12 December,2025 04:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rajinikanth
It's a double bonanza for the fans of Superstar Rajinikanth. The legendary actor celebrates his 75th birthday on Friday, 12 December, which, incidentally, marks his 50 years in cinema as well.
The legend celebrated his 75th birthday on the sets of director Nelson's eagerly awaited action thriller Jailer 2, a film in which he happens to be playing the lead. He had a brief cake cutting celebration with the entire unit, after which he resumed working.
Not surprisingly, the day turned into a carnival for fans and the film industry alike, with special film re-releases, music shows and themed parties marking 50 years of the iconic actor's journey in cinema.
To celebrate the double milestone, Rajinikanth's blockbuster Padayappa stormed back into theatres globally, in a remastered 4K version, on Friday.
Overjoyed fans thronged the theatres to celebrate their "god", in usual early-morning "FDFS-style": with cut-outs, milk abhishekams and firecrackers. Cinema chains and single screens in Tamil Nadu and overseas reported strong advance bookings.
In Singapore, the 1992 hit Annamalai has also returned in 4K and Dolby Atmos, with special shows clubbed as part of "50 Golden Years of Rajinism" events, giving fans a double dose of nostalgia on the big screen.
In Chennai, various events, like the marquee "Thalaivar 75 | Rajini Hits", a four-hour live concert featuring band Chords & Strings performing hit songs from Rajinikanth films, are being held so that fans can turn up in themed T-shirts or sporting signature styles from his films.
The city's nightlife too has joined the festivities with Rajinikanth-themed parties, promising DJ sets, live acts and visuals built around Rajinikanth's most popular on-screen moments.
Underlining the star's deep pop-cultural imprint, across Tamil Nadu, fan associations organised welfare activities, cake-cuttings and screenings, while crowds gathered outside the actor's residence to wish him on the landmark birthday.
Political leaders, including Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu M K Stalin, took to X to convey their wishes to the legend.
"Rajinikanth = A charm that triumphs over age," CM Stalin said. Wishing his "friend who has captivated audiences from six to sixty for half a century", the CM said, "May he continue to deliver many more successful works and keep his flag of victory flying high with the love and support of the people".
He also said Rajnikanth's uber-famous "style" turns cinema halls into festive arenas.
Late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's close confidante V K Sasikala took to X to convey her "joyful and heartfelt" wishes to her "dear brother" Rajinikanth.
Sasikala said she feels "immense pride reflecting on his simple approach and his noble character of treating everyone equally and valuing friendship with all".
Apart from politicians, social media platforms were flooded with tributes from fans and colleagues.
