Chennai: A City Closely Tied to Superstar Rajinikanth

Speedy Summary

• Rajinikanth celebrates 50 years in cinema with the release of his latest action movie, Coolie, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, in theatres today (august 14, 2025).
• known for his iconic style and larger-than-life on-screen persona, Rajinikanth began his career in 1975 and has retained his popularity over five decades.
• Early fans of Rajinikanth recall simpler times when tickets were onyl available via long queues at select theatres,unlike today’s digital and online distribution methods.
• During the 1980s,Rajinikanth’s massive cutouts dominated streets like Mount Road (now Anna Salai) in Madras (now Chennai),reflecting the culture of film promotion of that era.
• Despite competition from contemporaries like Kamal Haasan during their heyday and continuing evolution within Indian cinema, Rajinikanth remains a consistent cultural icon who bridges generations.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee marks an remarkable milestone not only for himself but also for Indian cinema. His dominance across five decades illustrates a rare combination of talent, adaptability to changing cinematic styles, and unwavering fan loyalty.The release of Coolie continues this legacy under Lokesh Kanagaraj’s modern direction while drawing nostalgic connections to earlier eras dominated by theater culture over OTT platforms.

From Madras to Chennai-a city that itself has transformed massively-Rajini seems to anchor collective cultural experiences tied deeply to Tamil Nadu’s cinematic history. The longevity displayed by both him and contemporary Kamal haasan signals how deep-rooted stars become flagbearers for traditions while also navigating generational shifts seamlessly. His sustained box-office relevance offers lessons not only for actors but filmmakers exploring audience dynamics over long periods.

Read more: the Hindu – Article Link