​From Thee to Kaala: 5 unique Superstar Rajinikanth films you must watch before Coolie​

As Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie continues to generate massive buzz, fans of Superstar Rajinikanth are eagerly waiting to witness the iconic actor in a fresh, action-packed avatar. With a stellar ensemble cast including Nagarjuna Akkineni, Soubin Shahir, Upendra, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj, Aamir Khan, Rachita Ram, Reba Monica John, Junior MGR, Kanna Ravi, Monisha Blessy, and Kaali Venkat, Coolie promises to be a grand cinematic spectacle. Before stepping into the world of Coolie, here’s a look at six unique Rajinikanth films that showcase the superstar’s versatility, charisma, and enduring legacy:

An underrated gem in Rajinikanth’s filmography, Thee is a remake of Amitabh Bachchan's Deewaar. Rajini’s portrayal of a smuggler with a troubled past stood out for its emotional intensity and strong screen presence. It’s one of the early films that cemented his mass appeal while showcasing his ability to carry a morally complex character.

This emotional drama marked a significant departure from Rajinikanth’s early “angry young man” roles. Playing a self-sacrificing elder brother who gives up his own dreams for his siblings, Rajini delivered one of the most poignant performances of his career. A must-watch to understand the emotional depth he can bring to a role.

Directed by Mani Ratnam, this modern-day adaptation of the Karna-Duryodhana friendship from the Mahabharata showcased Rajinikanth in a layered, intense role opposite Mammootty. With a gripping script and Ilaiyaraaja’s haunting music, Thalapathi is one of Rajinikanth’s finest films in terms of both performance and storytelling.

If you’re looking to witness the futuristic side of Rajinikanth, Enthiran is the ultimate pick. Directed by Shankar, this sci-fi extravaganza features Rajinikanth in dual roles—as Dr. Vaseegaran and the robot Chitti. His portrayal of the villainous version of Chitti remains one of his most technically challenging and brilliant performances.

A bold political drama directed by Pa. Ranjith, Kaala showcased Rajinikanth as a Dharavi don who fights for the rights of oppressed people. With themes of class struggle, land ownership, and identity politics, this film saw Rajinikanth embrace a gritty, grounded role unlike any other in his career.