For Rajinikanth’s fans, December 12 was not just a birthday. It was a celebration of memory, cinema, and emotion. As the superstar turned 75, Tamil Nadu chose a special way to say thank you, by bringing ‘Padayappa’ back to theatres.
Birthday that felt like a movie release day
In most homes, birthdays mean cakes, candles, and quiet wishes. For Rajinikanth, birthdays look very different. On December 12, as the superstar marked his 75th year, the streets of Tamil Nadu once again felt like opening day of a Rajini film.
The biggest highlight was not just the date, but the moment. Fans celebrated his birthday alongside the re-release of ‘Padayappa’, one of his most loved films.
In Madurai, theatres lit up, tickets sold fast and crowds gathered to relive the magic of the iconic film.
Chennai gathers outside Thalaiva’s home
While theatres celebrated allowed fans to relive his work, Chennai saw fans gathering outside Rajinikanth’s residence. From early morning, people stood patiently, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man they lovingly call “Thalaiva.”
Some carried posters, others folded hands in prayer. Many simply wanted to say thank you. Wishes poured in for his long life, good health, and continued presence in cinema.
One fan named Lina travelled all the way from Malaysia, and shared her love openly. She spoke about Rajinikanth’s smile, kindness, honesty. She named ‘Coolie’ and ‘Annaamalai’ as her favourite films.
When admiration becomes devotion
In Madurai, the celebrations took a unique turn. A lifelong fan named Karthik marked Rajinikanth’s 75th birthday in a way few could imagine, at a Rajini temple inside his own home.
The temple houses a 300-kg statue of the actor and has become a place of daily devotion. On the occasion, Karthik and his family conducted special prayers, abhishegam, and a cake-cutting ceremony.
For Karthik, Rajinikanth is not just a superstar. He is a guiding presence. The family hopes to celebrate even Rajinikanth’s 100th birthday in the same temple one day.