Rajinikanth's 50 years in films: From bus driver to superstar and why Coolie marks a milestone

Rajinikanth celebrates 50 years in the Industry

In 1975, the famous K. Balachander directed the Tamil movie Apoorva Raagangal, which was the first movie for a young man named Shivaji Rao Gaekwad. Before he followed his passion of being an actor, he worked as a bus driver in Bengaluru.

This made him simply another newcomer with no experience in the film industry. It was hard to believe that this newcomer would one day become THE Rajinikanth, a name that means success, flair, and fame.

The Beginning of an Amazing Journey

Initially, Rajinikanth played strange parts. In the late 1970s, he often played villains or morally questionable characters, which made him stand out on television. People who saw him and who made movies were both immediately drawn to his charm, body language, and signature gestures, such as the cigarette flip, the graceful walk and the compelling state.

By the early 1980s, Rajinikanth was a big star. He showed his range as an action hero and a comedy genius in movies like Billa (1980), Murattu Kaalai (1980), and Thillu Mullu (1981). He was able to become a superstar because he could connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Rajinikanth's 50 years in films: From bus driver to superstar and why Coolie marks a milestone

The Rise of the Superstar

The 1990s were Rajinikanth's best years. Hits like Annamalai (1992), Baashha (1995), and Muthu (1995) not only ruled the Tamil box office, but they also made him famous all over India and even in Japan. People celebrated the release of his movies like they were festivals, making them cultural events.

Rajinikanth kept changing himself over and over again, from Sivaji (2007) and Enthiran (2010) to Kabali (2016) and Jailer (2023). This showed that ageing was not an obstacle to his box office success. He is still one of the most profitable stars in Indian cinema today, even though he has had been here for decades.

Rajinikanth's 50 years in films: From bus driver to superstar and why Coolie marks a milestone

Why Coolie Is Different After Fifty Years

Rajinikanth will celebrate his 50th year in the film industry in 2025 with Coolie. Lokesh Kanagaraj, one of the most creative directors working today, is the brain behind the movie.

1. A Generational Partnership: Rajinikanth and Lokesh Kanagaraj are both known for his slick action plays. They vow to combine modern storytelling with stories that have always been popular.

2. A Tribute to Roots: The movie's promotional poster shows Rajinikanth wearing a badge with the number 1421 on it. Lokesh said that this is a tribute to his father, a bus driver, and that it is a deep nod to Rajinikanth's own life before he became an actor.

3. A Stellar Ensemble: The casting coup for Coolie is something nobody saw coming. It has superstars across multiple languages and it is something that has not happened lately.

4. Pan-India Ambition: Expectations on Coolie are high especially after Jailer has managed to earn Rs 700 crore at the box office. He wants to continue Rajinikanth's legacy as a real pan-Indian star by drawing in fans from many different languages.

5. The Golden Jubilee Moment: Coolie is an emotional event for fans who have supported their favourite star for 5 decades now, no matter how much money it makes.

Rajinikanth's 50 years in films: From bus driver to superstar and why Coolie marks a milestone

The Custom Continues

One of the most remarkable success stories in entertainment history is Rajinikanth's transformation from a Bengaluru bus driver to the "Superstar" of Indian cinema.

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His 50 years in the industry is seen more than just a personal milestone for the millions of people who have grown up admiring his on-screen magic, watching his films, and imitating his style.

Coolie, which comes out in theaters on August 14, will be more than just another action movie. It will be a landmark film that brings together parts of Indian celebrity from the past, present, and future.