A Legend Is Born
On 12th December 1949 a legend was born,who in the times to come would be known as 'Superstar of Indian Cinema'.Shivaji Rao Gaekwad was born in into a Marathi family of Bangalore in the Karnataka state and was the fourth child of his parents, Jijabai and Ramoji Rao.Born into a poor family he lost his mother at the age of five.After his schooling he ended up as bus conductor.
Raj Bahadur the driver of that bus and his best friend watched Shivaji's performances in some mythological plays at the KSRTC club and told him many times that he was wasting his talent as a bus conductor and that he should go and secure a place in the film industry.Raj Bahadur had some extra income coming through a milk dairy which he was maintaining.He then gave Shivaji some money and sent him to the Madras Film Institute.
And thus begins the story of how Shivaji became Rajinikanth
Shivaji Rao started his acting career with the Kannada movie Kathaa Sangama, directed by Puttanna Kanagal, in 1975.His first step into the Tamil film industry was through the film 'Apoorva Ragangal' where he played the role of a cancer patient. The film was directed by one of the greatest directors and a man who played a great role in bringing Shivaji Rao to the foray of the Tamil film Industry it's non other than the legendary film maker K.Balachander.And it was this great man who gave the on screen name Rajinikanth to our Shivaji Rao.
After Sivaji Rajini did Kuselan which didn’t do any magic on the screen. The only thing I loved about the movie was the emotional scene towards climax which was the tipping point of the movie otherwise the movie was very mediocre. Nevertheless Rajini promised to do another film with Pyramid Samira for the losses they incurred.
The First Steps
Shivaji Rao started his acting career with the Kannada movie Kathaa Sangama, directed by Puttanna Kanagal, in 1975.His first step into the Tamil film industry was through the film 'Apoorva Ragangal' where he played the role of a cancer patient. The film was directed by one of the greatest directors and a man who played a great role in bringing Shivaji Rao to the foray of the Tamil film Industry it's non other than the legendary film maker K.Balachander.And it was this great man who gave the on screen name Rajinikanth to our Shivaji Rao.His next film Anthuleni Katha, a Telugu film directed by K. Balachander was a remake of his own Tamil film Aval Oru Thodar Kathai (1974), had Rajinikanth playing a more pivotal role. In the following years, he continued to perform a variety of negative roles: a sadistic husband of Sujatha in Avargal, a womanizer in Moondru Mudichu, and a lust-filled village rowdy named Parattai in P. Bharathiraja's 16 Vayadhinile.In this film his dialogue 'Idhu eppadi iruku' beacme very famous.Rajinikanth proved his acting mettle in this film and was starting to be recognized.
His film roles were mainly as a villain during the period 1975 to 1977, usually with Kamal Hassan as the hero, in movies like 16 Vayadhinilae and Avargal.
The Turn Around.
A big break came for Rajinikanth and the man behind this was S. P. Muthuraman who first experimented with him in a positive role in Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri (1977), as a failed lover in the first half of the film and a protagonist in the second half. The duo went on to work in 25 films till the 1990s.
The success of Bhuvana Oru Kelvikkuri prompted Muthuraman to make a melodrama with Rajinikanth as a hero sacrificing everything for his siblings in Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai (1979). This film made Rajinikanth popular among women audience.And it also proved Rajinikanth as an actor who not only can entertain audience but also can strike them emotionally and make them shed tears.
The Dark Phase
The sudden popularity, the maddening schedule and in-numerous call sheets stressed Rajinikanth a lot.It was to such an extent that he even decided to quit acting but the god was not even close in pouring his love and grace on our Rajinikanth and with the support of his guru Balachander and many well wishers he changed his decision and returned his journey on to stardom.
The Hero Enters
Then Came 'Billa' silencing each and every critique in Industry who thought Rajin's career was over.It was blockbuster and Rajini was now accepted as a main stream hero.It was all but a start he followed this up with super hit movies-Pokkiri Raja,Thani kaatu raja,Naan mahan alla and the best of all Moondru mugam and Thillu Mullu. Now if i don't stop to write about Moondru mugam and Thillu mullu this sin would haunt me for decades in my sleep as nightmares.
Thillu Mullu was a milestone in Rajinikanth career.It Brought a totally new side to our star. Now i am not talking about him playing without a mustache.It was his sole ability to carry out and full length comedy film sans action. And who could ever not be awed by the brilliance shown by the actors in the interview seen between Aiyampettai Arivudainambi Kaliyaperumal Chandran(yes that Rajini's name in the movie) and Shri.Ramachandara Moorthy(Thengai Sreenivasan).
I can bet on anything that not one in a million Rajini fan in the world can forget Rajinikanth's triple act in 'Moondu Mugam' especially that of Alex Pandian. His authoritative voice,his dialogue delivery,his charismatic mannerisms and above all his style is a treat to watch even now. There are million other ways i could express my feelings but none would suffice than to show a clipping. Here it is...
Rajinikanth side by side starred in many Hindi films during this time. Some of them were 'Andha Kanoon' alongside Amitabh Bachan. The film Jani JanaradhanAmitabh and Dilip Kumar failed at the box office.
Hits after Hits made Rajinikanth the most sought after hero in the Tamil film Industry.Films that stood out among them were 'Naalavanuku Naalavan','Padikathavan', Nan Sigapu Manithan','Mr.Bharath' 'Ninaithale Inikum' and many more. His 100th film 'Sri Raghavendara' he essayed the role of Hindu saint 'Raghavendara Swami'.
As a die-hard Rajinikanth fan i cannot take another step without writing a few lines about Mr.Bharath and Raghavendara.Both totally different film but both great examples of Rajini's great potential.While Mr.Bharath will always be remembered for the duel between the star and Sathyaraj, On the other hand Raghavendara will always be remembered for Rajinikanth's acting brilliance and another film to prove Rajinikanth is not only about style but also of great substance.
The other important milestone achieved by Rajinikanth during this period is when he became the first Tamil actor to star in a Hollywood movie.The movie was named Bloodstone where he played the role of Shyam Sabu a taxi driver.
The Superstar Status
Rajinikanth’s shot to fame was not overnight. He gradually became a star who proved to be commercially viable than any other star.He gave an array of hits stating from Thalapthi to the Mega blockbuster Baasha. Thalapathi was critically acclaimed as well as commercial hit. The film portrayed the immense potential that Rajinikanth has. Especially the scenes toward climax where he confronts his long lost mother and the scene where he reveals the truth to his best friend (Mamooty) are still a treat to watch.
After Thalapathi it was Annamali another story based on friendship. Rajinikanth and Sarathbabu joined hands again after Vealaikaran. This film also became a commercial hit. The scene were Rajinikanth challenges his friend after being betrayed still would give all his fans Goosebumps. Then Rajinikanth followed it up with Mannan and Veera which also did good at the box office. Its During his time that Rajinikanth also wrote his first screenplay for the film Valli.
‘Oru Thadava Sonna Nooru Thadavai Sonna Madhiri’. Just a mention of this dialogue would sum up the success of the film Bhadsha. As there are numerous scenes in this film that deserves a mention I would just sum up by saying if you had not watched this film please go immediately and get the DVD and watch it. It’s one of Rajinikanth’s biggest success till date Badsha is considered one of Rajini’s best commercial film ever.
Rajinikanth fame grew no bounds.His film Muthu was dubbed in Japanese and it grossed around 1.6mn$.This was totally new as till that date in Japan it was only Hollywood actors who gained popularity and no Indian actor was recognized there. His Success there led The Newsweek week magazine to mention that “supplanted Leonardo DiCaprio as Japan's trendiest heartthrob”.
Rajinikanth side by side was also involved in politics. His fan base was so strong that politicians were both threatened and awed by it. But let’s not get into that as we all love Rajinikanth the actor we will call him to politics once we are content of seeing him on the silver screen.
After Muthu Rajinikanth did Arunachalam and Padayappa. Both were huge Hits. While Arunachalam was a one man show throughout. Padayappa on the other hand was not Rajinikanth’s show throughout. Ramayakrishnan played the role of ‘Neelambari’ to such perfection that Rajinikanth told her that people hereafter would refer to her as Neelambari hereafter rather than her on screen name ‘Ramyakrishnan’. The confrontations between Rajinikanth and Ramyakrishnan all are a delight to watch especially the scene towards climax. Padyappa became the biggest grossing film for Rajinikanth that date.
The higher they rise the harder they fall
After a brief gap Rajinikanth started with Baba, a movie that create huge expectations among his fans because of the fact that Rajini himself has penned the screenplay of the movie, he was combining with Suresh Krishana, the duo had given a mega hit in Baadsha and the movie posters had subtle indication of Rajini entering into politics. But the movie failed at the box office which resulted in huge losses to the distributors. But Rajini the man he is repaid the losses incurred by the distributors. It’s because of this reason that people invest in his film. No other actor as far I know would go to extent of paying up the loses. Baba also became the target of political party PMK who accused Rajini of encouraging the youth to drink and smoke. After too much pressure setting in Rajini decided not ever smoke or drink on screen anymore.
The Return of the King
After a poor outing with Baba Rajini knew he had to come back strong. After nearly a gap of three years Rajini teamed up with Vasu for the film Chandramuki. Rajini was confident even before the film released that it would be a hit. His speech at Chandarmukhi’s audio launch exhibited his confidence in himself and in the movie. Nevertheless the movie became the longest running film that date. The film also became famous for the comedy track involving Vadivelu and Rajini.
After Chandramikhi, Rajini teamed up with Director Shankar for Sivaji. Sivaji was a treat to all Rajini fans. The film had all commercial elements in the right proportion. The film charted as one of the top-ten best films of United Kingdom and South Africa box-offices upon release. The film had many scenes which are treat to watch even now. For instance the scene were Rajini confronts the antagonist outside the income tax office is a classic. The film was a huge success and was the highest grossing film of that time.
Rising Above All
Shankar’s dream project Endhiran aka robot after changing hands from Kamal Haasan to Sharukh Khan came into the hand of the Rajinikanth . Everyone had their doubts on a Tamil film being made for a budget of 200 Crore whether the film would be a success a not. But film with the acting duo of Rajini and Aishwarya Rai, the direction of Shankar, the music of A.R.Rehaman , the visual effects team of Stan Winston Studio and the production power of Sun pictures propelled it to the highest ever grossing Indian film of all time. Rajini was hugely appreciated for his negative role and the success of the film. The confrontation scene between the scientist Rajini and the robot Rajini are a treat to watch. The film had mind boggling special effects which were of Hollywood standards. The film propelled Rajini star status to even greater proportion. Rajini featured in all news channels and papers during that period. His stardom grew to even greater heights.
More to come
Rajini now after Endhiran has decided to team up with his good old friend K.S.Ravikumar for Rana. The shooting has been delayed due to Rajini long bout of illness. Lets all hope that Rajini gets well and comes back as strong as ever and continue to dazzle us with his presence.
