Rajini’s status in the industry became such that he could choose the type of films he wanted to do. Hence, he plumped for characters which would appeal to all sections of the audience. Also, a liberal dose of comedy with him playing the gullible victim became common in his films. Directors crafted the screenplay so as to project him as an ordinary man with extraordinary abilities. Dharmadurai, Badshah, Annamalai, Ejaman, Muthu, Arunachalam and Padayappa were his films during the 1990s and all were superhits. This confirmed the epithet superstar. His cigarette popping, spectacle twirling antics have been shamelessly copied without much success.

It is quite difficult to list out all his films for each is a gem in its own right. In these days of one film wonders, Rajini’s longevity is quite remarkable. The secret is of course, his dedication and his uncanny feel of the pulse of the audience. Never has he allowed his films to be obscene or hurtful to anyone. Although he started off with complex and difficult roles, as his stature grew he has confined himself to be an action hero. One cannot blame him alone because he feels it is his duty to entertain in the manner the audience expects of him. He has become a one-man army in an industry which is facing some troubling times. There is much commercial fate lying on his slender shoulders.

What has been Rajini’s contribution to Tamil cinema? His greatest contribution has been that he has created aspirations in generations of youth that even from humble backgrounds one can make it big here. His cinematic idiom of action with a strong message has been adopted by actors who have followed him. This formula is even now successful with younger actors like Vijay, Vikram etc.

He remains an essentially simple and down to earth person and steers clear of political or other controversies. He has decided not to enter politics after some bitter experiences. A happily married man with two adorable daughters, here’s wishing our thalaivar a very happy birthday. May God give him the good health to continue enthralling us for many more years.

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