It is Rajinikanth Times! Film stars, fans celebrate Thalaivar Day in style

Hindustan Times and OTTplay's historic tribute to Rajinikanth's 50-year milestone did not go unnoticed by film actors, directors and fans, who have also joined in celebrating the Thalaivar legacy.

Rajinikanth Times

Rajinikanth is undoubtedly the biggest icon of cinema, transcending borders and languages with his superstardom that is even revered by other film stars. As the icon celebrates 50 years in cinema, Hindustan Times and OTTplay honour Thalaivar with a glowing tribute as the front page of the newspaper, with over 100 years of legacy, turns to Rajinikanth Times. The momentous milestone and the historic tribute did not go unnoticed by film actors and directors, who have also joined in celebrating the Thalaivar legacy. From stars such as Dheekshith Shetty to die-hard Rajini fans, almost every other person has been enthusiastically sharing Rajinikanth Times on their social media feeds.

Celebrating Rajinikanth, the phenomenon

November 19, 2025, turned out to be Thalaivar Day, as fans celebrated Rajinikanth Times online. The media house paid tribute to Tamil Superstar, who began his cinematic journey with the auteur K. Balachander's Apoorva Raagangal in 1975. Young Kannada actor Dheekshith Shetty was among those who shared Rajinikanth Times on his Instagram page, adding that only one man can make a 100-year-old newspaper to change its name. Telugu filmmaker Pradeep Maddali too agreed with Shetty, saying that only Thalaivar could pull off such a remarkable feat. Tamil Director Cibi Chakaravarthi, who made his directorial debut with Don in 2022, also shared the front-page along with fire emojis.

Kannada actor-TV presenter Srujan Lokesh shared a video of Rajinikanth Times going into print, celebrating Thalaivar Day. Actor Daali Dhananjaya, who has a presence in both Kannada and Telugu industries, too was excited to join in the momentous occasion of the star, who defined style onscreen for decades with unquestionable hits such as Baashha, Muthu and Padayappa.

Also read: The many shades of Rajinikanth: The Navarasa tucked within his 50 years of glorious Tamil cinema

Malayalam cinema too would not be the one to be left behind with noted filmmaker Krishand giving a special shoutout for the man who redefined cinema, stardom and style over the last five decades. Dinjith Ayyathan, another Malayalam filmmaker, also hailed the moment, saying ‘What a tribute, historic stuff!’

Not just celebrities, Thalaivar fans also turned it into a day to celebrate their favourite icon. They hailed the HT tribute as a testament to the Tamil Superstar’s unmatched aura and supreme dominance in the world of South cinema.

Rajinikanth was last seen in Lokesh Kanagaraj's Coolie, which opened to mixed reviews for its story and narration, but there was no question regarding Thalaivar's unmatched star presence.

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