Tamil cinema icon Rajinikanth celebrated a monumental milestone on Wednesday, completing 50 years in the film industry, coinciding with the eagerly awaited release of his latest film, Coolie, on August 14. The superstar, born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, was showered with heartfelt tributes from celebrities, politicians, and fans, celebrating his unparalleled journey from a bus conductor in Bengaluru to the undisputed “Superstar” of Indian cinema.
Discovered by legendary director K. Balachander, Rajinikanth debuted in the 1975 Tamil film Apoorva Ragangal, initially playing negative roles before evolving into a larger-than-life hero commanding a massive fanbase and record-breaking box office success.
The golden jubilee festivities were amplified by warm wishes from industry stalwarts and political figures. Actor-politician and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan, a contemporary, hailed Rajinikanth’s “cinematic brilliance” on X, sharing nostalgic and recent photos of the duo while wishing Coolie—directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj of Vikram fame—global success.
Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who viewed an early screening of the star-studded Coolie featuring Aamir Khan, Nagarjuna, Upendra, Sathyaraj, and Shruti Haasan, praised it as a “power-packed mass entertainer” poised to captivate audiences. Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami also extended congratulations, lauding Rajinikanth’s unique style and wishing Coolie triumph in this milestone year.
Rajinikanth’s rise from humble beginnings to a cultural icon is a testament to his enduring appeal, marked by his distinctive charisma and larger-than-life screen presence. Social media erupted with fan pages honoring his legacy, from his early villainous roles to blockbuster hits that redefined Tamil cinema. As Coolie, produced by Sun Pictures with music by Anirudh Ravichander, hits theaters, the film is expected to continue Rajinikanth’s legacy of delivering high-octane entertainment.
The outpouring of admiration underscores his indelible impact on Indian cinema and his ability to inspire generations, cementing his status as a global cinematic legend.
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