Before ‘Jailer 2’, 5 Rajinikanth hits every Thalaivar fan must rewatch

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• Before ‘Jailer 2’, 5 Rajinikanth blockbusters every Thalaivar fan must rewatch, from ‘Baashha’ and ‘Padayappa’ to ‘Sivaji The Boss’

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ETimes.in / Updated: Oct 12, 2026, 17:41 IST

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​Before ‘Jailer 2’, 5 Rajinikanth blockbusters every Thalaivar fan must rewatch, from ‘Baashha’ and ‘Padayappa’ to ‘Sivaji The Boss’

With Rajinikanth’s ‘Jailer 2’ scheduled to hit theatres on October 15, 2026, fans have the perfect opportunity to revisit some of the superstar’s most memorable commercial entertainers. From iconic character transformations and intense rivalries to family drama, revenge and high-octane action, Rajinikanth’s filmography offers plenty to revisit before he returns as Tiger Muthuvel Pandian. Here are five films that capture different facets of his enduring screen appeal, along with their streaming availability in India.

5 Rajinikanth films to revisit before ‘Jailer 2’

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​‘Baashha’ (1995) — Rajinikanth’s iconic transformation

‘Baashha’ remains one of Rajinikanth’s most iconic action dramas. The actor plays Manikkam, a humble auto-rickshaw driver who avoids violence but has a formidable past. As the story unfolds, the seemingly ordinary man’s hidden identity emerges, leading to one of Tamil cinema’s most memorable character transformations.

Directed by Suresh Krissna, the film combines powerful dialogues, action sequences and emotional drama. Its gradual reveal of Manikkam’s past and Rajinikanth’s commanding screen presence make it an essential rewatch for fans ahead of ‘Jailer 2’.

Where to watch: Sun NXT and Prime Video

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​‘Annamalai’ (1992) — Friendship, betrayal and revenge

In ‘Annamalai’, Rajinikanth plays a milkman whose friendship with a wealthy businessman takes a bitter turn. After being betrayed by someone he once trusted, Annamalai sets out to rebuild his life, achieve success and confront his former friend.

Directed by Suresh Krissna, the film balances friendship, ambition, pride and revenge. Rajinikanth’s portrayal of a man who rises above humiliation and challenges those who underestimated him gives the drama its emotional core.

For fans who enjoy seeing the superstar transform personal setbacks into larger-than-life confrontations, ‘Annamalai’ remains a compelling choice.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

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​‘Padayappa’ (1999) — Family honour and an unforgettable rivalry

‘Padayappa’ is a family drama built around pride, betrayal, property disputes and revenge. Rajinikanth plays the titular character, who faces a series of challenges while protecting his family’s honour and standing up to those seeking to bring him down.

One of the film’s biggest attractions is Ramya Krishnan’s performance as Neelambari, whose rivalry with Padayappa became one of Tamil cinema’s most memorable screen confrontations. The film combines family sentiment with dramatic showdowns and Rajinikanth’s signature mass appeal.

Where to watch: This film is currently unavailable in India for streaming.

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​‘Sivaji: The Boss’ (2007) — Rajinikanth takes on corruption

Directed by S. Shankar, ‘Sivaji: The Boss’ follows a successful software engineer who returns to India with the ambition of contributing to society. His efforts to bring about change put him at odds with corrupt officials and powerful opponents.

The film is known for its grand presentation, elaborate sequences and Rajinikanth’s charismatic performance. Its central conflict, in which one man takes on a deeply entrenched system, gives the entertainer a strong dramatic foundation.

For viewers looking for a mix of social themes, spectacle and the superstar’s larger-than-life persona, ‘Sivaji: The Boss’ is worth revisiting.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (availability and access terms may vary) and Manorama

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​‘Jailer’ (2023) — The film that introduced Tiger Muthuvel Pandian

Before watching ‘Jailer 2’, revisiting the film that introduced Tiger Muthuvel Pandian is an obvious choice. Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, ‘Jailer’ features Rajinikanth as a retired jailer who leads a seemingly peaceful family life but has a formidable side that emerges when his loved ones are threatened.

The film blends action, dark humour, family emotion and surprise appearances. Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Muthuvel Pandian became a major talking point, helping establish the character as one of his memorable recent roles.

With the sequel set to continue the story, watching the first film again offers fans a chance to revisit the character and the world that helped build anticipation for the next chapter.