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The Fifty-Five Biggest Flops of Rajinikanth in Tamil Cinema

by Indian_Movie_Tracker • Created 3 years ago • Modified 10 months ago
​      Superstar Rajinikanth has given some of the biggest hits in the last few decades like Baashaa, Padaiyappa, Chandramukhi, Sivaji, Enthiran and Jailer. The success of these movies elevated his status as a phenomenon, adored by thousands of fans. Since his debut in Aboorva Ragangal, Rajnikanth has acted in over 111 movies in Tamil and 170 movies in all languages put together.

In his career spanning 46 years, unfortunately many of his movies have also met with ill fate in the box office, sometimes forcing the distributors to demand reimbursements for the losses they incurred in releasing his movies. We look back at Rajinikanth’s biggest duds in the Tamil Film Industry, aka Kollywood, through the years starting from 1978 when he started playing the hero till 2021, when his movie Annaatthe released and sank without a trace.


Please note:

* This is a list of Thalaivaa's Tamil Movies only
* Hindi, Telugu, Kannada movies & Bloodstone are not included
* Some of his average grossers like Mr. Bharat and Uzhaippaali are also not mentioned as this list only include those movies which were complete disasters which had a poor run in theaters and cannot be considered as 'Average' or profitable.
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  • 55 titles
  • Sridevi and Sivakumar in Kavikuyil (1977)

    1. Kavikuyil

    19771h 39mNot Rated
    5.4 (49)
    Kavikkuyil is a 1977 Indian Tamil film, directed by Devaraj Mohan and produced by S. P. Thamizharasi. The film stars Rajinikanth, Sivakumar and Sridevi in lead roles. The film had musical score by Ilaiyaraaja.
    DirectorMohanStarsSivakumarSrideviRajinikanth
    One of Rajinikanth's earliest movies where he played a key role, along with Sridevi and Sivakumar. Some of the songs became popular but the movie went unnoticed among the many other movies which he acted in, during his initial years.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Kutty Padmini, Vijayakumar, and Sumithra in Raghupati Raghava Rajaram (1977)

    2. Raghupati Raghava Rajaram

    19772h 9m
    7.2 (19)
    DirectorDuraiStarsVijayakumarRajinikanthSumithra
    Probably the first movie Rajinikanth acted with Vijayakumar. He played an antagonist and a second lead here. This movie was such a big dud that we don't even see it available in any online platforms now.

    Verdict: Disaster
  • Rajinikanth, Srividya, and Vijayakumar in Aarupushpangal (1977)

    3. Aarupushpangal

    19772h 5m
    5.9 (27)
    DirectorK. BalakrishnanStarsRajinikanthVijayakumarVijaya Y.
    Rajinikanth played a bus driver and Vijayakumar a conductor. Another double hero movie which did not make any impact in the box office.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in Aadu Puli Attam (1977)

    4. Aadu Puli Attam

    19772h 16mNot Rated
    7.0 (90)
    The movie starts with Madan and Rajini, close associates, playing this game in a bar. When the game is finished, the couple, along with their gang ransack the bar and loot the money. In brief, this is the story of a young man who dreams of becoming a policeman, but decides to go against the police due to circumstances and heads a gang of thieves. When he comes to know that his associates are much worse than thieves, he joins the police and nabs the criminals. Watch the full movie Aadu Puli Attam online, only on Eros Now.
    DirectorS.P. MuthuramanStarsKamal HaasanSripriyaRajinikanth
    Movies starring Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth became were huge money spinners, except a few like Aadu Puli Attam, directed by S.P.Muthuraman. Though the cat and mouse chase scenes between Kamal and Rajini was interesting, parts of the movie were too dragging for the audience.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Rajinikanth, Vijayakumar, and Aachi Manorama in Shankar Saleem Simon (1978)

    5. Shankar Saleem Simon

    19781h 52m
    4.8 (32)
    Shankar is the son of a corrupt businessman. When his sister is married against her wishes, she escapes living with Simon, a poor man whom she loves. The society strongly objects to this union.
    DirectorP. MadhavanStarsVijayakumarRajinikanthJai Ganesh
    A not-so-good remake of Amar Akbar Antony. The movie was a non starter in the box office. This is being classified as a flop and not a disaster, only because the movie was made in a smaller budget.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Rajinikanth and Sripriya in En Kelvikku Enna Bathil (1978)

    6. En Kelvikku Enna Bathil

    19781h 52mNot Rated
    5.8 (41)
    Rajinikanth and Vijayakumar are brothers whose father was duped by their uncle M.N. Nambiar, who borrowed a large sum of money but failed to return it after his business flourished. Their father is left in a miserable condition and the brothers are separated with Vijayakumar growing up to become a coward and Rajinikanth, a criminal. Years later, when Rajinikanth is released from jail, he's determined to avenge his father's dignity and reunite with his brother in this gripping action drama that will leave you thoroughly entertained. Watch the full movie, En Kelvikku Enna Bathil, only on Eros Now.
    DirectorP. MadhavanStarsRajinikanthVijayakumarSripriya
    A very ordinary revenge movie starring Rajinikanth as the protagonist and Vijayakumar, as the second lead. Its fairly better than the other movies these two starred, but that did not save the movie from tanking.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Mangudi Minor (1978)

    7. Mangudi Minor

    19782h 16m
    5.6 (22)
    DirectorV.C. GuhanathanStarsVijayakumarRajinikanthSripriya
    Remake of Rampur Ka Lakshman, Mangudi Minor has Vijayakumar as the hero and Rajinikanth played the antagonist. Forgettable fare.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Sadhurangam (1978)

    8. Sadhurangam

    1978
    5.6 (17)
    DirectorDuraiStarsPandari BaiRajinikanthJayachitra
    Another forgettable movie starring Rajinikanth and Srikanth.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Sridevi, Jayachitra, Rajinikanth, and Vijayakumar in Vanakathukuria Kathaliye (1978)

    9. Vanakathukuria Kathaliye

    19782h 7m
    5.0 (39)
    Shanthi (Sridevi) has a long lost twin sister Jenny. Both are brought up in different backgrounds Shanthi has grown up in a Hindu rural background, while Jenny is brought up in an urban Anglo Indian culture. Shanthi meets with an accident and gains extra-sensory perceptions (ESP). She starts visualising future and this creates problem in her life especially marriage proposal. Jenny is a rebellious girl and wants to marry Joe (Rajnikanth) to which her father opposes. She comes to know about her true identity as well as her sister. Amidst these circumstances, she challenges her father and leaves the house to be with Joe. Joe and Jenny are quite happy together despite financial limitations. Soon Jenny comes to know that she is suffering from cancer and the treatment is a huge cost. Joe suggests her to return to her father, but Jenny refuses. Here, Shanthi too is frustrated with the fact that people are misunderstanding her to posses divine powers and start worshiping her like a Goddess. She also comes to know about her twin sister. Her older sister Deepa is about to get married, when Shanthi visualises her brother in law would die in a plane crash. Hence she tries her level best to stop the marriage, but her efforts go in vain. She is unable to stop the inevitable. Things take an ugly turn and Shanthi runs away from the house. Jenny wishes to meet her family for one last time and heads to the village with Joe. She meets Shanthi on the way and urges her to take her home. Shanthi and Joe stay out as Jenny goes inside the house, reaches out to her father and dies in Shanthi's house. The family misunderstands her to be Shanthi who takes the opportunity to switch her identity with Jenny. Joe bring her to Jenny's father who is elated to see his daughter back, With these turn of events, will Shanthi ever return to her own house? Will she return to her love? Or She will keep Jenny's identity and stay with Joe, who is the only person to know the truth.
    DirectorA.C. TrilogchanderStarsSrideviRajinikanthVijayakumar
    A tragedy, starring Sridevi in a double role with Vijayakumar and Rajinikanth playing her lovers. A two hour bore fest where all actors keep crying from start to finish.

    Verdict: Disaster
  • Jayalakshmi, Rajinikanth, and Sumithra in Iraivan Kodutha Varam (1978)

    10. Iraivan Kodutha Varam

    19782h 20m
    7.2 (26)
    DirectorA. BhimsinghStarsRajinikanthVijayakumarSrikanth
    A sob story, again starring Rajinikanth and Vijayakumar. Nobody really remembers anything about it and nothing about this movie is available in the internet.

    Verdict: Disaster
  • Thappu Thalangal (1978)

    11. Thappu Thalangal

    19782h 11m
    8.0 (149)
    A local thug and prostitute fell in love and they want to change their current lifestyle but society doesn't let them.
    DirectorK. BalachanderStarsRajinikanthSarithaSundar Raj
    One of the first movies of Rajinikanth in which he played the solo hero. Thappu Thalangal was a bilingual made in Tamil and Kannada, directed by K.Balachandar. It was appreciated for the bold theme and Rajinikanth's portrayal as a thug who reforms. However, due to the adult theme and dark tone, it did not attract the moviegoers.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, and Sripriya in Aval Appadithaan (1978)

    12. Aval Appadithaan

    19781h 54m
    8.1 (322)
    The film revolves around a solitary women, her plight and ordeal against evil society.
    DirectorC. RudraiyaaStarsSripriyaKamal HaasanRajinikanth
    Aval Appadithan starring Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth and Sripriya was praised for its bold theme and won several fans over the years. But sadly when released, it had to clash with several other movies. Being a docudrama kind of movie, it failed in the box office despite a good star cast.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Justice Gopinath (1978)

    13. Justice Gopinath

    19782h 20m
    6.7 (43)
    Justice Gopinath and Radha become foster parents to Ravi, the son of the convicted Murugan. Years later, Ravi learns the truth about his father and the circumstances that led to his imprisonment.
    DirectorYoganandStarsShivaji GanesanK.R. VijayaRajinikanth
    One of the many below average movies of Sivaji Ganesan. Here Rajinikanth played his son with nothing much to do than dancing with the heroine and a stunt scene in the climax.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Kuppathu Raja (1979)

    14. Kuppathu Raja

    19792h 14m
    5.6 (52)
    Two young people, having sworn to eliminate each other travel with their own distinct goals.
    DirectorRamannaStarsRajinikanthVijayakumarManjula
    Yet another low budget action flick starring Rajinikanth and Vijayakumar, with absolutely no redeeming feature.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth in Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum (1979)

    15. Alavuddinum Athbutha Vilakkum

    19792h 24m
    6.6 (229)
    Alavuddin, the heir of Magic Lamp rightfully gets its access and he becomes rich overnight with the help of genie. Meantime, Kamaruddin, the commander of the armed forces of Baghdad, has designs on princess Roshni, the heiress to the kingdom, as her husband will rule the land after the Caliph's death. Roshni, however, loves street urchin Alavuddin, and he reciprocates. At the same time, Alavuddin's childhood friend Jameela also loves him, but it is a one-sided affair. Alavuddin and Kamaruddin fight a duel for winning over Roshni. Alavuddin triumphs, but his joy is short-lived as the courtier Mir Qasim, who wants Roshni for himself, kidnaps her and spirits her away. Now Alavuddin and Kamaruddin join forces and with help of genie, rescues Roshni as Kamaruddin kills Mir Qasim..
    DirectorI.V. SasiStarsKamal HaasanRajinikanthJayabharathi
    Big budget Mythological starring Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth made in Tamil and Malayalam. The movie was a dud in both the languages. Asokan's performance as Alavuddin's Genie was appreciated.

    Verdict: Flop (in two languages)
  • Rajinikanth and Vijayakumar in Kaali (1980)

    16. Kaali

    19802h 24m
    6.0 (108)
    After being released from jail, Kaali is in search of Raja Rao, a rich businessman who is responsible for the death of his family members.
    DirectorI.V. SasiStarsRajinikanthVijayakumarChiranjeevi
    Made in Tamil with Rajinikanth and Vijayakumar and in Telugu, with Chiranjeevi replacing Vijayakumar, Kaali partially inspired by Sholay failed in both languages.

    Verdict: Flop (in 2 Languages)
  • Sridevi, Unni Mary, and Rajinikanth in Johny Ustad (1980)

    17. Johny Ustad

    19802h 20mNot Rated
    7.7 (609)
    A parsimonious Barbar must flee from the Police after meeting with a look-alike gangster.
    DirectorJ. MahendranStarsRajinikanthSrideviUnni Mary
    One of the most loved movies for not only the fans of Rajinikanth but for the general audiences as well. After 40 years, people still watch it for the brilliant performances of Rajinikanth as Vidyasagar and for its chartbuster songs. However, upon release, people found it as a dull fare with nothing in the form or entertainment. Johnny received a lukewarm response.

    Verdict: Below Average
  • Ellam Un Kairasi (1980)

    18. Ellam Un Kairasi

    19802h 11m
    5.0 (46)
    Conflicts and fights between a mechanic and a smuggler forms the crux of the story.
    DirectorI.V. SasiStarsRajinikanthSeemaMajor Sundarrajan
    A low budget action movie starring Rajinikanth and Seema had nothing new to offer and got sandwiched between some of the greatest hits of 1980 like Alaigal Oivadhillai and Oru Thalai Ragam.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Naan Potta Savaal (1980)

    19. Naan Potta Savaal

    19802h 20m
    5.1 (40)
    DirectorPuratchchidasanStarsRajinikanthReenaM.R. Radha
    Badly made, badly directed, edited movie. Started with M.R.Radha as the antagonist, later replaced by M.R.R.Vasu, as the former passed away, this movie was a non-starter.

    Verdict: Disaster
  • Thee (1981)

    20. Thee

    19812h 40m
    6.6 (183)
    Two brothers choose different career paths. The one becomes a smuggler and the other a policeman.
    DirectorR. KrishnamurthyStarsRajinikanthSumanSowcar Janaki
    K.Balaji and Rajinikanth came together once again after the super successful Billa.
    Remake of Amitabh Bachchan's Deewar, Thee however failed to recreate the magic.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Garjanai (1981)

    21. Garjanai

    19812h 4m
    5.4 (40)
    A honest doctor faces off against a dangerous, diabolical gang that contaminates common food items with lethal substances and then makes profits by supplying antidotes.
    DirectorC.V. RajendranStarsRajinikanthMadhaviGeetha
    The movie had bad vibes right from the beginning. Malayalam superstar Jayan was supposed to play the lead. Since he got killed in an accident, Rajinikanth replaced him and it got released in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada.
    Sadly Garjanai flopped in all three languages.

    Verdict: Disaster (in 3 Languages)
  • Kazhugu (1981)

    22. Kazhugu

    19812h 19m
    6.5 (160)
    A man gets into problem after he witness a murder at a sacrificial ground. What happens next ?
    DirectorsS.P. MuthuramanS.P.M. RamanStarsRajinikanthRati AgnihotriSangili Murugan
    A very different movie for the Tamil audiences. Kazhugu, a remake of Race With The Devil did not attract the audiences much probably because they couldn't relate to the concept of hymnotism and human sacrifices. Remembered for Illaiyaraja's excellent songs, terrifying background score and the eerie theme.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Sridevi, Chiranjeevi, and Rajinikanth in Ranuva Veeran (1981)

    23. Ranuva Veeran

    19812h 32mNot Rated
    5.2 (156)
    A young military man returns to his village, which is often terrorized by criminal gangs. Will he be able to save the village ?
    DirectorS.P. MuthuramanStarsRajinikanthChiranjeeviSridevi
    The first movie starring Rajinikanth and Chiranjeevi, produced by K.Balachander and directed by S.P.Muthuraman. Raanuva Veeran got butchered by K.Bhagyaraj's Andha 7 Naatkal which was released on the same day.

    Verdict: Disaster
  • Sridevi, Radhika Sarathkumar, and Rajinikanth in Pokkiri Raja (1982)

    24. Pokkiri Raja

    19822h 20m
    6.3 (197)
    Ramesh was framed for an industrialist's murder, where his look-alike helps him in finding the true killer. Can Ramesh save himself from the murder plot ?
    DirectorS.P. MuthuramanStarsRajinikanthSrideviRadhika Sarathkumar
    After the successful Murattu Kaalai, AVM signed Rajinikanth and Sridevi for Pokkiri Raja, a big budget commercial remake of Chuttalunnaru Jagratha (1980) with plenty of action, lavish sets and a grand star cast. But Pokkiri Raja failed to meet the expectations and turned out to be failure in the box office. Distributor Ananda Suresh in an interview claimed that the distributors across Tamil Nadu did not even recover their cost from this movie.

    Verdict: Flop
  • Delhi Ganesh, Jyothi, Rajinikanth, Saritha, Sukumari, and Thengai Srinivasan in Pudhu Kavithai (1982)

    25. Pudhu Kavithai

    19822h 18mNot Rated
    7.1 (145)
    A man and woman in love are separated due to the machinations of the woman's mother. But years later, their paths cross once again.
    DirectorS.P. MuthuramanStarsRajinikanthJyothiSukumari
    As love stories were being lapped by movie goers in early 80s, S.P.Muthuraman tried placing Rajinikanth out of his comfort zone. With lovely songs and a decent screenplay, Pudhu Kavidhai showed that the superstar can emote well. Sadly the movie found no takers.

    Verdict: Below Average

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