Tag: Rajinikanth

Entertainment

Celebrating Rajinikanth: 75 Years of Life, 50 Years of Iconic Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycral Entertainment Desk

Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday arrives with a historic weight this year, as it also marks his extraordinary 50th year in cinema — a golden jubilee that has transformed generations, shaped cultures, and redefined the meaning of stardom. The celebrations have spread across India and beyond, reflecting the admiration and love he continues to inspire. Born as Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, Rajinikanth’s journey from a bus conductor in Bengaluru to one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema is a story that has been told countless times, yet remains just as powerful every time it is revisited. His unmatched style, his humility, and his ability to connect with audiences with both simplicity and charisma have made him not just a star but a cultural phenomenon.

As the Superstar turns 75, wishes poured in from across the world, celebrating not just the birthday of a legend but five decades of his cinematic brilliance. Kamal Haasan led the tributes, honouring “75 years of a remarkable life and 50 years of legendary cinema,” calling Rajinikanth an eternal symbol of discipline and dedication. Mohanlal extended his wishes, celebrating the double milestone and praising the Superstar’s unmatched journey. Dhanush posted a heartfelt message for his former father-in-law, calling him Thalaiva and acknowledging how 50 years later, he continues to inspire millions. Karthik Subbaraj shared his admiration, saluting Rajinikanth’s golden jubilee and wishing him health and joy. SJ Suryah, ever the admirer, called him the “icon of icons,” while Jackie Shroff sent warm blessing-filled wishes. Khushbu Sundar went emotional, calling Rajinikanth “God’s favourite child,” celebrating his humility and strength. Soundarya Rajinikanth shared a personal message honouring her father’s incredible journey and the privilege of witnessing his growth both on and off screen.

Political leaders added to the wave of heartfelt messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on both milestones, praising his journey, values and influence across India. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin honoured the Superstar’s career, calling his 50-year journey “historic and unforgettable.” Fans across India celebrated with the same enthusiasm — from trending hashtags to theatre screenings, with films like Padayappa being re-released as a tribute to his legacy. Social media turned into a festival of memories, clips, fan art, and emotional posts, proving once again that Rajinikanth’s connection with people goes far beyond the screen.

Rajinikanth’s story is one of grit, destiny, hard work, and magic — the kind of magic only he can create. At 75, with 50 years behind him and a lifetime ahead to inspire millions more, the Superstar stands tall as an icon who has defined an era and continues to shape the next. Today is not just a birthday. It is a celebration of a journey, a phenomenon, and a man whose legacy will forever remain unmatched in the world of cinema.

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Rajinikanth Shares Padayappa Memories Ahead of 75th Birthday

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As Superstar Rajinikanth approaches his 75th birthday, he delighted fans with a special video revisiting the legacy of his iconic film Padayappa. The tribute comes as the cult classic celebrates its 25th anniversary with a 4K re-release, coinciding with the 50th year of Rajinikanth’s film career, which began in 1975.

Rajinikanth reflected on the magic surrounding Padayappa, explaining why the film was kept exclusively for theatres all these years. “Some films deserve the big screen forever,” he said, underscoring the cinematic experience that the team wanted audiences to cherish without dilution.

Talks of a Sequel: Neelambari – Padayappa 2

In a surprise revelation, Rajinikanth confirmed that early discussions for a sequel are underway. Tentatively titled Neelambari: Padayappa 2, the storyline stems from the famous vow made by Ramya Krishnan’s character Neelambari — one of Tamil cinema’s most iconic antagonists.

Rajinikanth shared interesting casting details, revealing that Aishwarya Rai was initially approached for the role of Neelambari. However, Ramya Krishnan’s fierce screen presence and powerful eyes ultimately solidified her place in film history.

Special Screenings on December 12

Fans in Chennai and Bengaluru are in for a treat, as theatres in both cities will host special screenings of the 4K restored Padayappa on December 12 to commemorate the milestone.

For devotees of the Superstar, the celebrations are perfectly timed, marking:

  • 25 years of Padayappa
  • 50 years of Rajinikanth’s career
  • His 75th birthday

A legendary convergence for a legendary icon.

Events in Goa

56th IFFI Concludes with Global Glamour: ‘Skin of Youth’ Wins Golden Peacock, Rajinikanth Felicitated for 50 Years in Cinema

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) came to a vibrant close at the Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, bringing together global filmmakers, artists, and cinephiles for a grand celebration of cinematic artistry. Over nine days, audiences were immersed in powerful stories, thought-provoking narratives, and diverse cultural showcases that lit up screens across the state, making this edition of the festival a memorable tribute to the magic of cinema.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the announcement of the Golden Peacock winner, awarded this year to the Vietnamese film Skin of Youth, written and directed by Ashleigh Mayfair. The jury praised the film for its bold and stylish storytelling, compelling message, and the seamless harmony of its narration, music, and editing. The film was celebrated for its capacity to humanize and illuminate voices seldom heard, promising to linger long in the minds of its viewers.

Among the major honours, Marathi filmmaker Santosh Davakhar received the Silver Peacock for Best Director for Gondhal, a film the jury described as a Shakespearean fable grounded in cultural richness and emotional depth. Ubeimar Rios won the Silver Peacock for Best Male Actor for his powerful performance in the Spanish film A Poet, while Jara Sofija Ostan earned the Silver Peacock for Best Female Actor for her nuanced and expressive portrayal in the Slovenian film Little Trouble Girls. The festival also recognized the exceptional talent of emerging filmmakers, with Iranian filmmaker Hesam Farahmand and Estonian filmmaker Tõnis Pill jointly receiving the Best Debut Director Award for their films My Daughter’s Hair (Raha) and Fränk respectively.

The closing ceremony also shone a spotlight on Indian cinema legend Rajinikanth, who was honoured for completing 50 years in the industry. The celebrated actor expressed heartfelt gratitude, calling the recognition an honour for the entire film fraternity. As dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and Union MoS Dr. L. Murugan addressed the gathering, they highlighted IFFI’s contributions to India’s cultural legacy and creative economy. The festival’s achievements this year included the successful WAVES Film Bazaar, which generated over ₹1,050 crore in business, the screening of 50 films directed by women, and an array of initiatives supporting young creators and technological innovation.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, emphasized India’s growing role in the “orange economy,” noting that IFFI 2025 had taken major strides in creating opportunities for creators nationwide. The establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai marked another significant step toward nurturing future talent and integrating technology into creative production.

The festival fondly remembered icons of Indian cinema who passed away this year, honouring their irreplaceable contributions. Esteemed personalities including Ramesh Sippy, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Kiran Shantaram, and many others graced the ceremony, reaffirming the festival’s stature as a melting pot of creativity and collaboration. The closing night featured captivating dance performances, cultural displays from the Northeast and Karnataka, artistic showcases by divyang performers, and the inclusion of Indian Sign Language interpreters, reflecting IFFI’s commitment to inclusivity.

New initiatives such as the AI Film Festival and the CinemAI Hackathon captured the spirit of the future, providing platforms for creators to explore AI-driven storytelling and production tools. Workshops, masterclasses, and conversations with cinematic luminaries enriched the knowledge landscape of the festival, offering deeper insights into filmmaking and the evolving global entertainment industry.

As the curtains fell on IFFI 2025, the festival left a lasting impression on audiences and participants worldwide. Its celebration of creativity, innovation, and cinematic diversity strengthened its position as a global cultural beacon. With anticipation already building for the next edition, IFFI continues to serve as a powerful platform for storytelling excellence, artistic recognition, and the flourishing of the creative economy.

Events in Goa

Countdown to IFFI 2025 Begins: 56th Edition Promises 240+ Films, Global Premieres & Creative Innovation

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo, Team Allycaral

The countdown to the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) officially began with a curtain-raiser event held in New Delhi, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most vibrant editions yet. The festival, to be held in Goa from November 20 to 28, 2025, will feature over 240 films from 81 countries, including 13 world premieres, 5 international premieres, and 44 Asian premieres. With a record 2,314 submissions from 127 countries, IFFI continues to strengthen its place on the global festival map as a platform celebrating cinematic excellence and innovation.

Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, announced that this year’s festival will focus on inclusivity, innovation, and emerging talent. More than 50 women directors will have their films showcased, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting Nari Shakti in cinema. The festival will also continue its OTT awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in streaming content, while introducing measures to simplify film certification and strengthen anti-piracy laws. The Ministry’s new “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” film certification will encourage multi-language productions, reinforcing cultural unity.

IFFI 2025 will feature Japan as the Country of Focus, with Spain and Australia joining as Partner and Spotlight countries respectively. The lineup will include over 80 award-winning festival titles and 21 official Oscar-nominated films. The Opening Film, The Blue Trail by Brazilian auteur Gabriel Mascaro, will set the tone for the festival with its poetic exploration of freedom and resilience. Among other highlights, the Gala Premieres segment will host 18 films, featuring red-carpet events and world-class talent.

The festival will also pay centenary tributes to Indian cinema legends Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak, P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, showcasing some of their most iconic works. Superstar Rajinikanth will be felicitated at the closing ceremony, marking his 50 years in cinema. The Indian Panorama section will feature 25 feature films, 20 non-feature films, and 5 debut features, with Amaran (Tamil) opening the Feature category.

The Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative continues to grow, with 124 selected participants competing in a 48-hour filmmaking challenge in collaboration with ShortsTV. The 19th edition of the WAVES Film Bazaar will offer over 300 projects for co-production, financing, and global collaborations. With a focus on technology, the Tech Pavilion will showcase innovations in AI, VFX, CGI, and animation.

Masterclasses and panels will bring together cinematic icons including Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Ravi Varman, and Sreekar Prasad, offering insights into evolving storytelling, acting, and technology. The international jury, chaired by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, includes distinguished members from Australia, England, Germany, and Sri Lanka.

Accessibility remains a key focus, with multilingual dubbing, sign language interpretation, and audio description across all major venues in Panjim, Porvorim, and Madgaon. Open-air screenings at Miramar and Anjuna beaches will continue to celebrate cinema under the stars.

Festival Director Shekhar Kapur emphasized that India, as the world’s largest film-making and film-watching nation, is uniquely positioned to lead global storytelling. He described the Film Bazaar as a movement empowering young creators through technology and collaboration, while viewing Artificial Intelligence as a creative ally for storytellers.

With its powerful mix of global cinema, technology-driven experiences, and cultural celebration, IFFI 2025 reaffirms India’s place at the crossroads of creativity, collaboration, and cinematic excellence.

Films

Tollywood Hunk Rajinikanth’s ‘Coolie’ Crosses ₹10 Crore on Second Saturday

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Chennai, August 25, 2025: Superstar Rajinikanth, widely regarded as one of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, continues to leave his mark with his latest film Coolie. Released on August 14th, Coolie has crossed the ₹10 crore mark on its second Saturday, becoming his highest-grossing film after the 2023 hit Jailer.

In Coolie, Rajinikanth steps into the powerful role of Devaraj, a former gold smuggler turned antagonist, bringing his signature energy and charisma to the screen. The film, set in a rugged Tamil Nadu backdrop, is packed with gripping action, explosive fist fights, and mass appeal moments that have captivated audiences across the globe.

Known for his dynamic performances, Rajinikanth yet again proves that age is no barrier to delivering box office gold. At 74, he continues to dominate the screen with powerful dialogues, high-octane fight sequences, and a magnetic presence that keeps fans “on the edge of their seats.”

While Coolie continues to perform exceptionally in India, it has also made history internationally — especially in North America — as one of the top-grossing Indian films overseas. With its smuggling-driven plot, stylized action, and cinematic flair, the film has struck a chord with audiences of all ages.

This marks a new chapter in Rajinikanth’s illustrious career, adding another feather to his cap alongside his iconic roles in Robot, Kabali, and Jailer.

Coolie is not just a movie — it’s a testament to Rajinikanth’s timeless appeal and his unbeatable mass stardom.