Rajinikanth Turns 73: Top 10 Highest-Rated Rajini Releases On IMDb

There is no Indian cinema without superstar Rajinikanth. Fondly known as Thalaivar (boss) by his fans, Rajinikanth turns 73 on December 12 this year, with his fanbase only continuing to expand. With close to five decades as a celebrated actor in India's entertainment industry, Rajinikanth is one of the most respected actors, especially heralding in heroism and action. Once working jobs like a coolie and bus conductor, Rajinikanth's journey to megastardom is an inspiration and a testament to his virtuoso talent and hard work.

He started his acting career with a small role in Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, under the directorship of K Balachandran. Fast forward to 2023, Rajinikanth's Jailer was widely acclaimed worldwide, grossing over Rs 600 crores. Even to this day, no Rajinikanth film goes without a packed cinema theatre with the crowd howling and whistling during his flamboyant entrance scene. 

Here's a list of the top 10 highest-rated Rajinikanth movies on IMDb

1. Thalapathi

The 1991 Rajinikanth film alongside acclaimed actors like Mammootty, Srividya, and Shobana has received 8.5/10 stars on IMDb. With a budget of ₹3 crore, at the time of its release, Thalapathi was the most expensive South Indian film. Thalapathi is said to be a contemporary adaptation of the epic, Mahabharata, drawing on the friendship between Karna and Duryodhana. 

Rajinikanth plays Surya, a courageous man who fights for the rights of the poor after being raised in a slum himself. However, his life completely changes when he befriends a gang leader Devaraja. Rajinikanth won the Best Actor award for Thalapathi in 1992 at the 12th Cinema Express Awards.

2. Thillu Mullu

In 1981, Rajinikanth played the roles of Indiran and Chandran in Thillu Mullu, which has also garnered 8.5/10 stars on IMDb. Thillu Mullu is a comedy film, a remake of the Hindi film Gol Maal. The story revolves around Chandran who pretends to be his non-existent twin brother when his boss almost finds out that he lied to get out of work.

Rajinikanth's performance in Thillu Mullu was listed in the "25 Greatest Acting Performances of Indian Cinema" list by Forbes India in 2013, along with co-star Thengai Sreenivasan.

3. Aame Katha

Rajinikanth was featured in a guest role in the Telugu film Aame Katha in 1977. The movie has received 8.5/10 stars on IMDb. The film comes under the psycho-thriller genre, where Rajinikanth is said to have a great impact despite his short presence.

4. Aarilirindhu Aruvathu Varai

The 1979 film Aarilirundhu Aruvathu Varai is a story about the life of a common man who struggles to lead a normal life by bearing the responsibilities of his siblings. Rajinikanth played the role of Santhanam, who is ill-treated by his ungrateful siblings until he becomes a famous writer. Even this film has received 8.5/10 stars.

5. Katha Sangama

Katha Sangama is a 1976 Kannada film where Rajinikanth played the character of Kondaji. It is an anthology of four short films, in which Rajinikanth was part of Munithaayi. Rajinikanth's characterisation in this movie went on to be used in the 1977 movie 16 Vayathinile.

6. Baashha

Although Baashha has fewer positive reviews than the others mentioned above, with 8.3/10 stars, the 1995 film is one of Rajinikanth's most memorable performances. The cult film revolves around an auto driver who maintains a humble exterior and stays away from violence. Little does his family know of his dark past and ties with the underworld. Baashha was re-released in 2017 with a digitally restored version. 

Rajinikanth won the Best Actor award at the Cinema Express Awards in 1995 and was nominated for Best Actor for the Filmfare Award (Tamil) in 1996.

7. Mullum Malarum

The 1978 film won Rajinikanth a special award at the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Mullum Malarum (8.3/10) is the story of Kali (Rajinikanth), who dotes on his sister Valli (Shoba) since they were orphaned. But things take a turn when he clashes with his newly appointed boss and moves to the village.

8. Anthuleni Katha

The 1976 Telugu film is about a young woman who tries to escape her unfavourable family. Rajinikanth plays the character of her alcoholic good-for-nothing brother. Although portrayed in a negative light, Rajinikanth's exceptional performance in Anthuleni Katha, alongside Jayaprada and Kamal Haasan shined bright. The film has 8.3/10 stars on IMDb.

9. Padaiyappa

Rajinikanth plays the role of the eponymous Padaiyappa alongside Shivaji Ganesan, Soundarya, and Ramya Krishnan among other renowned actors in the 1999 film. The film is about Rajinikanth leading a prosperous life after struggling to cope with his father's death. Rajinikanth won the Best Actor Tamil Nadu State Film Award in 1999 and was nominated for the Best Actor Filmfare Award (South) in 2000. The cult film has 8.2/10 stars.

10. Aval Appadithan

Aval Appadithan (1978) is a film about a woman who chooses to remain single, which is challenged by society's norms. Rajinikanth plays the role of Thyagu, her boss, who is a chauvinist and money-minded man. Again, Rajinikanth played a negative role but his performance received many laurels. The film has 8.1/10 stars on IMDb.