Ramya to Raghuvaran, Rajinikanth’s Most Formidable Villains

With the release of Rajinikanth’s ‘Kaala’, here’s a look at Thalaivar’s ‘best’ villains on the silver screen.

Rajinikanth’s Kaala has finally hit the screens. A captivating socio-political drama, Kaala comes with all the trappings of a Rajni-starrer including a villain in Nana Patekar. Behind Rajinikanth’s stardom, there have been countless villains who have made him the superstar who packs a few mighty punches at them.

So here’s a look at the five best villains Rajinikanth has faced on the silver screen (besides Rajini himself):

1. Thalaivar - Moondru Mudichu

Rajinikanth himself! The superstar was one of the most formidable villains of his time. In the 1976 film - Moondru Mudichu - Rajinikanth played the anti-hero who kills off Kamal Haasan and eventually tries to kill his own father, all in a bid to marry his true love, Sridevi.

This film is also marked by Sridevi’s first role as a leading actor, at the age of 13.

His villainous avatar as a sadistic husband in Avargal (1977) has also been lauded immensely. ‘What do you want?!’ Asks the wife, to which Rajini replies, ‘for you to weep, for me to watch with pleasure.’

2. Ramya Krishnan - Neelambari in Padayappa

As Neelambari, Ramya Krishnan matches Rajinikanth in style and oozes star power as the villain. Padayappa, a 1999 film was meant to be a political message aimed at Jayalalithaa, then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Padayappa became the highest grossing film of its time with the ‘villain’ Ramya Krishnan receiving plenty of praise. The actor also won a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Even though she shared screen space with the superstar, the movie was as much Ramya’s as it was Rajinikanth’s.

The film also stars Sivaji Ganesan and Soundarya in lead roles.

3. Raghuvaran - Mark Anthony in Baasha

Baasha is a 1995 Tamil film with Rajinikanth and Nagma in the lead. Raghuvaran was acclaimed for his villainous role as Mark Anthony. Highest praise, of course, coming from Rajini himself - who said that after Raghuvaran (Anthony), he’ll finally be able to face a formidable challenger in Nana Patekar as a villain, 25 years later.

His performance also inspired debutant Kuttii Kumar to make a movie titled Antony as a tribute to Raghuvaran.

4. Ponnambalam - Muthu and Arunachalam

Muthu is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film starring Rajinikanth, Meena, and Sarath Babu. Ponnambalam as the muscle-man has many rowdy roles in his kitty starring Rajini. The villain has built a career out of getting thrashed by the Tamil superstar. Ponnambalam is a crowd favourite.

He’s also worked in Thalaivar’s Arunachalam (1997).

5. Amrish Puri - Thalapathi

Where Amrish Puri was seen as an over-the-top and very memorable Mogambo, his understated role as the villain in Thalapathi (1991) was delivered with pitch perfection. While not many will remember Amrish Puri when they think of Thalapathi (what with the formidable cast including Rajinikanth, Mammootty and Shobhana in the lead roles), but Amrish’s character drives the plot, and is nuanced like none other. Thalapathi was directed by Mani Ratnam.

And because we can’t help it, here’s one more villain:

6. Vijayashanthi - Mannan

The 1992 film, Mannan stars Rajinikanth and Vijayashanti. The latter plays a tough industrialist who hires a kind-hearted employee (Rajini) to work in her factory.

Although, eventually they end up getting married in the film, the antagonism and the chemistry between the two is interesting to watch. She was another female lead who could hold her own comfortably in front of Thalaivar.