Rajinikanth’s 50-year journey
Rajinikanth has acted in more than 165 films in various languages over the course of five decades, making him the biggest star in Tamil cinema.
This Independence Day, superstar Rajinikanth will commemorate a significant milestone: the 50th anniversary of his film debut in Tamil cinema. On August 15, 1975, the renowned actor made his cinematic debut in K. Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal, marking the start of a journey that would leave his mark on Indian cinema history.
Rajinikanth became the biggest star in Tamil cinema after appearing in more than 165 films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and other languages over the previous 50 years.
The Tamil movie “Apoorva Raagangal” gave birth to the superstar Rajinikanth fifty years ago. Coworkers and movie stars showered the actor with well wishes as he commemorates his 50 years in the business with the release of “Coolie.”
On August 15, 1975, the K Balachander-directed film “Apoorva Raagangal” was released, with Rajinikanth playing a minor part.
Marking half a century of cinematic brilliance, my dear friend @rajinikanth celebrates 50 glorious years in cinema today. I celebrate our Super Star with affection and admiration, and wish #Coolie resounding global success befitting this golden jubilee.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) August 13, 2025
Helmed by the powerhouse… pic.twitter.com/FrU5ytphoL
“My dear friend Rajinikanth celebrates 50 magnificent years in cinema today, marking half a century of cinematic greatness,” wrote Kamal Hassan, the 74-year-old’s first co-star, in a heartfelt post commemorating the milestone. As befits this golden jubilee, I wish #Coolie a resounding worldwide success as I honour and admire our Super Star.”
The “Thalaivaa” director Lokesh Kanagaraj also referred to their partnership as a “unique film in my journey” in a special tweet. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for always motivating us all, and congrats on reaching 50 wonderful years of making us love you, grow with you, and learn from you!”
In a post on X, Hrithik Roshan, whose movie “War 2” came out with “Coolie,” also praised Rajinikanth. Roshan, who costarred with Rajinikanth as a kid actor in the 1986 movie “Bhagwaan Dada,” referred to the maestro as his “master.”
“My greatest blessing is being in the same field as you, Thalaivaaa. I grew up watching you, imitating you, and following in your footsteps. “Congratulations on your 50 years of kind legacy, and thank you for inspiring me,” his post said.
