Zaheer Darbar – Entertainment Editor
Rajinikanth: 50 Glorious Years of Cinema’s Timeless Icon: Superstar, Megastar, Duperstar — Rajinikanth continues to shine as an indomitable force in Indian cinema. His remarkable journey spans 170 movies, includes 16 industry-defining hits, and boasts 19 films that topped annual box-office charts. Honored with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award, he has expanded Tamil cinema globally, earned the title of India’s Most Influential Actor, and reigned as the highest-paid actor since the 1980s. His charismatic persona commands the largest fan-club network in the country, making him a true Box Office Emperor for five decades.
As Rajinikanth celebrated his golden jubilee in film, a wave of heartfelt tributes flooded in from the film fraternity:
Kamal Haasan, in a poignant post on X, wrote, “Marking half a century of cinematic brilliance, my dear friend @rajinikanth celebrates 50 glorious years in cinema today. I celebrate our Superstar with affection and admiration, and wish #Coolie resounding global success befitting this golden jubilee.”
Mammootty added, “Heartfelt congratulations to dear @rajinikanth on completing 50 glorious years in cinema. It was truly an honour to share the screen with you. Wishing you the very best for #Coolie. Keep inspiring and shining always.”
Hrithik Roshan, with warmth and humility, posted, “Took my first steps as an actor at your side. You were one of my first teachers, @rajinikanth sir, and continue to be an inspiration and a standard. Congratulations on completing 50 years of on-screen magic!” He also declared that Rajinikanth is “always championing the cause of film-industry solidarity,” calling him “the most secure Indian actor—EVER!”
Anirudh Ravichander celebrated with flair: “50 years… 1 throne. 1 man. Let us all celebrate the golden jubilee of Thalaivar Superstar @rajinikanth with #Coolie from tomo… With the blessings of the almighty and the love from all of you.”
Lokesh Kanagaraj, the director of Coolie, called working with Rajinikanth “a dream come true,” adding that releasing the film during Rajini’s golden jubilee “fulfills a life-changing experience.”
The grand audio launch of Coolie on August 2 turned into a vibrant celebration of Rajini’s legacy. Shruti Haasan shared, “As soon as I opened my mouth to thank Superstar Rajinikanth, a roar spread throughout the hall! … It’s a great opportunity to play Sathyaraj sir’s daughter.” Aamir Khan admitted he took the role without even hearing the story, only out of respect for “Rajini sir” — “I didn’t ask for anything, not a salary, not a date.” Meanwhile, Nagarjuna likened Coolie to multiple Baasha films rolled into one, and Sathyaraj praised Rajini’s timeless style, saying, “A man may be stylish when he walks, talks, or looks. But Rajini sir is stylish even when he sleeps. How is that possible?”
Beyond the stars, one devoted fan in Madurai went above and beyond, decorating the Arulmigu Sri Rajini Temple with 5,500 posters of the superstar and conducting a ceremonial abhishekam — a powerful tribute to Rajini’s enduring legacy.
Meanwhile, fans worldwide eagerly await the release of Rajinikanth’s 171st film, Coolie — set to premiere on August 14th, just as Hrithik Roshan’s War 2 is released. The box-office clash has only added to the excitement and anticipation around this cinematic milestone.
