Discover 5 Rajinikanth movies like Muthu that showcase his unmatched acting range beyond the superstar image. From Mullum Malarum to Enthiran, explore Thalaivar’s most powerful and versatile performances.
When you mention Rajinikanth, the first thought is usually an iconic superstar—the stylish sunglasses, the stunts that defy gravity, and the charisma that makes audiences whistle in theatres. But Rajinikanth, aka Thalaivar, has more in him than his “mass hero” image would suggest.
He has produced commercial successes like Muthu, but he has also produced movies that underscore that there is more to him and he is not just the King of Style, but he is also an actor of great depth, complexity, range, and emotive ability.
Take a look at five Rajinikanth movies that were just as entertaining as they were unexpected examples of his acting ability.
1. Mullum Malarum (1978) – The Turning Point in Rajini’s Career
If you have only seen Rajinikanth as an action hero, Mullum Malarum will be a shock.
In this seminal film, Rajini stars as Kali, an abrasive and proud winch operator whose entire existence and devotion revolves around his sister. The character is complex—we see vulnerability, obstinacy, and emotional conflict.
A few reasons why this film is significant:
Rajini shows a flawed man, not an impervious hero.
He won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize for this performance.
The director in J. Mahendran let Rajini escape from being typecast as an earlier “villain” and experiment with challenging narratives.
2. Thalapathi (1991) – Rajini Meets Mani Ratnam Magic
What happens when Rajinikanth’s charisma meets Mani Ratnam’s storytelling brilliance? You get Thalapathi.
Based loosely on the friendship of Karna and Duryodhana from the Mahabharata, Rajini portrays Surya– a man who struggles between loyalty and justice.
What’s special about it:
This not just action goodness– its tragedy, moral conflict, and raw emotion.
Rajini stands tall alongside Mammootty, creating one of Tamil cinema‘s best bromances.
Ilaiyaraaja takes it to another level with his brilliant music– the music can make a good movie great. y
3. Baasha (1995) – Mass Appeal with Nuance
Baasha is quite possibly the quintessential Rajinikanth movie– whistle-worthy dialogues, super memorable mannerisms, and a backstory that’ll make your heart melt.
Rajini plays auto rickshaw driver with a dark past as a feared gangster. The contrast makes it iconic, ordinary man vs. powerful, feared don.
What’s special about it:
Seamlessly switching from “family man” to “feared leader”.
The flashback scenes are a masterclass in screen presence.
It became a cultural phenomenon, “Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maari,” still prevalent in Tamil pop culture today.
To conclude, Baasha was one of the highest-grossing Tamil films during the 90s, and set Rajini up as a people’s hero and an accomplished actor.
4. Sivaji: The Boss (2007) – Style and Substance
Sivaji, directed by Shankar, is Rajinikanth in peak style form, but there is more to this film than sunglasses and punch dialogues.
As Sivaji Arumugam, a software systems architect who becomes a social reformer, Rajini’s performance blends Rajinikanth’s style with righteous indignation.
Why it’s special:
It tackles social issues, like black money and corruption.
It lets Rajini show his comedic timing and dramatic chops.
It is made memorable by fantastic set pieces and AR Rahman compositions.
5. Enthiran (2010) – The Man Behind the Superstar
If there is any role to showcase the range of Rajini, it is in Enthiran (or Robot in Hindi). Rajini plays both Dr. Vaseegaran and Chitti, the humanoid robot he built.
Why it’s special:
Two extremely different performances in one film.
Chitti’s evolution from innocent to menacing is simply brilliant.
To this day, the VFX effects in this movie and the Destiny by Shankar take Rajini into a new cinematic universe.
Rajini stated in interviews that to play Chitti, he had to first “erase human attributes” to faithfully embody robotic movement and demeanor.
Enthiran is a testament to Rajini’s fearlessness in exploring new boundaries, even after decades of success in the commercial film industry.
What These Movies Tell Us About Rajinikanth
When we look at Mullum Malarum, Thalapathi, Baasha, Sivaji, and Enthiran as a group, one thing is apparent—Rajinikanth is not just an entertainer, but he is an actor who employs deep talent, a vast range, and incredibly brave performances.
Whether as a flawed winch operator, a conflicted friend, a reformed gangster, a social warrior, or a humanoid robot—Rajinikanth once again shows us that he puts his best foot forward far beyond his “superstar” stamp.
Rajini’s Fans Want to Bridge the Divide with His Range
Begin with his first phase (like Mullum Malarum, Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai) to witness his core talent.
Watch his films with Mani Ratnam (like Thalapathi) which occupy the middle realm between art and mass cinema.
Watch his commercial classical films (like Baasha, Padayappa) to realize his mass appeal.
Watch his experimental films (like Enthiran, Kochadaiiyaan) and you will learn about the breadth of his adaptability.
Then watch interviews where he discusses the acting process—you will be surprised to witness how seriously he regards acting.
The Superstar Who Is Also a Super Actor
Rajinikanth’s life and career are a fantastic case study of being a mass appeal actor while making meaningful performances. While Muthu and the other mass audience box office films proved his superstar status, Mullum Malarum, Thalapathi, Baasha, Sivaji, and Enthiran are a reminder of why he is also one of India’s greatest.
FAQs
1: Why is Mullum Malarum Rajinikanth’s breakthrough movie?
Because it was the first film in which he was no longer a villain, but able to display his talents in layered and emotional characters.
2: Is Baasha still relevant today?
Yes it is. Its social justice, family loyalty, and redemption themes are just as relevant today, and Rajini’s charisma will always make it relevant.
3: Which Rajini movie would be best to see, if you have never seen a Rajini movie?
If you want pure entertainment, then you can start with Muthu or Baasha. If you want to see him acting with depth, Mullum Malarum or Thalapathi would be the films to watch.
4: Has Rajinikanth done any non-commercial acting?
Absolutely. Mullum Malarum, Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, and Johnny are some of his best examples.
5: What was Rajinikanth’s most experimental role?
The dual roles in Enthiran, and more specifically the robot Chitti is one of his challenges and most experimental roles.
6: Why is Rajinikanth called “Thalaivar?”
Thalaivar means “leader” in Tamil. Fans made this title for him in a show of love and respect for his popularity on screen and off the screen.
