Super Star Rajinikanth’s name needs no introduction. Not in Tamil Nadu, Not in South India, Not in India, his craze knew no bounds in Asia. His movie releases have unprecedented craze all over. Rajinikanth has created a brand for himself. His image in the Telugu States is equal to the craze of the top heroes and there is no exaggeration in that. He has scored many blockbusters with his dubbed films. Rajinikanth has done a few Telugu movies in his early career and a couple of them in the 90s. Now let us have a look at some of the best in his direct Telugu releases.
Anthuleni Katha is a classic and there is no second word in that. K. Balachander has carved this marvelous project. The film got released in 1976 and to the date, the film gives the same feel. Anthuleni Katha teaches us a lot of things. All the performances in the movie stand out. Rajinikanth plays the brother of Jayaprada in the film who is a reckless and not-so-responsible guy. While he finally learns to be responsible, fate decides another end and the story restarts again. Anthuleni Katha is a beautiful tale that depicts the reality of everyone’s lines. “Devude Ichadu Veedhi Okati” song for Rajini is too good which showcases the harsh reality.
This film is the first film of Rajinikanth in the lead role. The movie is a social drama which teaches that karma is a thing that can hit you hard for your deeds. Chilakamma Cheppindi was a remake of the Malayalam film Adimakal. Eranki Sharma has directed this movie in Telugu and the legendary MS Viswanathan is the music composer. The film was remade into Tamil with Kamal Haasan in the lead. Chilakamma Cheppindi is a super hit film that laid the right path to his career.
Jeevana Poraatam is a multistarrer with Sobhan Babu and Rajinikanth in the lead roles. Those were the times where multi starters are the trend and heroes have no inhibitions about their length, importance, etc., They don’t have to fear about fans logics. Rajinikanth still was a budding artist at that time who is slowly making his mark. In Jeevana Poraatam both of the heroes play the roles of brothers. It was a family drama that was received well. Rajachandra is the director and T. Subbirami Reddy is the producer.
One of the short but effective roles of Super Star Rajinikanth. He will be seen for only a few minutes in the movie but his presence is felt all over the movie. Rajinikanth is a good friend of Mohan Babu and the Super Star has accepted this role only for him. The dialogues of Super Star in the movie still reverbates when we think of the film. The background music when he walks is just outstanding. One of the best roles of Rajini in Telugu. Ravi Raja Pinisetty has directed this movie while Mohan Babu himself has produced it.
Most of the Rajinikanth’s direct movies are multistarrers. Rajinikanth has teamed up with Super Star Krishna in this movie. The movie was directed by action films specialist KSR Das. As the title suggests Anna Dammula Savaal is the story of the clash between the two brothers. The film has done decently well when it was released.
Another multistarrer with Krishna, Iddaru Asadhyule is a film that has done relatively average. This movie too is directed by KSR Das and the famous Sarathi Studios has produced this project. Geetha and Madhavi are the female leads in the movie. Chellapalli Satyam has composed music for this movie which was a super hit.
Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth have acted together in many films in the 70s and 80s. Andamaina Anubhavam is one of them which was a successful film. It was directed by K. Bala Chander who is more than a guru to both the Super Stars. It was simultaneously made in Tamil as well with the title Ninaithale Inikkum. The major part of the shooting happened in Singapore. The evergreen chartbuster Kurralloy Kurrallu Verrekki Unnollu which shook the youth those days was from this movie. Not mentioning, every song from this movie is a super hit. MS Viswanathan has composed music for the movie and the legendary singer SP Balasubrahmanyam has sung all the songs from the film.
A huge multistarrer for itself. Ram Robert Rahim has three lead stars, Super Star Krishna, Super Star Rajinikanth, and Chandra Mohan playing the lead roles in the movie. The combination itself was exciting to that generation. The film was directed by Vijaya Nirmala and Rajinikanth produced this movie. It was written by him as well. The film has equal scope for performance for the three stars and Rajinikanth has done justice to the character as well. Ram Robert Rahim is a major successful movie.
The real meaning of friendship is depicted beautifully in this movie. Kathanayakudu is directed by P. Vasu and produced by C. Ashwini Dutt. The film stars Jagapathi Babu and Meena in the lead roles and Rajinikanth was seen in a special cameo. The specially designed bond between Rajinikanth and Jagapathi Babu is shown in a very beautiful way. The climax of the film will leave everyone emotional. The performances of Rajinikanth and Jagapathi Babu needs special mention. The film was made in Tamil as Kuselan with a different cast. Pasupathy replaced Jagapathi Babu there. Though the film didn’t perform so well, Rajinikanth and Jagapathi Babu’s performance will always be cherished. It was good to see Rajinikanth in a direct Telugu film after a very long time.
So, here is the list of Rajinikanth’s direct Telugu releases. If you think we missed any then do mention in the comments below. Though Rajinikanth has done relatively lesser films in Telugu, he is a Super Star here too with his dubbing releases. He has a huge market in the Telugu States as well. Irrespective of hits and flops, the charisma Rajinikanth has created is unmatchable.
Also Read: Best Telugu Movies of Kamal Haasan
