Rajinikanth in Bollywood: 5 films that helped ＆Thalaivar＊ leave an impact on the Hindi audience

Rajinikanth, who turns 74 on December 12, is one of the biggest names in Indian cinema. During his long and illustrious career, which started in 1975, ＆Superstar＊ has floored the audience with his stylish mannerisms and powerful punch dialogues. Despite this, there is a perception that the mass hero每 who has been ruling Tamil cinema for nearly five decades每 could not find success in Bollywood. The reality, however, is quite different. Rajinikanth featured in several unforgettable Hindi films in the '80s and '90s and added a new dimension to his career.

Most of them did fair business at the box office and have attained cult status over the years. His Bollywood stint showed that there was scope for Rajini mania to grip Hindi cinema. However, that did not happen as he chose to concentrate on his flourishing career in the Tamil film industry. With that, let us take a look at some of Rajinikanth＊s finest Hindi films

Andhaa Kaanoon (1983)

The T Rama Rao-helmed actioner proved to be a good launchpad for Rajinikanth in Hindi as it featured everything每right from fight sequences to an emotional storyline每 that defined Bollywood in the 1980s. The plot centred on the events that take place when Rajinikanth＊s character tries to punish those who killed his parents.

The mass hero was at his best in the action sequences and added a new dimension to them with his trademark mannerisms. The track involving Rajinikanth and Hema Malini, who played his sister added a touch of tenderness to the plot. Interestingly, Andhaa Kaonoon featured Amitabh Bachchan in a key role and marked his first collaboration with Rajinikanth.

John Jani Janardhan (1984)

A remake of the Tamil classic Moondru Mugam, John Jani Janardhan featured Rajinikanth in a triple role and gave him ample scope to showcase his versatility as a performer. His portrayal of John, a daring cop, in particular, stood out. He carried off the action scenes as the lighter ones with equal ease. John Jani Janardhan opened to a good response at the box office and went on to become a massive success.

Geraftaar (1985)

Rajinikanth played the role of a cop and Amitabh Bachchan＊s friend in this masala action film and left the audience spellbound with his swag. His action-packed entry scene resonated with the masses and left them asking for more. Moreover, his rapport with Big B made the film more memorable and proved to be the film＊s emotional fulcrum.

Geraftaar, which also featured Kamal Haasan, emerged as one of the highest-grossers of the year. It was directed by Prayag Raj, who later collaborated with Rajinikanth for Gair Kanooni

Chaalbaaz (1989)

Chalabaaz, an adaptation of Seeta Aur Geeta, featured Sridevi in a double role and proved to be a game-changer for her. Rajinikanth essayed the role of Jaggu, a taxi driver, in the film and impressed fans with his street-smart mannerisms. His chemistry with Manju (sridevi), a street dancer, too was one of the highlights of the film.

Chalbaaz helped Rajinikanth give the Bollywood audience a taste of his comic timing and prove he was more than just an ＆action hero＊. Chalbaaz emerged as a blockbuster and received rave reviews.

Hum (1991)

Hum featured Amitabh Bachchan as Shekhar/Tiger, a mass leader who gives up his violent ways to look after his brothers. Rajinikanth played Kumar, Vijay＊s sibling and a police officer, in the family action drama. ＆Thalaivar＊ was a treat to watch in the club fight scene, which also involved Govinda. He also brought his A-game to the table in an intense scene where he controls the ＆Shahenshah＊ about his past. Incidentally, a discarded scene from Hum served as the basis of Baashha每 one of the most iconic films of Rajinikanth; 's career.

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