Top 10 Best Romantic Movies of Superstar Rajinikanth

One of the most recognisable faces in the Indian film industry, actor Rajinikanth is perhaps the greatest performer to have ever graced the silver screen! His enigmatic smile, charismatic mannerisms, and overall humility are what attracts most of his fans. His presence in a film is a guarantee of unprecedented ticket sales. His journey from being an ordinary bus conductor in Bengaluru to an extraordinary actor is a story recounted umpteen times! Avid film enthusiasts who have followed his incredible cinematic journey have seen him perform a variety of roles, from action to comic. However, there are quite a few memorable performances in romantic films too. So, we at Top 10s Only compiled a list of Superstar Rajnikanth’s Top 10 Best Romantic Movies Of All Time, that highlight the depth of this great actor’s talents!

Explore Thalaivar Rajinikanth’s Best Movies

Decades ago, Rajinikanth chose to move to Chennai (formerly Madras) to pursue his passion for acting. Little did he know then that one day he would surpass the fame of all the previous movie stars in the nation and become the most famous actor in India! His mentor, K. Balachander, who directed Apoorva Raagangal in 1975, gave him his cinematic debut in a small role. And, after playing supporting roles, villains, and second leads in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films for a while, he finally made his acting debut as a hero in the 1978 film Bhairavi…and the rest is history! The actor has been setting trends in embracing ground-breaking technologies in filmmaking since his debut in a black-and-white movie more than 50 years ago. Top 10s Only is proud to bring you a carefully curated list of Superstar Rajnikanth’s top 10 best romantic films!

List Of The Top 10 Must Watch Romantic Films Of Thalaivar Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth, the legendary actor in Tamil cinema, is known for his iconic roles in action movies. However, he has also played romantic characters that have left a lasting impression on his fans. From charming the audience with his sweetly-smiling lover boy persona to pulling off intense emotional scenes, Rajinikanth has showcased his versatility as an actor in romantic films. Here are the top 10 romantic movies of Rajinikanth that are a must-watch for all his fans.

1. Johnny (1980)

Ace Tamil director Mahendran wrote and directed the film Johnny, a 1980 Tamil-language crime thriller and also one of the best South Indian romantic movies. Rajinikanth, Sridevi, and Deepa (Unni Mary) appear in the movie. A top Rajnikanth romance film of the 80s, this film’s tremendous success led Rajinikanth and Sridevi to star together in many blockbusters in the following years. A definite in any of the Superstar Rajnikanth’s old love movie lists, Johnny is a very mature love story that can relate to any generation.

The film stars Rajinikanth in a dual role, in which he plays a con artist named Johnny, who is implicated in a murder committed by his doppelganger, a barber named Vidyasagar. The film’s plot focuses on the romance between Archana (Sridevi) and her devoted fan Johnny (Rajinikanth). Simultaneously, audiences are introduced to Johnny’s look-alike, Vidyasagar, who provides refuge to a conniving woman named Bhama (Unni Mary). The two storylines intersect when each of the look-alikes is accused of crimes committed by the other. The remainder of the story is based on what happens between Johnny, Vidyasagar, and Archana. The film has several romantic scenes featuring Rajinikanth and Sridevi and was a hit with fans of both stars.

At the box office, Mahendran’s film “Johnny” was a smashing success. Rajinikanth’s nuanced performance in a dual role was highly praised, and the film’s story, direction, and music were also well-received. For her performance in the song “Kaatril Enthan,” Sridevi received praise and accolades.

2. Anbukku Naan Adimai (1980)

Anbukku Naan Adimai is a 1980 Indian Tamil action romantic drama film that was produced by C. Dhandayuthapani. R. Thyagarajan directed this film. Rajinikanth, Rati Agnihotri, Vijayan, Surulirajan, etc., are among the actors who appear in it. Thanedaar is the Hindi remake of the film. 

In the story, two brothers are separated when they are young. While one develops into a righteous police officer (played by Vijayan), the other becomes an unscrupulous criminal named Gopinath (played by Rajinikanth). A chance encounter on a train leads to a scuffle between the brothers, which leads to the inspector falling from the train. Gopinath then assumes the identity of the inspector and takes charge of a police station. The events that follow help him realise his mistake. Gopinath is helped by Gowri (played by Rati Agnihotri), a street performer who also wins Rajini’s heart. There are several romantic scenes in the movie between these two characters, and this film from the 1980s is still considered to be one of the best of Rajinikanth’s best romantic movies. His ability to effortlessly play romantic and action roles is on display throughout this film.

3. Pokkiri Raja (1982)

Dual-role Tamil films are often blockbuster hits and this next film in our Rajinikanth film list is no exception! Pokkiri Raja is a Rajnikanth romantic action comedy movie in Tamil that was directed by S. P. Muthuraman and written by Panchu Arunachalam. This is yet another dual-role film of Rajinikanth, with actors Sridevi and Raadhika Sarathkumar as the lead heroines. Actors Manorama, R. Muthuraman, and Y. G. Mahendran played pivotal roles in the films.

Pokkiri Raja’s plot initially focuses on Ramesh (Rajinikanth), the trustworthy employee of a wealthy industrialist. He safeguards his employer from the schemes of his conniving relatives and eventually falls in love with the employer’s daughter, Vanaja (Sridevi). The plot twist occurs when Ramesh is framed for his employer’s murder and sent to prison. There, he discovers his doppelganger, Raja, a petty criminal. Together, they solve the mystery behind the employer’s death and rescue Vanaja from her evil relatives. The film had plenty of cute romantic scenes featuring both of Rajini’s characters and their respective love interests. The on-screen pair, Rajinikanth and Sridevi, work well together. The magnetic chemistry between Rajinikanth and Sridevi is so captivating that it makes you fall in love.

Pokkiri Raja was released on January 14th, 1982, and ran in theatres for more than 100 days, thus becoming a commercial success. This film is credited with solidifying Rajinikanth’s status as a full-fledged action hero. 

4. Adutha Varisu (1983)

Rajinikanth and Sridevi were widely regarded as the most popular romantic couple of the 1980s, and this was proved by the success of the many movies they starred in together. The movie Adutha Varisu is yet another blockbuster hit from this successful duo! Veteran director S. P. Muthuraman directed this action-packed romantic movie that was loosely based on the fictionalised tale of the lost Romanov princess, Anastasia.

The plot revolves around the search for a missing royal member, who is the heiress to a large fortune. Rajinikanth plays the role of Kannan, a bounty hunter who is hired by the conniving members of the royal family to find the missing heiress. He finds a nomadic woman, Valli (Sridevi), whom he then trains to impersonate the princess. However, in a dramatic plot twist, she is discovered to be the real heir. The rest of the film then focuses on saving her from the schemes of the corrupt members of the family who want the fortune for themselves. As usual, the chemistry between Rajinikanth and Sridevi was electric, and despite the passage of time, this is still Rajinikanth’s best performance in this romantic film.

Adutha Varisu was well-received by the audience and was a commercial success at the box office.

5. Nallavanukku Nallavan (1984)

AVM Productions and S. P. Muthuraman collaborated on the 1984 Indian Tamil Rajnikanth romantic action drama movie Nallavanukku Nallavan. Rajinikanth and Raadhika Sharatkumar star in this remake of the 1983 Telugu film Dharmaatmudu. 

The plot centres around a reformed rogue, Manickam (portrayed by Rajinikanth), who turns his life around through sheer hard work. He is aided by his wife, Uma (played by Raadhika). The first act of the film focuses on their romantic interaction and her influence on his transformation into a good guy. The latter half deals with Manickam’s troubles with the son of his late boss Vinod (Karthik), from whom he had inherited his company. The plot gets further twisted when Manickam’s daughter Priya (played by Thulasi) marries Vinod. The film shows the depth of Rajinikanth’s acting skills. 

This is one of Rajinikanth’s most memorable romantic films to date. It was a commercial triumph and stayed in theatres for more than 150 days. Rajinikanth received multiple honours for his performance, including the Filmfare Award and the Cinema Express Award for Best Actor.

6. Thambikku Entha Ooru (1984)

If you are looking for a classic love story, then try watching this blockbuster hit of Rajinikanth, “Thambikku Entha Ooru.” This rom-com was directed by Rajasekhar, and the story was penned by Panchu Arunachalam. Released in 1984, Rajinikanth, Madhavi, and Sulakshana star in this classic film.   

The plot of the film is an oft-repeated theme. It centres on a spoiled, wealthy man, Balu (Rajnikanth), who is made to spend a year living in a village to learn discipline. His father packs him off to a friend’s house with the instruction that he must not reveal his identity throughout the duration of his stay. During his stay, he encounters an arrogant and wealthy lady named Sumathi (Madhavi), and they start sparring with each other. However, their constant rifts and fights end when they find themselves in love with each other. The rest of the film then centres on Balu trying to save Sumathi from a forced wedding. The climax of the film shows Balu revealing his true identity to everyone, including an extremely surprised Sumathi. 

For fans of this great actor, this is a must-watch movie from Rajinikanth’s best romantic movies list. There are several hilarious scenes that stem from the identity crisis that Rajinikanth’s character undergoes. Moreover, his romantic pairing with Madhavi was an instant hit with the audience. Both characters have headstrong personalities, and it’s a treat to see the lively interactions between them that subsequently blossoms into love.

7. Naan Adimai Illai (1986)

The 1986 romantic drama film Naan Adimai Illai was directed by Dwarakish. Sridevi and Rajinikanth are the movie’s stars. This is another gem from the best romantic movies 80s and 90s of Superstar Rajinikanth. 

Rajinikanth plays the role of Vijay, a professional photographer who falls in love with a wealthy girl, Priya (Sridevi). The couple gets married despite the differences in their social backgrounds. However, Priya’s father, Rajasekhar (Girish Karnad), is unhappy with the alliance and conspires to keep them apart. Misunderstandings cause a rift between the couple. Priya gets pregnant but is separated from Vijay by her father, who secretly gives away her baby to Vijay. Priya then goes insane with grief. Vijay raises their son separately, and many years later, Priya meets their son and reunites with Vijay. This film had several deeply impactful scenes that were brilliantly enacted by Rajinikanth and Sridevi. Their realistic performance in the film led audiences to believe that true love withstands every opposition.

8. Veera (1994)

The 1994 Rajnikanth romantic comedy movie Veera is a Tamil film directed by Suresh Krissna and written by Panchu Arunachalam. This hilarious film has Rajinikanth, Meena, and Roja in the lead, and Janagaraj, Senthil, and the late actor Vivek in pivotal roles.

In the movie, a Muthu (Rajinikanth) marries twice due to uncontrollable circumstances and is compelled to lead a double life. The first part of the film shows Muthu falling in love with Devayani (Meena), who is the daughter of a Carnatic musician. He learns music to impress her, and after many issues, they both get secretly married. He then leaves for Chennai to participate in a music contest. There he meets Roopa (Roja), who falls in love with him after he saves her life. He ends up marrying her after he finds out Devyani died after drowning in a flood. The plot twist occurs when he finds Devyani is alive and he is now married to two women! The rest of the film is filled with situational comedy scenes that show him balancing two separate households. Rajinikanth has played his role with great skill and finesse. His comic timing is perfect, and his chemistry with his co-stars is simply delightful. His romantic scenes with both leading ladies are absolutely endearing to watch.

Rajinikanth’s exceptional performance led Veera to become a commercial hit, playing in theatres for more than 100 days.

9. Padayappa (1999)

K. S. Ravikumar wrote and directed the Rajnikath romantic masala film Padayappa, which was released in 1999. The film’s title character is played by Rajinikanth. The film also stars Sivaji Ganesan, Ramya Krishnan, and Soundarya. Padayappa is a highly memorable Rajinikanth film.

Rajinikanth plays the role of the main character, Aarupadayappan (Padayappa). He and his family are the targets of a long-lasting vengeance by his cousin Neelambari (Ramya Krishnan), who was humiliated after Padayappa turned down her love proposal and instead fell in love with her shy, amiable housekeeper Vasundhara (Soundarya). This was a classic love story, with several dramatic scenes performed by Rajinikanth. Audiences praised him for the memorable romantic scenes he shared with Soundarya.

Padayappa was a massive commercial success and received critical acclaim. This was the first Tamil movie to be released internationally, and it was the highest-grossing movie in Tamil cinema at that time. This is one of Rajinikanth’s most famous romantic movies, especially for his absolutely stunning action sequences. At the Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Rajinikanth won the Best Actor Award for his outstanding performance in this film. Four other Tamil Nadu State Film Awards were also given to the movie. Ramya Krishnan too received a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her well-received performance.

10. Enthiran (2010)

The 2010 science fiction action movie Enthiran was written and directed by S. Shankar. This Rajinikanth robot movie is the initial release in the Enthiran series. Rajinikanth and the ever-glamorous Aishwarya Rai Bachchan appear in the movie. Rajinikanth appears in a unique dual role in this film.

The plot centres on scientist K. Vaseegaran’s (Rajnikanth’s) effort to maintain control of Chitti (Rajnikanth), a humanoid robot whose software has been modified to enable it to understand and display human emotions. Things take a dark turn when Chitti becomes obsessed with Vaseegaran’s girlfriend, Sana, and turns into a destructive force. Dr. Vaseegaran deactivates Chitti, but the robot gets reactivated by a rival scientist, Dr. Bohra, who wants to use Chitti for his own evil purposes. The rest of the film follows Dr. Vaseegaran’s efforts to stop Chitti and save the world from destruction. 

Enthiran, the 51st highest-grossing Indian movie overall, became the highest-grossing Indian movie in 2010. A stand-alone sequel, 2.0, to Enthiran was released in 2018. This is one of the most memorable Rajinikanth’s movies with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. His romantic scenes and song sequences with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, as both Vaseegaran and Chitti, were very convincing. The film is a testament to Rajinikanth’s immense acting potential, as he had to pull off the mannerisms of both a robot and a person while performing in this film. This extraordinary performance led him to win both the Favourite Actor Award as well as the Best Villain Award at the 5th Vijay Awards event.

Rajinikanth’s successful top 10 best movies, which have been listed above, have captured the hearts of audiences around the world. These romantic movies showcase Rajinikanth’s acting skills and his ability to captivate audiences with his charm and charisma. From the timeless classic “Mullum Malarum” to the blockbuster hit “Enthiran,” Rajinikanth has proven time and time again that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of Indian cinema. With each movie, he has left an indelible mark on the industry and on the hearts of his fans.

We hope you enjoyed reading through this list of the best Rajinikanth Tamil movies as a romantic hero. Let us know in the comments which are your favourite movies by the Superstar. Also, take a look at our article that lists the best Tamil films for children, and see if you can spot the films with Thalaivar in the lead!

Looking for more Tamil romantic films from the icons of the film industry? Check out the Top 10 Romantic Movies of Thala Ajith article for more top ten movie lists!

Frequently Asked Questions About Superstar Rajinikanth

1. Does Rajinikanth speak Tamil?

Yes, Rajinikanth speaks Tamil fluently. Rajinikanth had taken to learning Tamil after being recommended to do so by ace director K. Balachander. He is able to read and speak Tamil, but he is unable to write it.

2. Where is Rajinikanth originally from?

Rajnikanth, whose real name is Shivaji Rao Gaikwad, was born in Bengaluru (previously Bangalore, in erstwhile Mysore State), on December 12, 1950. 

3. What is Rajinikanth’s best movie?

It is difficult to pinpoint the best movie when he is a superstar with many successful movies under his belt. Check out the article above that shows Rajinikanth’s hit movies list in a romantic role to get a head start on learning about the Superstar’s long line of successful movies.

4. What is Rajinikanth’s 100th movie?

Rajinikanth’s 100th film was Sri Raghavendra (including his other language films). He played the role of Saint Raghavendra Tirtha in the movie, a part that was different from the larger-than-life personas for which he is most known. From his birth until his Mahasamadhi, Raghavendra Tirtha’s life is depicted in this movie. This is a must-see Rajinikanth film.

5. Why is Rajinikanth so popular?

Rajinikanth is popular due to his unique acting style, powerful dialogues, and larger-than-life image in Tamil cinema. He has a massive fan following due to his charisma, humility, and philanthropic activities. Rajinikanth is also known for his mass appeal, which cuts across all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds. In addition to being a popular actor and producer in Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth is also a famous screenwriter. In Tamil films, he is not just a superstar but also revered as a God. He is renowned as the “King of Style” because of his style in movies. Check out the Top 10 Rajinikanth Movies list on this page to learn more about his work and style.