Jailer: 7 Best Rajinikanth Films to Watch on OTT

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is back with another potential blockbuster hit titled Jailer. Early reviews of the film indicate that the megastar has rediscovered his mojo after a couple of underwhelming releases in recent years. And the Nelson Dilipkumar directorial is expected to be one of the biggest hits of the year. The star-studded ensemble of the film includes Mohanlal, Ramya Krishnan, Jackie Shroff, Shiva Rajkumar, and Tamannaah Bhatia among others. So if you are a fan of the Tamil legend and his iconic one-liners, then you will love this list we have curated, containing the must-watch films starring Rajinikanth.

Sivaji: The Boss - Netflix, ZEE5, Amazon Prime Video, Lionsgate Play, Aha

One of Rajinikanth’s biggest hits is the 2007 action thriller Sivaji: The Boss. The film is helmed by renowned Tamil filmmaker Shankar and also stars Shriya Saran, Vivek, Suman, Manivannan, and Raghuvaran in prominent roles. Rajinikanth essays the role of a software engineer called Sivaji who returns to India after working in the US for a decade. This ghar waapsi is punctuated by Sivaji’s attempts at improving India’s academic infrastructure to provide better and more affordable education to all. But his selfless endeavours are met with stiff opposition from the corrupt establishment. If you love over-the-top set pieces and a larger-than-life action hero willing to go to extreme lengths to punish the bad guys, Sivaji: The Boss should definitely be on your watchlist.

Muthu - Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sun NXT

The 1995 film, Muthu, directed by K. S. Ravikumar fully embraces the idea of a masala film. Despite a lukewarm reception from critics, the film became one of the biggest hits in Rajinikanth’s extensive filmography. The film even found popularity in Japan in 1998 after it was dubbed and re-released in the Land of the Rising Sun with the title Muthu Odoru Maharaja, which translates to Muthu – The Dancing Maharaja. This propelled the Tamil superstar’s career and he along with his co-star, Meena, acquired a cult status in Japan. The film is a remake of the hit 1994 Malayalam film Thenmavin Kombath, starring Mohanlal, Shobana, and Nedumudi Venu.

Baasha - Sun NXT

The 1995 gangster film Baashha is yet another Rajinikanth classic. The film’s success can be credited to the fact that it touched a necessary nerve with the working class of Tamil Nadu. The megastar slips into the role of an autorickshaw driver called Manickam who eventually rises to become a champion of the masses. When his brother, a police officer, is caught in the crosshairs of local thugs, Manickam is forced to tap into his past in order to bring out his former self of a feared gangster to deal with his adversaries. Directed by Suresh Krissna, the film has etched itself as one of Rajni’s best works in Tamil cinema.

Kaala - Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar

One of Rajinikanth’s more recent blockbusters is the 2018 film, Kaala. Directed by Pa. Ranjith, the film follows Rajinikanth as he slips into the role of a hero of the oppressed yet again. The story is set in the slums of Mumbai as his character Karikaalan stands between the locals of the Mumbai slum of Dharavi and a local gangster named Hari Dhadha. The film is produced by the lead star’s former son-in-law and Tamil actor Dhanush, and the film also stars Nana Patekar, Samuthirakani, Eswari Rao, and Huma Qureshi in pivotal roles.

Enthiran - Sun NXT

Rajinikanth’s foray into science fiction in 2010 was nothing short of spectacular. S. Shankar’s Enthiran, features Thalaivar in a dual role – as a scientist named K. Vaseegaran and his creation, the powerful and sentient android unassumingly named Chitti. Despite being created to protect humankind, it is ironic that the android’s humanity is what urges him to question his purpose. The film also features Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in the lead and is widely regarded as one of the best sci-fi films to be ever made in India.

Chandramukhi - Sun NXT

It should come as no surprise that the Tamil remake of one of the greatest Malayalam films ever made stars Rajinikanth in the lead. P. Vasu’s 2005 film is a remake of the iconic 1993 Malayalam film Manichitrathazhu, starring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi and Shobana. While the remake may not have attained the legendary status of the original, it certainly offers a unique aesthetic thanks to Rajini’s larger-than-life persona. And the film would go on to become one of the biggest hits of 2005. It also stars Jyothika, who takes over the National Award-winning role played by Shobhna in Manichitrathazhu. Prabhu, Vadivelu, and Nayanthara essay other prominent roles in the Tamil version.

Annaamalai - Amazon Prime Video

The 1992 film Annamalai stars Rajinikanth in the lead and it is an action film helmed by Suresh Krishna. Kushboo and Sarath Babu essay other prominent roles in the film which revolves around the camaraderie between Rajinikanth’s titular character Annamalai, a milkman, and Ashok, the son of a businessman. But when the said businessman disapproves of his son’s friendship with a milkman, he orchestrates a feud between the once inseparable friends. What follows is a tale of a friendship that undergoes several ups and downs and must endure the inevitable class divide. The film is revered for its path-breaking style and structure that would reshape Tamil cinema for years to come. It has also served as an inspiration to several films that followed in the ‘90s and 2000s.

Well that's all we got for today's episode, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Ryan Gomez

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