News |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712183018/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/rajini-in-singapore-hospital-on-big-b-s-advice_709858.html |archive-date=12 July 2011 |access-date=14 July 2011}} After spending over two weeks at the hospital, he was finally discharged on 15 June 2011 and continued to recuperate in Singapore, before returning to Chennai on 13 July 2011.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/rajnikanth-fine-recovering-well-dhanush/article2065995.ece |title=Rajnikanth fine, recovering well: Dhanush |date=31 May 2011 |work=The Hindu |access-date=9 October 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015080939/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/rajnikanth-fine-recovering-well-dhanush/article2065995.ece |archive-date=15 October 2013}}{{Cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/rajinikanth-to-return-tonight-118777 |title=Rajinikanth to return tonight |date=14 July 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102184246/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/rajinikanth-to-return-tonight-118777 |archive-date=2 November 2013 |access-date=9 October 2013}}

Despite several failed attempts to restart Rana upon his return, Rajinikanth reprised his Enthiran character, Chitti, in the Bollywood science-fiction film Ra.One (2011) in a guest appearance alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/rajinikanths-cameo-ra-one/articleshow/10003322.cms |title=Rajinikanth's cameo RA.One |last=Rudrappa |first=Chetan |date=16 September 2011 |access-date=2 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025122823/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-16/news-interviews/30164710_1_superhero-flick-raone-rajinikanth |archive-date=25 October 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live}} In November 2011, it was decided that Rana would be shelved in favour of a new project, titled Kochadaiiyaan.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/regional/news-interviews/Rana-a-triple-delight-for-Rajini-fans/articleshow/7385003.cms |title=Rana, a triple delight for Rajini fans |last=Bharti Dubey, TNN, 29 January 2011, 05.42 pm IST |date=29 January 2011 |access-date=30 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524072144/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-01-29/news-interviews/28378236_1_rajinikanth-film-muthu-and-padayappa |archive-date=24 May 2011 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live}} The film became a huge disaster at the box office.{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/now-kochadaiyaan-producers-in-financial-tangle/article6729035.ece |title=Now Kochadaiyaan producers in financial tangle |newspaper=The Hindu |access-date=18 June 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107130420/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/now-kochadaiyaan-producers-in-financial-tangle/article6729035.ece |archive-date=7 January 2017 |date=27 December 2014 |last1=Kandavel |first1=Sangeetha}} The motion capture film, which is the first of its type in India, was released in 2014 to positive reviews.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kochadaiiyaan-review-roundup-commendable-attempt-by-soundarya-worth-watching-600846 |title='Kochadaiiyaan' Review Roundup: Commendable Attempt by Soundarya; Worth Watching |date=23 May 2014 |work=International Business Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107130410/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kochadaiiyaan-review-roundup-commendable-attempt-by-soundarya-worth-watching-600846 |archive-date=7 January 2017 |access-date=24 May 2014}} Kochadaiiyaan, and the 3D release of Sivaji in 2012,{{Cite web |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/movie-review-rajinikanth-s-sivaji-3d-303788 |title=Movie Review: Rajinikanth's Sivaji 3D |date=11 December 2012 |website=IANS |publisher=NDTV |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527015330/http://movies.ndtv.com/regional/movie-review-rajinikanth-s-sivaji-3d-303788 |archive-date=27 May 2014 |access-date=14 April 2014}} made Rajinikanth the first Indian actor to have appeared in four different forms of world cinema: black-and-white, colour, 3D and motion capture.{{Cite web |url=http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130403/entertainment-kollywood/article/rajini-%E2%80%98cannes%E2%80%99 |title=Rajini 'Cannes' |date=3 April 2013 |work=Deccan Chronicle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140310063752/http://archives.deccanchronicle.com/130403/entertainment-kollywood/article/rajini-%E2%80%98cannes%E2%80%99 |archive-date=10 March 2014 |access-date=10 March 2014}} Following the completion of Kochadaiiyaan, Rajinikanth began work in Ravikumar's next directorial venture, titled Lingaa.{{Cite web |url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Sona-presses-the-rewind-button/articleshow/34320366.cms |title=Sona presses the rewind button |date=28 April 2014 |work=Mumbai Mirror |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141001062519/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/entertainment/bollywood/Sona-presses-the-rewind-button/articleshow/34320366.cms |archive-date=1 October 2014 |access-date=2 May 2014}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/superstar-rajinikanths-next-is-lingaa/article5960175.ece |title=Superstar Rajinikanth's next is Lingaa |date=29 April 2014 |newspaper=The Hindu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920045726/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/superstar-rajinikanths-next-is-lingaa/article5960175.ece |archive-date=20 September 2014 |access-date=2 May 2014 |last1=Subramanian |first1=Karthik}} The film was released on 12 December 2014, coinciding with his birthday,{{Cite web |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/lingaa-stamped-u-rating-rajinikanth-starrer-confirmed-12-december-release-615162 |title='Lingaa' Stamped with 'U' Rating; Rajinikanth Starrer Confirmed for 12 December Release |date=26 November 2014 |work=International Business Times |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220031320/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/lingaa-stamped-u-rating-rajinikanth-starrer-confirmed-12-december-release-615162 |archive-date=20 February 2015 |access-date=1 December 2014}} and received mixed reviews from critics.{{Cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-take-responsibility-flaws-in-Lingaa-KS-Ravikumar/articleshow/45585327.cms |title=I take responsibility for the book scene in Lingaa: KS Ravikumar |date=21 December 2014 |website=The Times of India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225122829/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/I-take-responsibility-flaws-in-Lingaa-KS-Ravikumar/articleshow/45585327.cms |archive-date=25 December 2014 |access-date=29 December 2014}}

After a two-year absence from big screen, Rajinikanth's next film was director Pa. Ranjith's crime drama Kabali, produced by S. Thanu. The film was released in July 2016.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kabali-review-round-up-this-is-what-critics-are-saying-about-the-rajinikanth-blockbuster-2236945 |title=Kabali review round-up: This is what critics are saying about the Rajinikanth blockbuster |date=22 July 2016 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725052356/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-kabali-review-round-up-this-is-what-critics-are-saying-about-the-rajinikanth-blockbuster-2236945 |archive-date=25 July 2016}} The film became the highest grossing Tamil film of the year grossing over {{INRConvert|300|c|lk=c|year=2020}} and became the fifth highest-grossing Tamil film of all time before being surpassed by his another film 2.0.{{#tag:ref|Box office gross values of {{INR}}650 crore were reported for Kabali in the first 13 days by several organisations including Financial Express and Indian Express,{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/334390/kabali-box-office-collections-at-over-rs-650-cr-rajinikanth-starrer-is-now-no-1-movie-in-india/4/|title=Rajinikanth starrer Kabali box office collections rise to over Rs 650 crore, turns No. 1 movie in India – The Financial Express|date=1 August 2016|access-date=7 August 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/photos/entertainment-gallery/334390/kabali-box-office-collections-at-over-rs-650-cr-rajinikanth-starrer-is-now-no-1-movie-in-india/3/|title=Rajinikanth starrer Kabali box office collections rise to over Rs 650 crore, turns No. 1 movie in India – The Financial Express|date=1 August 2016|access-date=7 August 2016}} which were more than double the estimates made by other sources.{{cite news|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kabali-box-office-collection-reports-rajinikanth-starrer-raking-rs-675-crore-13-days-are-fake-688881|title='Kabali' box office collection: Reports of Rajinikanth-starrer raking in Rs. 675 crore in 13 days are fake|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805214307/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kabali-box-office-collection-reports-rajinikanth-starrer-raking-rs-675-crore-13-days-are-fake-688881|archive-date=5 August 2016|url-status=live}} International Business Times (IBT) and Firstpost criticized these estimates as inflated, explaining the discrepancy as due in part to the addition of "pre-release business" figures, such as music and satellite rights sales of {{INR}}200 crore, being factored into the box office sales totals. Firstpost wrote, "More conservative estimates put Kabali's collections at around Rs 300 crores from worldwide ticket sales."{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/rajinikanth-kabali-has-earned-rs-600-crore-at-the-global-box-office-or-has-it-2932578.html|title=Rajinikanth's Kabali has earned Rs 600 crore at the global box office. Or has it? – Firstpost|date=3 August 2016|access-date=7 August 2016}} IBT's analysts in August 2016 estimated the film's worldwide gross total of its first 13 days at around {{INR|350 crore}} (US${{To USD|3500|IND|year=2016}} million).{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kabali-box-office-collection-rajinikanth-starrer-beats-7-big-records-baahubali-bahubali-688964 |title='Kabali' Box Office collection |work=International Business Times India|date=4 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805071102/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/kabali-box-office-collection-rajinikanth-starrer-beats-7-big-records-baahubali-bahubali-688964|archive-date=5 August 2016|url-status=live}}
Figures given in December 2016 by Financial Express indicated an estimated domestic gross of {{INR}}215 crore and an overseas gross of {{INR}}262 crore, which total {{INR}}477 crore.{{cite web|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/entertainment/rajinikanth-birthday-today-as-superstar-rajni-turns-65-wishes-pour-in/471636/|title=Rajinikanth birthday today; As superstar Rajni turns 65, wishes pour in|date=12 December 2016}} A figure of USD$77 million given by Forbes in May 2017 converted to approximately {{INR}}493–499 crore.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2017/05/11/armies-of-ajith-fans-mobilize-to-blast-vivegam-teaser-to-record-views/#4d79d92716eb|title=Armies Of Ajith Fans Mobilize To Blast 'Vivegam' Teaser To Record Views|access-date=13 May 2017|work=Forbes|quote=Kabali, which starred blockbuster hero Rajinikanth, went on to gross nearly 5 billion rupees (US$77 million) worldwide, making it the 6th highest grossing Indian film in history at the time.}} According to International Business Times in October 2017, Kabali{{'}}s final worldwide gross was around {{INRConvert|286|c}}.{{cite news|last=Upadhyaya|first=Prakash|title=Mersal box office collection: A crowning-moment for Vijay as his film joins Rs 200-crore club|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mersal-12-days-box-office-collection-crowning-vijay-film-joins-rs-200-crore-club-2nd-weekend-747432|work=International Business Times|date=30 October 2017}}|group=n|name=Kabali}} Also, at the Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards, the film was nominated at five categories winning all of them,{{cite web |date=14 January 2017|last=Arul|title=Rajinikanth, Vijay, Sasikumar at Vikatan awards - Photos|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/photos/rajinikanth-vijay-sasikumar-vikatan-awards-9850-slide-57502|access-date=31 December 2020|website=IBTimes India|language=en}} and also won five awards, at the Edison Awards, and two nominations at the 6th South Indian International Movie Awards.{{cite web|title=SIIMA 2017 Nomination List – Tamil|url=http://siima.in/2017/nominations.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170531085328/http://siima.in/2017/nominations.html|archive-date=31 May 2017|access-date=31 May 2017|publisher=South Indian International Movie Awards}} He also received his eighteenth nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor – Tamil for his performance in the film.

In August 2016, it was announced that Rajinikanth and director Ranjith would work together again for a film with Dhanush as producer, titled Kaala, in which Rajinikanth plays a Dharavi-dwelling gangster who fights against corporate takeover of the slum.[http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/rajinikanthranjith-combo-under-dhanushs-production-soon/article9046675.ece Rajinikanth-Ranjith combo under Dhanush's production soon] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160830160909/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/rajinikanthranjith-combo-under-dhanushs-production-soon/article9046675.ece |date=30 August 2016 }}. The Hindu (29 August 2016). Retrieved on 3 November 2016. The film was officially released on 7 June 2018 and received positive reviews from critics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/tamil-movies-kaala-box-office-update-rajinikanths-latest-offering-starts-picking-up-at-the-ticket-windows-3101544/|title=Rajinikanth's Kaala Witnesses an Upward Trend at the Box Office - Read Details|last=Desk|first=India com Entertainment|date=9 June 2018|website=India.com|language=en|access-date=26 April 2020}} In 2018 he also appeared in S. Shankar's 2.0 reprising the roles of Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, alongside Akshay Kumar and Amy Jackson.{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Akshay-Kumar-plays-the-villain-in-Robot-2/articleshow/50203162.cms |title=Akshay Kumar plays the villain in 'Robot 2' |website=The Times of India |access-date=15 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613065129/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Akshay-Kumar-plays-the-villain-in-Robot-2/articleshow/50203162.cms |archive-date=13 June 2018 |url-status=live|last1=Iyer |first1=Meena }} The film was released on 29 November 2018 and was commercially successful at the box office. The film earned over {{INRConvert|117.34|c}} worldwide on its first day, which was the second-highest ever for an Indian film. The film crossed {{INRConvert|520|c|year=2018}} in its opening weekend to be the highest-grossing film worldwide for that week. The film also grossed over {{INRConvert|655.81|c}}{{Ndash}}{{INRConvert|800|c|lk=c}} at the box office became the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year and second highest grossing Tamil film of all time.{{Cite news |title='2.0' final box office collection all format: The Rajinikanth starrer helmed by S. Shankar is the sixth highest grossing Indian film ever |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/2-0-final-box-office-collection-all-format-the-rajinikanth-starrer-helmed-by-s-shankar-is-the-sixth-highest-grossing-indian-film-ever/articleshow/67989955.cms |access-date=2022-07-29 |website=The Times of India |language=en}} 2.0 is the fourth highest-grossing film in India and is the seventh highest-grossing Indian film worldwide.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4535|title=Top All Time India Grossers All Formats – 2.0 Second |website=Box Office India|access-date=25 December 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/report-details.php?articleid=4533|title=2.0 All India Update – Crosses 400 Crore NETT|website= Box Office India|access-date=25 December 2019}} In 2019, Rajinikanth starred in Karthik Subbaraj's Petta, in which his performance received praise for his return to his vintage stereotypical style of acting and grossed over {{INRConvert|250|c}}, becoming the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/box-office/article/rs-1000-crore-thats-how-much-rajinikanths-three-films-grossed-at-the-worldwide-box-office-in-a-span-of-7-months/358526|title=Rs 1000 crore! That's how much Rajinikanth's three films grossed at the box office in a span of 7 months|website=timesnownews|date=2 February 2019|access-date=4 November 2019}} The combined gross earnings of Kaala, 2.0 and Petta by the end of January 2019 was determined to be over {{INR}}1000 crore according to trade analysts.{{Cite web |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/box-office/article/rs-1000-crore-thats-how-much-rajinikanths-three-films-grossed-at-the-worldwide-box-office-in-a-span-of-7-months/358526 |title=Rs 1000 crore! That's how much Rajinikanth's three films grossed at the worldwide box office in a span of 7 months | Entertainment News |date=2 February 2019 |access-date=3 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202212029/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment/box-office/article/rs-1000-crore-thats-how-much-rajinikanths-three-films-grossed-at-the-worldwide-box-office-in-a-span-of-7-months/358526 |archive-date=2 February 2019 |url-status=live}} Rajinikanth then worked with AR Murugadoss in the film Darbar, alongside Nayanthara which released in 2020. He played the role of a police officer after 27 years since his last film as a police officer was the Tamil film Pandian. In spite of the huge expectations, the film received mixed to negative reviews and flopped at the box office.{{Cite web |date=31 January 2020 |title=Darbar box office: Film ends up as a colossal flop, distributors plan to approach Rajinikanth |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/darbar-box-office-film-ends-up-as-a-colossal-flop-distributors-plan-to-approach-rajinikanth/story-j7miLvAkLvmFHhqd59cuLM.html|access-date=28 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=14 January 2020 |title=Rajinikanth's Darbar is AR Murugadoss' failure |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/rajinikanth-darbar-is-ar-murugadoss-failure-6208719/|access-date=28 August 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} His 168th film was with director Siva, titled Annaatthe co-starring Nayanthara and Keerthy Suresh.{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/annaatthe|title=Annaatthe (2024)|website=Rotten Tomatoes }} The film was released on 4 November 2021.{{cite news |title=Rajinikanth's Annaatthe to hit screens on November 4 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-annaatthe-to-hit-screens-on-november-4/articleshow/80450919.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126184148/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-annaatthe-to-hit-screens-on-november-4/articleshow/80450919.cms |archive-date=26 January 2021 |access-date=25 January 2021 |website=The Times of India}} The film became a commercial success at the box office by grossing around {{INRConvert| 240|c|lk=c|year=2021}} beating the collections made by other Tamil films such as Master and Maanaadu.{{cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/rajinikanth-pays-surprise-visit-to-annaatthe-director-siruthai-siva-carries-this-gift-4540088.html|title=Rajinikanth Pays Surprise Visit to Annaatthe Director Siruthai Siva, Carries This Gift|website=News18|date=10 December 2021 |access-date=10 December 2021}}{{Cite web |title=Annaatthe Box Office Rajinikanth Starrer Becomes One Of The Biggest Blockbuster of The Year Enters 200 Crore Club |url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/annaatthe-box-office-rajinikanth-starrer-becomes-biggest-blockbuster-of-the-year-enters-%e2%82%b9200-crore-club-5096002/ |access-date=2022-01-03 |website=www.india.com |date=15 November 2021 |language=en}}{{cite web |last=K. |first=Janani |date=14 November 2021 |title=Annaatthe box office collection Day 10: Rajinikanth film is still going strong |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/annaatthe-box-office-collection-day-10-rajinikanth-film-is-still-going-strong-1876495-2021-11-14 |access-date=14 November 2021 |website=India Today |archive-date=14 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211114040425/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/annaatthe-box-office-collection-day-10-rajinikanth-film-is-still-going-strong-1876495-2021-11-14 |url-status=live }}

After a two-year absence from big screen, his 169th film is Jailer, which was directed by Nelson Dilipkumar. He played a retired jailer in the film and it was released on 10 August 2023.{{Cite news |date=10 February 2022 |title=Rajinikanth teams up with Nelson for 'Thalaivar 169' |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-teams-up-with-nelson-for-thalaivar-169/article38407701.ece |url-status=live |access-date=10 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220210152043/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-teams-up-with-nelson-for-thalaivar-169/article38407701.ece |archive-date=10 February 2022}}{{Cite web |date=17 June 2022 |title=Nelson-Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 169 titled Jailer |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/jun/17/nelson-rajinikanths-thalaivar-169-titled-jailer-32155.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619123732/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/jun/17/nelson-rajinikanths-thalaivar-169-titled-jailer-32155.html|archive-date=19 June 2022 |access-date=8 July 2022 |website=Cinema Express}}{{Cite web |date=17 June 2022 |title=#Thalaivar169 by Nelson Dilipkumar titled Jailer |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/06/17/thalaivar169-by-nelson-dilipkumar-titled-jailer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617083037/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/06/17/thalaivar169-by-nelson-dilipkumar-titled-jailer |archive-date=17 June 2022 |access-date=17 June 2022 |website=DT Next}} The film received predominantly positive reviews upon its release and achieved tremendous commercial success, grossing over 600 crores worldwide.{{Cite news |title='Jailer' box office collection grossed over Rs 600 crore |work=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/jailer-box-office-collection-day-29-rajinikanths-film-is-steady-despite-jawan-release-2432744-2023-09-08}} In 2024, he appeared in T. J. Gnanavel's action drama film Vettaiyan and did a guest appearance in his daughter's (Aishwarya Rajinikanth) sports drama film Lal Salaam.{{cite news | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/thalaivar-170-titled-lal-salaam-rajinikanth-takes-a-cameo-role-while-vishnu-vishal-and-vikranth-play-leads-in-aishwarya-rajinikanths-directorial/amp_articleshow/95315078.cms | title='Thalaivar 170' titled 'Lal Salaam'; Rajinikanth takes a cameo role while Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth play leads in Aishwarya Rajinikanth's directorial | newspaper=The Times of India }}{{Cite web |date=22 September 2023 |title='Thalaivar 170' pre-production work has reached the final stage |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-to-speak-kanyakumari-tamil-in-thalaivar-170/articleshow/103864928.cms?from=mdr |access-date= |website=Times of India}} While the latter sank without a trace, Vettaiyan opened to positive critical reception, but underperformed commercially.{{Cite web |date=15 February 2024 |title=Lal Salaam box office Day 6: Aishwarya Rajinikanth's film continues its underwhelming run, yet to hit Rs 15 crore mark |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/lal-salaam-box-office-day-6-aishwarya-rajinikanths-film-continues-its-underwhelming-run-yet-to-hit-rs-15-crore-mark-9162609/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215060716/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/lal-salaam-box-office-day-6-aishwarya-rajinikanths-film-continues-its-underwhelming-run-yet-to-hit-rs-15-crore-mark-9162609/ |archive-date=15 February 2024 |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=The Indian Express}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/vettaiyan-final-box-office-collections-worldwide-rajinikanths-cop-action-drama-set-to-end-its-theatrical-run-at-rs-230-crore-1355742|title=Vettaiyan Final Box Office Collections Worldwide: Rajinikanth's cop action-drama set to end it's theatrical run at Rs 240 crore|date=30 October 2024}}

Sun Pictures officially announced his 171st film with Lokesh Kanagaraj as the director, confirming the rumors of his collaboration with Rajinikanth. On 22 April 2024, the title of the project was revealed as Coolie with the teaser release.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-22 |title=Thalaivar 171 is titled Coolie: Rajinikanth is back with more power in Lokesh Kanagaraj's next, watch teaser |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/thalaivar-171-coolie-rajinikanth-lokesh-kanagaraj-9284648/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} In October 2023, Lokesh Kanagaraj disclosed that the principal photography of the film is scheduled to begin in March 2024.{{Cite news |date=17 October 2023 |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj to begin 'Thalaivar 171' in March 2024 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-to-begin-thalaivar-171-in-march-2024/articleshow/104486492.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021145408/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-to-begin-thalaivar-171-in-march-2024/articleshow/104486492.cms |archive-date=21 October 2023 |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=The Times of India}} However, due to a series of delays, filming only began in July 2024.{{Cite web |date=5 July 2024 |title=Shooting Of Rajinikanth's Coolie Begins |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/shooting-of-rajinikanths-coolie-begins-article-111505484 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705070704/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/shooting-of-rajinikanths-coolie-begins-article-111505484 |archive-date=5 July 2024 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=Times Now |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=5 July 2024 |title=Rajinikanth and Shruti Haasan begin 'Coolie' shooting |url=https://telugucinema.com/news/rajinikanth-and-shruti-haasan-begin-coolie-shooting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705151903/https://telugucinema.com/news/rajinikanth-and-shruti-haasan-begin-coolie-shooting |archive-date=5 July 2024 |access-date=4 January 2025 |website=Telugucinema.com |language=en}} Release is planned for mid-2025.{{Cite news |date=6 November 2024 |title=Lokesh Kanagaraj reveals Rajinikanth's 'Coolie' release plans |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-rajinikanths-coolie-release-plans/articleshow/115009604.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241107081101/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/lokesh-kanagaraj-reveals-rajinikanths-coolie-release-plans/articleshow/115009604.cms |archive-date=7 November 2024 |access-date=4 January 2025 |work=The Times of India}}

File:The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh presented the Entertainer of the Year Award to Shri Rajnikanth, at the 'NDTV Indian of the Year Awards Function', in New Delhi on January 17, 2008.jpg]]

It was speculated that Rajinikanth would enter politics in 1995. He decided against it and declared that if he entered politics now, it would result in a lot of confusion and that he would not be able to serve the people and fulfil their expectations. However, he added that if Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa's party returns to power in the 1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, "even God cannot save the people of the State".{{cite news |title=Rajnikant not to enter politics now |url=http://www.webpage.com/hindu/950930/12/2801f.html |access-date=14 September 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=28 September 1995 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961222063926/http://www.webpage.com/hindu/950930/12/2801f.html |archive-date=22 December 1996 |page=1}} Rajinikanth went on to wholeheartedly support the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Maanila Congress alliance and asked the people of Tamil Nadu and his fans to vote for that alliance. This alliance had a complete victory in the elections. He also supported the same alliance in the 1996 and 1998 Indian general elections.{{Cite news |url=http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/highlights/01-01-99/yearhig2.htm |title=Tamil Cinema 1998-Year Highlights (Part-2) |date=21 January 1998 |access-date=23 September 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080620181502/http://www.dinakaran.com/cinema/english/highlights/01-01-99/yearhig2.htm |archive-date=20 June 2008 |publisher=Dinakaran}}

Later in 2004, Rajinikanth said he would personally vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but would not extend his support to any front during the upcoming Indian general election.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/election/2004/apr/28einter2.htm |title=Rajnikanth is a firm believer in Hindutva |date=28 April 2004 |publisher=Rediff |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530202050/http://www.rediff.com/election/2004/apr/28einter2.htm |archive-date=30 May 2013 |access-date=12 June 2013}} The party, however, failed to win any seats in Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha.{{Cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-05-17/news/27657995_1_aiadmk-mps-mdmk-lone-puducherry-seat |title=AIADMK entering Parliament after five years |date=17 May 2009 |work=The Times of India |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025061624/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-05-17/news/27657995_1_aiadmk-mps-mdmk-lone-puducherry-seat |archive-date=25 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}

Rajinikanth canceled his visit to Sri Lanka in March 2017 at the urging of Tamil Nadu politicians. Leaders of the BJP criticized this choice.{{cite web | url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/bjp-subramanian-swamy-says-rajinikanth-and-other-tamil-film-actors-are-chickens--news-182095 | title=Swamy and other BJP leaders criticise Rajinikanth - News | date=25 March 2017 }} In June 2017, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy alleged that Rajinikanth was illiterate and unfit for politics. He also accused Rajinikanth of financial fraud, claiming that he has strong proof of financial irregularities by Rajinikanth that will bring down Rajinikanth's political aspirations.{{cite web | url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/swamy-vs-superstar-rajini-has-committed-financial-fraud-should-not-enter-politics-64137 | title=Swamy vs Superstar: 'Rajini has committed financial fraud, should not enter politics' | date=24 June 2017 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/250617/subramanian-swamys-outbursts-on-rajinikanth-follows-speculations.html | title=Subramanian Swamy's outbursts on Rajinikanth follows speculations | date=25 June 2017 }}

However several political analysts state Rajinikanth has missed his chance and unlike 1996 when he was at his peak it will be very difficult for him to make a significant impact in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/why-rajinikanth-hasnt-taken-the-plunge-it-is-not-1996-any-more-4658857/ |title=Why Rajinikanth hasn't taken the plunge: It is not 1996 anymore |work=The Indian Express |author=Kavitha Muralidharan |date=16 May 2017 |access-date=24 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709062901/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/opinion-entertainment/why-rajinikanth-hasnt-taken-the-plunge-it-is-not-1996-any-more-4658857/ |archive-date=9 July 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-political-opportunity-for-rajinikanth-has-come-and-gone/story-GyC5mlbQYuK1MaSpEXSu1L.html |title=The political opportunity for Rajinikanth has come and gone |work=Hindustan Times |author=Viju Cherian |date=12 December 2016 |access-date=24 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725170226/https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-political-opportunity-for-rajinikanth-has-come-and-gone/story-GyC5mlbQYuK1MaSpEXSu1L.html |archive-date=25 July 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rajini-no-political-superstar-718935.html |title=Rajini no political superstar, may have missed his day |work=Deccan Herald |author=ETB Sivapriyan |date=17 February 2019 |access-date=24 November 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011190649/https://www.deccanherald.com/national/rajini-no-political-superstar-718935.html |url-status=live}}

Rajinikanth announced entry into politics on 31 December 2017 and confirmed his intention to contest in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections in all 234 constituencies. He stated that his party would resign if it was unable to fulfill its electoral promises within three years of coming into power.{{Cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/rajinikanth-to-end-suspense-political-announcement-soon-10-points-1794019?pfrom=home-topscroll |title=Rajnimanth joins politics and announced a new party |date=31 December 2017 |publisher=NDTV |access-date=1 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231191010/https://www.ndtv.com/tamil-nadu-news/rajinikanth-to-end-suspense-political-announcement-soon-10-points-1794019?pfrom=home-topscroll |archive-date=31 December 2017 |url-status=live}} Rajinikanth dissolved his organisation Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) on 12 July 2021 and also said that he has no plans to enter politics in the future.{{Cite web |author=D. Govardan|date=12 July 2021 |title=Rajinikanth decides to dissolve Rajini Makkal Mandram |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rajinikanth-decides-to-dissolve-rajini-makkal-mandram/articleshow/84337959.cms |access-date=2021-07-13 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}

File:Rajinikanth_at_Premiere_of_the_film_Kochadaiiyaan.jpg (2014)]]

Rajinikanth is widely regarded as one of the most popular actors in the history of Indian cinema. His popularity has been attributed to his distinctively delivered dialogue and eccentricities showcased in his movies, alongside his political pronouncements and charitable work.{{Cite web |url=http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/features/4300-who-rules-south-cinema-rajinikanth-or-kamal-haasan.html |title=Who rules South Cinema – Rajinikanth or Kamal Haasan? |date=28 September 2010 |publisher=Breakingnewsonline.net |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723032306/http://www.breakingnewsonline.net/features/4300-who-rules-south-cinema-rajinikanth-or-kamal-haasan.html |archive-date=23 July 2011 |access-date=20 April 2011}} Many also cite reasons for Rajinikanth's popularity as coming from his larger-than-life super-hero appearance in many films, supported by gravity-defying stunts and charismatic expressions, all while attempting to maintain modesty in real-life.{{Cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2267820/pagenum/all/#p2 |title=Superstar Rajinikanth!: The biggest movie star you've probably never heard of. – By Grady Hendrix – Slate Magazine |last=Hendrix |first=Grady |date=27 September 2010 |publisher=Slate.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315123608/http://www.slate.com/id/2267820/pagenum/all/ |archive-date=15 March 2011 |access-date=20 April 2011}} Almost every film of Rajinikanth has punchlines delivered by him in a distinctive style, and these punchlines often have a message or even warn the film's antagonists.{{Cite web |url=http://www.thesouthreports.com/profiles/blogs/rajini-delivers-a-punch |title=Rajini's Punch dialogues |publisher=thesouthreports.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110325080027/http://www.thesouthreports.com/profiles/blogs/rajini-delivers-a-punch |archive-date=25 March 2011 |access-date=12 April 2011}}{{Cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-18/chennai/27783880_1_naan-oru-thadavu-sonna-nooru-thadava-sonna-mathiri-punch-lines |title=It doesn't get bigger than Rajinikanth |date=18 April 2008 |access-date=12 April 2011 |location=India |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817082412/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-04-18/chennai/27783880_1_naan-oru-thadavu-sonna-nooru-thadava-sonna-mathiri-punch-lines |archive-date=17 August 2011 |work=The Times of India |url-status=dead}}

Rajinikanth is one of the highest-grossing actors in Tamil cinema history. After opening his first official Twitter account in 2014, Rajinikanth received over 210,000 followers within 24 hours, which according to The Economic Times was deemed by social media research firms as the fastest rate of followers for any Indian celebrity, as well as among the top-10 in the world.{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/superstar-rajinikanth-proves-his-might-again-notches-over-2-4-lakh-followers-on-twitter-debut/articleshow/34744248.cms |title=Superstar Rajinikanth proves his might again, notches over 2.4 lakh followers on Twitter debut |last=Varuni |first=Khosla |date=7 May 2014 |work=The Economic Times |access-date=10 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510072930/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/superstar-rajinikanth-proves-his-might-again-notches-over-2-4-lakh-followers-on-twitter-debut/articleshow/34744248.cms |archive-date=10 May 2014}} In 2015, a film about his fandom, For the Love of a Man, premiered at the 71st Venice International Film Festival.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiewire.com/article/venice-review-for-the-love-of-a-man-portrays-the-biggest-movie-star-youve-never-heard-of-20150905 |title=Venice Review: 'For the Love of a Man' Portrays the Biggest Movie Star You've Never Heard Of |date=5 September 2015 |publisher=Indiewire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204143900/http://www.indiewire.com/article/venice-review-for-the-love-of-a-man-portrays-the-biggest-movie-star-youve-never-heard-of-20150905 |archive-date=4 February 2016 |access-date=5 February 2016}}

While he was working as a bus conductor in Bangalore, Rajinikanth met a medical student named Nirmala and started a relationship. After seeing him perform in a stage play, she encouraged him to pursue an acting career and sent an application to the Adyar Film Institute on his behalf and unbeknownst to him. Although he took up the offer and proceeded with his acting career, Rajinikanth has since lost contact with her.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2019/10/17/When-Rajinikanth-spoke-about-his-first-love-and-what-she-did-to-make-him-a-star.html |title=When Rajinikanth spoke about his first love and what she did to make him a star |website=The Week |access-date=3 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023220959/https://www.theweek.in/news/entertainment/2019/10/17/When-Rajinikanth-spoke-about-his-first-love-and-what-she-did-to-make-him-a-star.html |archive-date=23 October 2019 |url-status=live}}

Rajinikanth married Latha Rangachari, a student of Ethiraj College for Women who interviewed him for her college magazine.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. The 1980s}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/at-62-rajinikanth-on-his-marriage-kamal-and-sivaji-553299.html |title=At 62: Rajinikanth on his marriage, Kamal and Sivaji |date=12 December 2012 |work=First Post |access-date=5 February 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140316074354/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/at-62-rajinikanth-on-his-marriage-kamal-and-sivaji-553299.html |archive-date=16 March 2014}} The marriage took place on 26 February 1981, in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rajinikanth.com/bio-data.htm |title=Rajini's personal life |publisher=weeksupdate.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715153332/http://www.rajinikanth.com/bio-data.htm |archive-date=15 July 2011 |access-date=28 March 2011}} The couple has two daughters: Aishwarya and Soundarya. He has four grandchildren through his daughters.{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/58296.html |title=Dhanush's son named Linga – Tamil Movie News |website=IndiaGlitz |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012005331/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/58296.html |archive-date=12 October 2010 |access-date=6 October 2010}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/12/stories/2006101205680200.htm |title=Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Rajnikanth turns grandfather |date=12 October 2006 |access-date=10 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924101802/http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/12/stories/2006101205680200.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=24 September 2009}}

Rajinikanth is a practicing Hindu and is a strong believer of spirituality.{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/election/2004/apr/28einter2.htm |title=Rajnikanth is a firm believer in Hindutva |date=28 April 2004 |work=Rediff.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530202050/http://www.rediff.com/election/2004/apr/28einter2.htm |archive-date=30 May 2013 |access-date=22 February 2013}} He is also a practitioner of yoga and meditation. Rajinikanth has religiously visited major Hindu temples prior to the release of each of his films; for instance he visited the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple before the release of Sivaji in 2007 and visited Sathya Sai Baba at Prasanthi Nilayam in Andhra Pradesh before the release of Kuselan the following year.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/14/stories/2008041450550200.htm |title=Andhra Pradesh / Anantapur News : Rajinikanth in Puttaparthi |date=14 April 2008 |access-date=9 September 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101103145017/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/14/stories/2008041450550200.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=3 November 2010}} He also occasionally leaves for pilgrimage to the Himalayas.{{Cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-21/news-interviews/29909539_1_himalayas-vijay-tv-endhiran |title=Rajinikanth love Himalayas |last=Ramanujam |first=Srinivasa |date=21 August 2011 |access-date=24 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616165302/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-21/news-interviews/29909539_1_himalayas-vijay-tv-endhiran |archive-date=16 June 2013 |work=The Times of India |url-status=dead}}

He has often referred to Ramakrishna Paramahamsa,{{Cite web |url=http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/06/01/why-does-rajini-dwell-in-the-hearts-of-millions |title=Why does Rajini dwell in the hearts of millions? |date=1 June 2011 |publisher=cinefundas.com |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604192455/http://www.cinefundas.com/2011/06/01/why-does-rajini-dwell-in-the-hearts-of-millions |archive-date=4 June 2011 |access-date=15 June 2011}} Swami Satchidananda, Ragavendra Swami,{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/60272.html |title=Rajini blesses "Mahaan" actor |date=22 September 2010 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118021226/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/60272.html |archive-date=18 November 2010 |access-date=15 June 2011}} Mahavatar Babaji,{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38458.html |title=Rajini's tribute to Babaji |date=10 May 2008 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023235030/http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/38458.html |archive-date=23 October 2012 |access-date=15 June 2011}} and Ramana Maharshi as his favourite spiritual leaders.

According to Naman Ramachandran, the author of Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography, most of Rajinikanth's philanthropic activities went unpublicised because he chose to keep them undisclosed. In the 1980s, when superstitious beliefs in Tamil Nadu created a stigma towards eye donation, Rajinikanth took the case of campaigning in support of corneal transplantation via television and public speeches.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHhyrIUXwxU |title=Rajnikanth in Eye Donation Campaign |date=23 October 2011 |last=Manoj Thulasi |publisher=YouTube |access-date=10 June 2014 |medium=Television production}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead YouTube link|date=February 2022}} In 2011, Rajinikanth announced his support for the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare and offered his commercial wedding venue, the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, in Chennai free of cost for the India Against Corruption members to hold their fast.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Actor-Rajinikanth-supports-Anna-Hazare/articleshow/9705776.cms |title=Actor Rajinikanth supports Anna Hazare |date=23 August 2011 |access-date=8 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025122753/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-08-23/india/29918051_1_anna-hazare-tamil-superstar-actor-rajinikanth |archive-date=25 October 2012 |work=The Times of India |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rajinikanth-lends-wedding-hall-for-anti-corruption-fast-team-anna_1630389 |title=Rajinikanth lends wedding hall for anti-corruption fast: Team Anna |date=26 December 2011 |website=Daily News and Analysis |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102200330/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_rajinikanth-lends-wedding-hall-for-anti-corruption-fast-team-anna_1630389 |archive-date=2 November 2012 |access-date=24 February 2013}} He also provided lodging in the venue for sanitary workers hired to clean up after the 2015 South India floods.{{cite news |title=Rajinikanth provides shelter to conservancy workers |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/rajinikanth-provides-shelter-to-conservancy-workers/article7993964.ece |access-date=5 March 2021 |agency=The Hindu |date=24 March 2016}} Rajinikanth's fan associations regularly organise blood donation and eye donation camps and distribute food during his birthday.{{Cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rajinikanth-to-have-a-quiet-birthday-says-wife-latha/439181-8.html |title=Rajinikanth has a quiet birthday |date=12 December 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030139/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/rajinikanth-to-have-a-quiet-birthday-says-wife-latha/439181-8.html |archive-date=8 May 2014 |access-date=12 December 2013}}

Rajinikanth declared {{INRConvert|6.11|m|year=2003}}, {{INRConvert|17|m|year=2004}} and {{INRConvert|3.39|m|year=2005}} as earnings for the years 2002–2003, 2003–2004 and 2004–2005, respectively. However, the Income Tax Department observed that he had claimed a considerable sum of professional expenses and thus carried out a survey in 2005 at his residence at Poes Garden. During the survey, the IT-Department found out that he had accounted for a lost of costs as his professional costs and it was also discovered that not even one-tenth of the residential property was allocated to professional purposes.{{Cite news |last=S |first=Mohamed Imranullah |date=29 January 2020 |title=I-T Dept. withdraws three cases against actor Rajinikanth |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/i-t-dept-withdraws-three-cases-against-actor-rajinikanth/article30678692.ece |url-status=live |issn=0971-751X |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301032121/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/i-t-dept-withdraws-three-cases-against-actor-rajinikanth/article30678692.ece}} Moreover, when Rajinikanth was questioned by the I-T department if he's in the money lending business, he initially denied it. Later, though, he admitted to the IT-Department that he was indeed a money lender, and that he had loaned money as a source of profit at an interest rate of 18 percent. Later, for all three years in dispute, Rajinikanth was forced to submit revised reports, confessing he had earned more than what was reported in the initial report on 14 February 2005.{{Cite news |last=S |first=Mohamed Imranullah |date=30 January 2020 |title=Rajinikanth told Income Tax Department he was into 'money lending' |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rajinikanth-told-income-tax-department-he-was-into-money-lending/article30687490.ece |url-status=live |issn=0971-751X |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-date=28 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228031418/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/rajinikanth-told-income-tax-department-he-was-into-money-lending/article30687490.ece}} But the I-T department penalized him {{INRConvert|6.6|m|year=2020}}, since he filed revised returns only after they surveyed him.{{Cite web |last=Shekar |first=Anjana |date=30 January 2020 |title=Why Rajinikanth became a 'money lender' in 2004: Experts take a guess |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-rajinikanth-became-money-lender-2004-experts-take-guess-117163 |url-status=live |website=The News Minute |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711151809/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/why-rajinikanth-became-money-lender-2004-experts-take-guess-117163}}{{Cite web |last=Lobo |first=Shalini |date=29 January 2020 |title=I-T dept withdraws tax appeal against actor Rajinikanth |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajinikanth-tax-it-department-cbdt-1641177-2020-01-29 |url-status=live |website=India Today |access-date=11 July 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711151359/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rajinikanth-tax-it-department-cbdt-1641177-2020-01-29}}

This was challenged by Rajinikanth and his lawyers, and in January 2020 the I-T department wrote off the fine, due to its recent decision to withdraw from appeals in cases below {{INRConvert|10|m|year=2020}}.{{Cite web |title=I-T Dept withdraws appeal against Rajinikanth over penalty |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/i-t-dept-withdraws-appeal-against-rajinikanth-over-penalty/article30675436.ece |access-date=11 July 2020 |website=@businessline |date=28 January 2020 |archive-date=12 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712122117/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/i-t-dept-withdraws-appeal-against-rajinikanth-over-penalty/article30675436.ece |url-status=live}} The news that Rajinikanth told the Income Tax department that he was lending money at an 18 per cent interest rate has earned outrage and criticism for his high interest rate loans, which is a big problem in Tamil Nadu.

File:Rajinikanth and Vijay at the Nadigar Sangam Protest.jpg at a Kaveri water sharing protest by the Nadigar Sangam in 2018]]

In 2002, Rajinikanth undertook a day-long fast to protest the Government of Karnataka's decision to not release Kaveri River water into Tamil Nadu, and announced that he would contribute {{INRConvert|10|m}} toward a plan to interlink Indian rivers.{{Cite web |date=13 October 2002 |title=Rediff India News: Rajinikanth fasts for Kaveri waters |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/13cau2.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430054103/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/13cau2.htm |archive-date=30 April 2009 |access-date=23 September 2009 |work=Rediff.com}} He met with Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and many experts to canvass support for the project.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2002 |title=Rediff India News:Rajinikanth to meet Indian PM |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/14cau.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430065605/http://www.rediff.com/news/2002/oct/14cau.htm |archive-date=30 April 2009 |access-date=23 September 2009 |publisher=Rediff}} His hunger strike was independent of the Nadigar Sangam, who organised their own solidarity protest for the same cause. Film director Bharathi Raja lashed out against Rajinikanth, alleging that he is dividing the film industry and saying that he was a "traitor who had a tacit understanding with the Karnataka government".{{Cite web |date=12 October 2002 |title=Rally exposes politicised film industry |url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/13/stories/2002101304130100.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071102121317/http://www.hinduonnet.com/2002/10/13/stories/2002101304130100.htm |archive-date=2 November 2007 |access-date=5 April 2007}}

In 2008, Rajinikanth took part in a hunger strike organised by the Nadigar Sangam against Karnataka's stance on the Hogenakkal Falls water dispute, during which he gave a speech against politicians in Karnataka.{{Cite web |title=Rajnikanth blasts Karnataka over water project – Thaindian News |url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/rajnikanth-blasts-karnataka-over-water-project_10034510.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504194054/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/politics/rajnikanth-blasts-karnataka-over-water-project_10034510.html |archive-date=4 May 2009 |access-date=23 September 2009 |publisher=Thaindian.com}} It led to the state announcing a ban on him and his film Kuselan (2008). The ban was lifted after Rajinikanth appeared on TV9 Kannada and issued an apology for his speech. He later thanked the Government of Karnataka for lifting the ban and allowing the film's release in the state. The apology and subsequent gratitude towards Karnataka led to strong reactions from Nadigar Sangam members R. Sarathkumar, Sathyaraj and Radha Ravi, who called the apology a disgrace to Tamils and opined that his speech never provoked the sentiments of the Kannada people.{{Cite web |title=Rajini earns the wrath of Tamil cinema |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-08-01/rajinikanth-01-08-08.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100410002237/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/aug-08-01/rajinikanth-01-08-08.html |archive-date=10 April 2010 |access-date=9 September 2010 |website=Behindwoods}} Rajinikanth's support toward fellow actor Ajith Kumar, who in 2010 condemned the forceful inclusion of Tamil cinema personae in political affairs, broke into a controversy.{{Cite news |date=7 February 2010 |title=Karunanidhi against bringing politics into film world |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/07/stories/2010020757030100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616061152/http://www.hindu.com/2010/02/07/stories/2010020757030100.htm |archive-date=16 June 2010 |access-date=18 October 2010 |work=The Hindu |location=Chennai, India}}

In 2020, Rajinikanth quoted a 2017 article from Outlook, which reported that Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E. V. Ramasamy garlanded the idols of Hindu deities Rama and Sita with footwear at an atheist rally in 1971.{{Cite web |last=Venkateswaran |first=Vikram |date=23 January 2020 |title=Rajinikanth Takes on Periyar – Foot-in-Mouth or Political Debut? |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/rajinikanth-periyar-thuglak-controversy-political-move-non-dravidian-identity |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200124134856/https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/rajinikanth-periyar-thuglak-controversy-political-move-non-dravidian-identity |archive-date=24 January 2020 |access-date=30 August 2020 |website=TheQuint}}{{Cite web |date=17 January 2020 |title=Rajinikanth Accused of Promoting Enmity, Warned With Protests After 'Slipper' Comment on Periyar |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/blatant-lie-dravidian-outfit-slams-rajinikanth-for-nude-photo-comment-on-periyar-2462085.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200118145651/https://www.news18.com/news/india/blatant-lie-dravidian-outfit-slams-rajinikanth-for-nude-photo-comment-on-periyar-2462085.html |archive-date=18 January 2020 |access-date=30 August 2020 |website=News18}} His remarks were criticized by supporters of Periyar.{{Cite web |date=21 January 2020 |title='Didn't say anything out of imagination, won't apologise': Rajinikanth on controversy around remarks against Periyar |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/didn-t-say-anything-out-of-imagination-won-t-apologise-rajinikanth-on-controversy-around-remarks-against-periyar/story-9CzkjERZ4i8pr3an5qcKbL.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215053802/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/didn-t-say-anything-out-of-imagination-won-t-apologise-rajinikanth-on-controversy-around-remarks-against-periyar/story-9CzkjERZ4i8pr3an5qcKbL.html |archive-date=15 February 2020 |access-date=30 August 2020 |website=Hindustan Times}} In response to the backlash, Rajinikanth stated, "I did not speak on something that didn't happen. I've only spoken on what was reported. It was reported in Outlook also. Sorry, I will not apologise."{{Cite web |date=21 January 2020 |title='I will not apologise for remarks on Periyar incident': Rajinikanth |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/i-will-not-apologise-remarks-periyar-incident-rajinikanth-116513 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200121102238/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/i-will-not-apologise-remarks-periyar-incident-rajinikanth-116513 |archive-date=21 January 2020 |access-date=30 August 2020 |website=www.thenewsminute.com}}{{Cite web |date=2020-01-21 |title=Rajinikanth refuses to apologise for Periyar remark; 'think and speak', urges Stalin |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/rajinikanth-refuses-to-apologise-for-controversial-remark-on-periyar-6227644/ |access-date=2022-09-04 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} A report on Thoothukudi police firing criticized Rajnikanth's comment on the incident that the whole anti-Sterlite protest was engineered by "anti-social" elements.{{Cite web |date=19 October 2022 |title=Report on Thoothukudi police firing slams Rajinikanth for saying 'anti-social elements had intruded' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/thoothukudi-police-firing-report-slams-rajinikanth-saying-anti-social-elements-intruded-2287089-2022-10-19 |accessdate=1 September 2023 |website=India Today}}

{{Main|Rajinikanth filmography}}

Rajinikanth appeared in over 170 films,{{efn|Including the film with cameo appearance-Lal Salaam|name="GO"}} predominantly in Tamil cinema.{{Cite news |last=Menon |first=Sadanand |date=18 January 2013 |title=Power of the Dark Sun |work=India Today |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sadanand-menon-reviews-rajinikanth-the-definitive-biography-by-naman-ramachandran/1/242791.html |url-status=live |access-date=19 July 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170107120140/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/sadanand-menon-reviews-rajinikanth-the-definitive-biography-by-naman-ramachandran/1/242791.html |archive-date=7 January 2017}} He began his film career by playing antagonistic and supporting roles before graduating to a lead actor.{{Cite news |last=Kesavan |first=N. |date=14 April 2016 |title=Villains with heroic pasts |work=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/tamil-film-industry-villains-with-heroic-pasts/article8475517.ece |url-status=live |access-date=26 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107121324/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/tamil-film-industry-villains-with-heroic-pasts/article8475517.ece |archive-date=7 January 2017}} He has also worked in other Indian film industries such as Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Bengali. Alongside Indian films, he has also appeared in an English film.

{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Rajinikanth}}

File:The President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presenting the Padma Vibhushan Award to Shri Rajinikanth, at a Civil Investiture Ceremony, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on April 12, 2016.jpg presenting the Padma Vibhushan to Rajinikanth at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on 12 April 2016]]

Rajinikanth has received numerous awards for many of his films, mostly in Tamil. He received his first and only Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actor in 1984 for Nallavanuku Nallavan. Later he received Filmfare Award nominations for his performances in Sivaji (2007){{Cite AV media |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479751/awards/ |title=Sivaji (2007) - Awards - IMDb |language=en-US |access-date=2024-08-09 |via=www.imdb.com}} and Enthiran (2010). As of 2014, Rajinikanth has received six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards for his performances in various films.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. Awards}} He also received numerous awards from Cinema Express and Filmfans' Association for his on-screen performances and off-screen contributions in writing and producing.{{Sfn|Ramachandran|2012|loc=chpt. Awards}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rajinikanth-conferred-dadasaheb-phalke-award-2020-11617257991776.html|title=Tamil actor Rajini gets Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2020|first=Lata|last=Jha|date=1 April 2021|website=mint}}

Rajinikanth received the Kalaimamani award in 1984 and the M. G. R. Award in 1989, both from the Government of Tamil Nadu. In 1995, the South Indian Film Artistes' Association presented him with the Kalaichelvam Award. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan (2000) and the Padma Vibhushan (2016) by the Government of India. He was selected as the Indian Entertainer of the Year for 2007 by NDTV, competing against the likes of Shahrukh Khan.{{Cite web |url=http://www.itimes.com/public/rajnikanth.rao/claim-to-fame/Indian-Entertainer-Of-The-Year |title=Indian Entertainer of the year |publisher=itimes.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007142000/http://www.itimes.com/public/rajnikanth.rao/claim-to-fame/Indian-Entertainer-Of-The-Year |archive-date=7 October 2011 |access-date=28 March 2011}} The Government of Maharashtra honoured him with the Raj Kapoor Award the same year. He received the Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan Award for Excellence in Indian Cinema at the 4th Vijay Awards.{{Cite news |url=http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/06/18/stories/2010061850251400.htm |title=Air supply |date=18 June 2010 |access-date=24 February 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015163203/http://www.hindu.com/cp/2010/06/18/stories/2010061850251400.htm |work=The Hindu |archive-date=15 October 2013}} Rajinikanth was also named one of the most influential persons in South Asia by Asiaweek.

File:Rajinikanth being honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award.jpg presenting the Dadasaheb Phalke Award to Rajinikanth at the 67th National Film Awards, New Delhi, on 25 October 2021]]

He was named by Forbes India as the most influential Indian of the year 2010. In 2011, he was awarded the Entertainer of the Decade Award by NDTV for the year 2010 by the then Indian Minister for Home Affairs P. Chidambaram.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/rajinikanth-is-the-entertainer-of-the-decade-news-tamil-lcqjCadcfcf.html |title=Rajinikanth is the Entertainer of the decade |date=31 May 2010 |website=Sify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219012520/http://www.sify.com/movies/rajinikanth-is-the-entertainer-of-the-decade-news-tamil-lcqjCadcfcf.html |archive-date=19 February 2011 |access-date=9 September 2010}} In December 2013, he was honoured by NDTV as one among the "25 Greatest Global Living Legends".{{Cite web |url=http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-13/superstar-rajini-has-been-honored-as-one-among-the-25-greatest-global-living-legends.html |title=Without Tamil people's love and affection, I wouldn't be here, Rajini |date=15 December 2013 |website=Behindwoods |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216075603/http://behindwoods.com/tamil-movies-cinema-news-13/superstar-rajini-has-been-honored-as-one-among-the-25-greatest-global-living-legends.html |archive-date=16 December 2013 |access-date=16 December 2013}} In 2014, he was presented with the Indian Film Personality of the Year Award at the 45th IFFI.{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/rajinikanth-conferred-centenary-award-at-iffi/article6618815.ece |title=Rajinikanth conferred Centenary Award at IFFI |date=20 November 2014 |work=The Hindu |access-date=20 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128094114/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/rajinikanth-conferred-centenary-award-at-iffi/article6618815.ece |archive-date=28 November 2014}}{{Cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-iffi-2014-stalwarts-amitabh-bachchan-rajinikanth-in-opening-act-2036962 |title=IFFI 2014: Stalwarts Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth in opening act |date=20 November 2014 |work=Daily News and Analysis |access-date=20 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122224814/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-iffi-2014-stalwarts-amitabh-bachchan-rajinikanth-in-opening-act-2036962 |archive-date=22 November 2014}} Rajinikanth received Dadasaheb Phalke Award at the 67th National Film Awards presentation ceremony, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Monday, 25 October 2021.

• Rajinikanth facts

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• {{cite book |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |author-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography |year=2012 |publisher=Penguin Books Limited |isbn=978-81-8475-796-5 |pages=244 |title-link=Rajinikanth: The Definitive Biography}}
• {{Cite book |last=Sreekanth |first=Gayathri |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K2xIAQAAIAAJ&q=rajinikanth |title=The Name is Rajinikanth |publisher=Om Books International |year=2008 |isbn=978-81-291-1355-9 |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727115209/https://books.google.com/books?id=K2xIAQAAIAAJ&q=rajinikanth&dq=rajinikanth |url-status=live}}
• {{cite book |title=Rajinikanth 12.12.12: A Birthday Special |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YyFMAgAAQBAJ |year=2012 |work=Kasturi & Sons Ltd |id=GGKEY:A78L0XB1B0X |ref={{harvid|Hindu|2012}} |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-date=8 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108195742/https://books.google.com/books?id=YyFMAgAAQBAJ |url-status=live |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman}}

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• {{Cite book |last=Rao |first=A.N.Prahlada |url=https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL6468602A/A._N%C4%81_Prahl%C4%81dar%C4%81v?sort=old |title=Nanna Daari Vibhinna Daari: Rajanikanth Kannada |publisher=Nava Bharat Publication |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-85286-770-6 |location=Bangalore, Karnataka |ol=25437576M}}
• {{cite book |last=Krishnamoorthy |first=Raja |title=Rajini's Punchtantra: Business and Life Management the Rajinikanth Way |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa & Co |isbn=9788129119995 |pages=124 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2WSjaZBsCY4C&q=rajini%27s+punchtantra&pg=PT111 |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727115144/https://books.google.com/books?id=2WSjaZBsCY4C&pg=PT111&dq=rajini%27s+punchtantra |url-status=live}}
• {{cite book |last=Ramakrishnan |first=Ram N |title=Grand Brand Rajini: Brand Management the Rajinikanth Way |year=2012 |publisher=Rupa Publications India |isbn=9788129120595 |pages=149 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aH_QlgEACAAJ&q=Grand+Brand+Rajini |access-date=24 September 2016 |archive-date=11 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011190650/https://books.google.com/books?id=aH_QlgEACAAJ&dq=Grand+Brand+Rajini |url-status=live}}

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{{Dadasaheb Phalke Award}}

{{IFFI - Indian Film Personality of the year Award}}

{{NTR National Award}}

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{{PadmaBhushanAwardRecipients 2000–09}}

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Category:1950 births

Category:Indian male film actors

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Category:Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipients