The highest paid Indian actor
Get this. Who is the highest paid Indian actor? Yes he should be working in India in Indian movies.
Shahrukh? HA!!! Try again.
Salman? Ah!!!…. way off!
Abhishek? No way!
Aamir? You gotta be kidding me!!!
Dammit then who can it be?
Sunny? Amitabh? Akshay Kumar?? Hell not even close!!!
You’ve got to be kidding me. But when I read the news, I was surprised myself. How could this be. No way. I know that about 12 - 15 years ago this guy was the first to charge One Crore Rupees for a movie ($250,000)… but that was 12 YEARS AGO!!!!!
And he still rules!!! He’s known to be a thorough gentleman, a very down to earth person, spiritually inclined and a very giving human being.
Ladies and Gentlemen… let me introduce the Highest Paid Actor in India…
R A J N I K A N T H
Luck? Talent? Charisma? - Yes, perhaps all of those. You don’t get this from some self help courses on How to market Yourself or things like visiting Pundit Shastri who keeps flashing on your TV every 15 minutes - Change you Luck, Change your life… and something like that.
Supriya Menon from NDTV files this report :
With each new film Rajnikanth breaks his own record as India’s highest paid actor.
He is getting Rs 16 crore ($4 million) for his next film Sivaji, which is about Rs 6 crore more than what he got for his last film Chandramukhi.
The math is mind boggling for outsiders. Bollywood’s biggies Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman don’t earn more than Rs seven crore each for a film.
And these are films distributed around the country. But those who produce Rajni’s films say Tamil Nadu’s ageing superstar is worth the price.
Chandramukhi, Rajni’s last film, earned Rs 50 crore at the box office, a record in Tamil Nadu.
This is an eye opener. Rajnikanth’s movies are Tamil Nadu - one state - centric. Ofcourse they may be dubbed in other languages later. But his entire brand runs on the shoulders of the people of Tamil Nadu.
Now the Khans get a country-wide release (let’s forget the International releases for the moment). And since they are considered the top stars in Bollywood, they don’t make half of what Rajnikanth is now being paid for his next!!!
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Any idea on how the dynamics of finance work out? How can Tamil producers with a much much much smaller market (geographically speaking), afford to have the highest paid actor amongst their midst.
This is pure Rajni magic and the charm he holds over his fans. But isn’t the same true for SRK, Aamir and Salman?
And check this out…
”We make enough money on a Rajni film. So much so that we can make another film. So we don’t have any problems paying him this much,” said Ram Kumar Ganeshan, Producer, Chandramukhi.
At 56, it’s a record-breaking run that seems to be unchecked, except for the film Baba four years ago, which by Rajnikanth standards was a flop. It earned only Rs 20 crore.
Rajnikanth bounced back with Chandramukhi, but decided he’d cut down on the number of films. What he won’t change though is the signature Rajnikant style.
He’s 56. His “Baba”, a flop earned 20 crores (200 million rupees)!!!!
The report further adds…
When it comes to movies, Rajnikanth works only with the biggest and the best in the business. And AVM Studios, arguably the biggest production banner in Tamil Nadu, is a banner with which the superstar has done his maximum number of films.
“For the last four-five years, he was producing his own films. So he knows his market. When we sign him on, we are able to cover all expenses. When I met Rajnikanth, I gave him Rs 1,001 as advance. I said I will pay your salary in a few days and he said he will take his payments later after the film is completed,” said A V M Saravanan, Producer, Sivaji.
One of the reasons for Rajni’s skyrocketing rates is that he is Tamil cinema’s lone superstar, after MGR. It is a reality that even his co-actors accept.
”Finally Rajnikant stands on top. In the film, Jyothika’s done a great job. I had a good role. Vidyasagar gave very good music. But finally it was a Rajni starrer. We were all there, but it was a success because Rajni was there. You need a Rajni for that,” said Prabhu, Co-star, Chandramukhi.
The situation, however, is different in Bollywood, which is ruled by four to five big heroes.
He is 56. He has no hair. He may be one of the few older actors still working as the “hero” of a movie. Yet… his charisma is still alive and kicking.
How was he in his last “Chandramukhi”? Any Tamil movie goers care to pitch in their views?
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June 21st, 2006 at 10:45 am
the man deserves all the success…I don’t know if this is true, but I’ve heard Rajnikant is actually Maharashtrian and was a bus conductor (or the son of a bus conductor).
June 21st, 2006 at 10:47 am
- Rahul, Yes he is a Maharashtrian who went to TN and yes he was initially a bus conductor there. An astrologer who used to ride his bus once told him that great things were in store for him.
June 21st, 2006 at 10:53 am
Chandramukhi was a pretty fun movie.Oz,U gotta watch it man.Ask u’r friends at the video library Jignesh,Paresh etc to get it for you.
Baba was a lousy movie though,Didn’t make any sense.Shatrughan Sinha and Amrish Puri had cameos in it though:))
June 21st, 2006 at 11:30 am
Oz,
Chandramukhi was an ordinary movie. But if a rajni movie is ordinary then its a super-duper hit. Imagine if he was in an exceptional movie. The movie had all rajnism. Hey but dont you think chiranjeevi also gets almost the same remuneration? As far as i have heard these two superstars donate a huge percentage of there money to some charities. So its all good.
June 21st, 2006 at 12:05 pm
was it Rajnikant who recently had an mega-extravagant wedding for his daughter? I’m pretty sure it was him, but can’t recall clearly.
June 21st, 2006 at 2:39 pm
He must have really good vibe!
June 21st, 2006 at 3:35 pm
In Tamil cinema, he is one sure shot method of minimizing risks and ensuring that your get a hit. There is practically little competition. I guess that is why he can demand such a big amount. In Hindi cinema, no one holds such a monopoly, and no one provides such a good risk-return ratio.
I have seen just one Rajni movie in Tamil - Baba. Man… it was hilarious. I did not know it was a flop
June 21st, 2006 at 4:49 pm
Chandramukhi was actually a very average movie…. (no.. dont think that I am one of those rajini-bashers). The movie was completely devoid of the usual punch-dialogues and political double-entendres.
It was a very toned down version of a typical rajini movie.
But still was a hit because people wanted it to be. Thts it!
People were very sympathetic because of his failure with Baba… And they made chandramukhi a grand success…..
He supposedly paid back the producers/distributors, money back after the failure of Baba. Well, I am not sure if there are any actors who have done that before.
I dont think there will be ever be an official release on how much the movie earned.. But I had read it was easly close to 100 cr. dunno how credible the report was.
His next movie is with Shankar (Indian, Nayak, Aparichit). One of my fav director in Tamil.
BTW, Oz, I have become a big fan of desi train. You seem to have a good flair in writing stuff.. One of the best desi blogs I have come across.
June 21st, 2006 at 6:42 pm
Rahul, It was Chiranjeevi who had a lavish party for his daughter’s wedding recently, as recently as about 2-3 months back. But if you are talking about something earlier.. then i donno man.
Rajesh, Yes even i heard that Rajni gave back the money the producer lost, and correct me if i am wrong didnt NTR Jr.( NTR.. original’s grandson) also paid back his producer for the loss caused by him? I am not sure but i feel i have read it somewhere.
June 21st, 2006 at 8:03 pm
In Chennai auto’s u see secularism in full force. There is a sticker of Ram/Krishna/Shiva, the Islamic symbol, Jesus Christ and then RajaniKanth. That’s how much they respect him.
All of Rajini’s movies are dubbed into Telugu and released simultaneously here so he is worshipped on par with Chiranjeevi here. And yes, he is still one of the best actors around. Old age and all, yes. But you should give it to him for the screen presence and the ease with which he goes about his job.
Just wanted to add a little abt chiranjeevi here. He’s 57 now and earns about 10-12 crores a movie that inspite of being shitty get’s the best of openings and runs 100days flat out.
June 21st, 2006 at 9:03 pm
Rahul, I think it was Chiranjeevi’s Daughters wedding and not rajni, if it was as recent as 3 -4 mnths ago. And apart from Rajni i think NTR Jr(Grand son of Original NTR) who also paid some amount to the producer for one of his big budget movies to have flopped.
June 21st, 2006 at 9:26 pm
ChandraMukhi was a remake of an original Malayalam Movie ” Manichitratahzhu”.. where the character played by Rajnikanth was actually played by Mohan Lal…
Chandramukhi is plain bull shit compared to the original Malayalam which is a classic…
Ranjni’s acting is not so great..It just that people of TN worship him and make his movies hit…
June 22nd, 2006 at 12:32 am
Wonder how much Kamal gets paid ????:-”
June 22nd, 2006 at 12:59 am
This is the link for Rajnikanth’s daughter’s wedding…Remembered reading it on rediff…
http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2004/nov/22sd1.htm
June 22nd, 2006 at 1:04 am
And this hilarious joke I read a long time back…:))
There is a popular story saying that wherever you go, you will find atleast a Rajinikanth fan, here is an interesting new story!…Rajinikanth was bragging to Jayalalitha one day, “You know, I know everyone there is to know. Just name someone- anyone, & I know them.” Tired of his boasting, Jayalalitha asked, “OK, Rajini how about Tom Cruise?” “Sure yes, Tom & I are
old friends, I can prove it” Rajini said. So Rajini & Jayalalitha fly out to Hollywood & knock on Tom
Cruise’s door, & sure enough, Tom Cruise shouts “Thalaiva! Great to see you! You & your friend come right in & join me for lunch!”. Although impressed, Jayalalitha is still skeptical.
After they leave Cruise’s house, she tells Rajini that she thinks Rajini knowing Cruise was just lucky. “No, no, just name anyone else” Rajini says. “President Bush”, Jayalalitha quickly retorts. “Yes”, Rajini says, “I know him, let’s fly out to Washington”. And off they go. At the White House, Bush spots Rajini on the tour & motions him, saying, “Rajini, what a surprise! I was just on my way to a meeting, but you & your friend come on in, let’s have a cup of coffee first & catch
up”. Well, Jayalalitha is very shaken by now, but still not totally convinced.
After they leave the White House grounds, she expresses her doubts to Rajini who again implores her to name anyone else. “The Pope”, Jayalalitha replies. “Sure!” says Rajini, “My folks are from Poland & I’ve known the Pope a long time”. So off they fly to Rome. Rajini & Jayalalitha
are assembled with the masses in Vatican Square when Rajini says, “This will never work. I can’t catch the Pope’s eye among all these people. Tell you what, I know all the guards so let me just go upstairs & I’ll come out on the balcony with the Pope.” And he disappears into the crowd headed toward the Vatican.
Sure enough, half an hour later Rajini emerges with the Pope on the balcony. But by the time Rajini returns, he finds that Jayalalitha had a Heart Attack & is surrounded by paramedics. Working his way to Jayalalitha’s side, Rajini asks her, “What happened?”
Jayalalitha looks up & says, “I was doing fine until you & the Pope came out on the balcony & the man next to me said, “Who’s that on the balcony with Rajini?”…
June 22nd, 2006 at 6:47 am
:)) :)) :))
Good joke:))
June 22nd, 2006 at 8:05 am
Boss, Thanks. I’ll pick it up the next time I visit my desi store.
Sumeet, That’s right. Not sure how much Chiranjeevi charges now, but back in the 90s Rajnikanth and Chiranjeevi were the highest paid actors in India.
Rahul, That’s correct.
Ani, :) Yeah looks like it.
Nirav, Even though people in other parts of India may not like him and wonder how the hell could he be the highest paid actor, one cannot deny the fact that his style and antics on screen have a strange mesmerizing effect on Tamil cinema lovers. The fact that he has been the king of Tamil cinema for so long shows that the bond between him and the movie fans is no longer limited to the screen.
Rajesh, Thanks for the input. Shankar does have a style which is unique and different and sets him apart from the rest. And thank you for riding the Desi Train.
Ravi, I agree, he has a terrific screen presence. I remember I used to whistle during my school/college days whenever he came on screen and threw a cigarrette in his mouth. I thought it was quite cool.
Vineesh, Thanks for the inputs.
Kartik, Not sure. But don’t think its anywhere close to what Rajni gets.
VC, =)) That was a good one!!!
June 22nd, 2006 at 8:15 am
Does anyone know if Rajni started off doing Hindi movies first, or Tamil movies? As a kid, I remember watching him in a few hindi movies (Hum was one of my favs, and there’s another movie with Rajni and a slow-motion bullet scene..can’t think of the name). I think the last HIndi movie I saw him in was Bulandi with Anil Kapoor, with his usual Baba style. Has he made any after that?
June 22nd, 2006 at 8:35 am
Ok… this does it… Rahul and a few others that have emailed me want to know more about Rajni…
So would somebody do a write up on Rajnikanth? His humble beginnings, his intial foray in Tamil cinema and then his rise… a brief of his super hits… his entry into Bollwyood and his mild success and more failures… the reasons behind it… and then his return back to Tamil cinema…
If anyone is up for it. Please email me your article at the earliest possible before I leave everything I’m working on for DT today and start writing about Rajni. But since I don’t have much info on Tamil cinema… I am at a disadvantage. Each and every email will be published and the author’s name will be acknowledged in the Title.
Let me know guys. A short 1-2 page write up. Or a long 5 - 15 page write up. A medium 3 - 6 page article. Anything you have.
If I don’t get anything today I’ll assume Desi Train doesn’t have many readers who watch Tamil movies.
June 23rd, 2006 at 3:44 am
>>>>>Kartik, Not sure. But don’t think its anywhere close to what Rajni gets.
i am not sure of that. i think i recently read(or was it heard on TV, dont rem) somewhere that kamal hasan and rajnikant where the 2 most paid guys in tamil cinema. and that altho rajni was way ahead(in terms of money earned) but kamal was close behind, dont rem the exact amount. i guess it was around 8-9crores on the directors who can afford(like eg. Shankar) and a small amount on the offbeat, low on budgets movies that he acts in(cant recall any recent at the moment).
i am not all that sure but this is wat i remember. correct me if i am rong.
June 24th, 2006 at 5:58 am
Oz…
As a Rajini fan, I think I can do just what you asked, if no one has done it so far. I mean the writeup!
I am an on and off reader of this blog and have been off the internet for a week now so i did not realize that this blog was hot on the Thalaivar’s trail.
June 24th, 2006 at 8:36 am
wow quite amazing..
July 3rd, 2006 at 4:45 am
Chiranjeevi was the highest paid actor in India, till Chandramukhi happened. That is, to summarize, Rajnikanth and Chiranjeevi tussle for that position. Since both act rarely these days, their tussle can be easily 2 years each ;)
August 8th, 2006 at 9:27 am
im a thalaiwer fan it’s supparbe to c this…..he is da man who can help people more and more…..
August 22nd, 2006 at 4:38 pm
[...] * Highest-paid Bollywood actor makes equiv. of $4 million. Wow, that’s a lotta chai tea… [...]
August 29th, 2006 at 3:58 am
RAJINI makes it to big place only because he acts in movies that drive the rural population crazy. To describe his acting talents he not won a national award even once. Its not because of his acting talent that he has become so popular. Also most of his hits are remakes of MALAYALAM classics. These classics has been very badly potrayed in TAMIL.None of his movies has the standard to make it to the awards.[-(
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:49 am
its simply the simplicity of thalaivar that he is a crowd puller no one is as simple as he is and he need not worry about national awards as public appreciation is thousand times better than that.I m sure malayalam film industry was ruled by shakeela which will not happen in tamil nadu
September 5th, 2006 at 6:06 am
Hey ,
He deserves it ,, the one and only Super Star,, “Rajini Kanth”,,,, I’m feel proud thay my favourite star is the highest paid actor in INDIA,, I wish him to be the highest paid actor in the world,, LONG LIVE RAJINI KANTH,,,
September 5th, 2006 at 11:27 pm
Vageesh,
Yes, Rajani is great. R u saw his Bhasha, Arunachala, Padeyappa or muttu. Then u definitly agree he is the super star. In Arunachalam Actress Ramyakrishna also show all the Rajani’s style. So,just see Arunachala. One upon a time he was the bus conductor in Bangalore city service. In that days he shows his cigarette style which is now so popular. After that saddened Rajani went to Mantralaya Raghavendra swamy temple. He stayed there at about 15 days. one day one old aged person asked him to go Chenai there is huge opportunity awaiting for him. So, Rajani went Chenai. and Balachandar (i think) saw him give him chance in his film. Then Rajani made history.
Now Rajani’s payment 20 crores. And
September 23rd, 2006 at 1:56 am
all bakwas chiranjeevi is still yhe king of indian cinema.he earns more than what this one earns.
September 23rd, 2006 at 1:59 am
News is that Chiranjeevi’s latest release “STALIN” has broken all the south and even the bollywood records with its collections.Chiranjeevi gets upto 20 crores.
September 26th, 2006 at 1:10 am
:d yes of course even i am shocked th hear this. if some body would have asked me about this then even i would have said the same . i give my all wishes to rajnikanth.
September 26th, 2006 at 1:15 am
yes i know it from before that he is the highest paid actor because of his style even i like him. because he is all rounder. long live rajnikanth
October 1st, 2006 at 1:00 pm
dude…stalin is a bloody flop!!!it is merely runnin on hype and hype alone…nothing else…the collections are expeted to fall drastically by the thrid week…
October 3rd, 2006 at 3:30 am
Member of a Very poor family , when he was in Maharastra.An ordinary bus conductor ,when he was in Karnataka.Tried hard, moved here and there, slept in rly platform,waited for chances, met various directors.K.Balachander, the greatest of all tamil directors -found him offered a smalll role in Apoorva ragangal.Bharathiraja–second to Balachander-an icon of real potrayal dig out the talent in his 16 vayathinilae,Balaji - the great producer, smart actor and the father in law of Mohanlal- the malayalam hero -found the correct race horse in Rajini. after the Films like Billa(DON),Thee(Deewar) with Balaji rajinikanth’s career sky rocketed.Now he gives mony to Charity, runs his own charity, Helps the poor,Helps his friends and the bus conductors of Karnataka,values friendship, values his wife and family , Last but not the least values god.
October 13th, 2006 at 3:53 am
RAJINI ROCKS HUGE FANS ALL OVER INCLUDING JAPAN
HIS FILM MUTHU RAN 100+DAYS AND BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER THERE
NEW FILM WILL BE WITH SHANKAR+A.R RAHMAN -
SHIVAJI
CHECK OUT
http://www.rajinifans.com
\:d/:d
October 17th, 2006 at 7:50 am
i like him so much my most best actor………………anyway his style is very cool can i know wats ur phone number please.:(:-c
October 17th, 2006 at 7:53 am
and one more love u bye…:):-ho-+
October 25th, 2006 at 9:49 pm
more info and complete details of his movies can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajnikanth
Bharat
October 26th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Oz, i’m amused by your ignorance of SouthIndian films. And i like the genuine innocence the thread (& it’s contributors) display. It’s amusing ‘coz you guys are speculating on things Rajni like one would talk (romourously) about Beatles’ secret passage/stay in Bombay of the 60’s. And to think you are talking of a star whose filmography amounts to 40% Hindi films, 20% Amitabh Bachchan remakes in Tamil, 20% K. Balachander of ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ fame films(50% of these 20% as a villain to Kamalhaasan’s hero) and the rest 20% Rajni the Phenomenon. Not that he wasn’t any less phenomenal in the above divisions of his filmography. But the difference is in the recognition, comprehension and acknowledgement of being a PHENOMENON. It’s like when Tarantino makes ‘Kill Bill’ with the knowledge that he is a ‘God among directors’. And for Rajni to be able to do this consistently for 16 years itself deserves/reserves candidature to dabblement in Spirituality101. Not to steal away credit from Kamalhaasan’s continous attempts, but i’m convinced that Rajni & the kind of films he’s been doing has forced/pushed Kamal in areas seeking creative embellishment ‘coz that’s the only way he could sustain his hold over the Tamil audience. The same could very well be said of Aamir Khan too, in the face of an SRK.
We are talking about a man who was born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad in Bangalore, grew up a Bangalore boy(much like myself, albeit exactly 30 years ago), worked as a Bus Conductor in Bangalore of the early 70’s, joined an acting course at the Adayar Film Institute in Madras, made his debut in 1975 at the age of 25 playing villian to a then 20 yrs old Kamalhaasan’s hero in K. Balachander’s ‘Apoorva Raagangal’ [this was Kamal's 25th film], after innumerable & memorable villainous turns becomes HERO. And then there’s no stopping Rajni.
But how does he become unstoppable? By forging certain important alliances. One such alliance was with Amitabh Bachchan. After starring in virtually every big Amitabh film post-sholay, remakes of course, Rajni makes his Hindi debut with ‘Andha Kanoon’ in 1983, a full 2 years later than Kamal’s superhit ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’. Guess who welcomes Rajni in his own territory & does a guest appearance to boost his acceptability - Amitabh Bachchan. Because Amitabh & Rajni fully understood 1956’s ‘States Re-organisation of Independent India into Regional Groups’. Definitely much better than Kamalhaasan who’d keep coming back with 1982’s ‘Sanam Teri Kasam’, 1983’s ‘Sadma’, 1984’s ‘Raajtilak’ and 1985’s ‘Saagar’ to stake his claim in Hindi-land. Another 1985 film ‘Gereftar’ finally sealed his fate in Hindi filmdom by none other than the duo of Amitabh & Rajni [returning the cameo favour]. Maniratnam’s ‘Iruvar’ could very well have been about Rajni-Kamal.
Rajni’s alliance-making was so superb that he CHOSE to be happy playing impactful supporting roles to the respective language’s superstar, and getting them to return his favour by doing the same in Tamil. [Amitabh's playing a cameo in Rajni's latest 'Sivaji', Chiranjivi's played a cameo in Rajni's 'Mappilai Sir']. Infact when Rajni broke the 1 crore barrier with ‘Mannan’ his friends soon caught up & he facilitated too. The time when Chiranjivi briefly reigned as the highest paid Indian actor started with ‘Gharana Moghudu’ - remake of Rajni’s ‘Mannan’ which itself’s a remake of a Rajkumar starrer in Kannada. At this point i’m going mad with all our languages & Film industries. The great Kamal Swarup maintains he has never figured the South out. But then he also says that it’s because he’s a Kashmiri. The whole of India is SOUTH for him!!!
And about ‘Chandramukhi’. The first Indian version of the film came out in Malayalam with Mohan Lal & Shobana directed by Fazil. Since then it’s been made in Kannada & Tamil, and soon-to-be-made in Hindi with Amitabh Bachchan - all by the same filmmaker P. Vasu. And Why did Rajni’s version turn out to be as stupendous as it has been? Apart from Rajni’s presence it’s also got a lot to do with Vasu getting better & better in every outing with the screenplay. The story & it’s narrative is compelling. It’s one of Rajni’s films in a long time that doesn’t come with a disclaimer asking viewers to invest in ‘a reality of an alternate kind’. And it taps into the actor in Rajni too. Be Not Surprised. Rajni too has an actor in him. And a pretty good one at that. His second role as some-some-Raja in the film is one of the most deliciously mischievous turns as a villian in recent memory.
Rajni is CULT. I don’t think Rajni’s films are. They are fun to watch. But who knows how they’ll be seen tomorrow. Tarantino has inscribed a permanent cult-status to Sonny Chiba films with ‘Kill Bill’. Maybe someone else might, in the coming 20 years or so, facilitate Rajni films an equally unquestionable cult-status. Someone just might! [you must credit Rajni though for anticipating Wu-Ping action choreography, atleast in India]
thani.
p.s. Kamal Swarup is the maker of my all-time favourite Indian cult film - ‘Om-Dar-B-Dar’ (1988). Can’t wait to watch Anurag Kashyap’s ‘No Smoking’ (2007). Babloo Babylon se… Baba Bangali tak.
October 26th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
- Thani, Read your comments above and here.
Among many other things, this too is a God given gift… :) to humor readers out of my ignorance.
But damn, your both comments leave me confused. If you say Kamal’s fate was sealed by Rajni’s “alliances” in Bollywood stars… it must have had a reverse effect too, cause he hasn’t been seen in Hindi movies in many years, whereas Kamal has returned with movies like Hey Ram, Chachi 420 and a few others.
You are making it like a well thought out plot on Rajni’s part on his chess board moves throughout his career. Again, I’m completely ignorant about movies in the south, except for a few seen in a friend’s preview theater in Chennai. Yet, I don’t think anything can be planned as mentioned by you in your comment about Rajni. But even then, I just couldn’t think about such game plans over scotch and cigar… is it this complex? Moreover can it be this controlled? A person’s walk through life? To an extent perhaps…
Similarly the case of Jaideep Sahni, I may be misreading you (jumping between office meetings and my pc can lead to such a state) - on one hand you are saying Jaideep’s script of B&B may not be a big deal but on the other hand it is good… (I didn’t enjoy B&B and I haven’t read the final draft of Jaideep’s screenplay)
I’m guessing you are from the media and have observed the entire movie industry from close quarters. In that case a more invigorating discussion with movie mavericks would be the direction I would see this going in if you are game for it. I’m sending you an email shortly (if the email you entered is correct)
October 27th, 2006 at 10:20 pm
wow… thats a lot of money for a desi star..
but it sucks that i lost a bet few hrs ago. i bet on shahruk to be the highest paid star…
go rajni go…\:d/
October 30th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
[...] In June I read a post titled The Highest Paid Indian Actor, I volunteered to do a post on DesiTrain about the actor, who despite occupying the same pedestal as Mithun Chakraborty in the collective consciousness of millions of people on the other side of the Vindhyas, still makes more money than any other actor in India. A couple of weeks later, I sent the post to Oz. But since the PassionForCinema group blog was in the cards, Oz told me to hold on to it and post it as my first post on there. [...]
November 6th, 2006 at 9:54 am
Rajini is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In japan, for a bullet train, rajini’s film chandramuki name kept and in that train travelling hours is 3 1/2 hours….. chandramuki film is showing throughout journey…..
November 7th, 2006 at 3:39 am
Hmmm.. I beg to differ with Thani on certain things. For one, there’s no way Rajni or anyone could have PLANNED out what would happen in the next 10-20 years of their lives. However, Rajni played second fiddle to Amitabh and even Govinda(yikes!) in some Hindi movies basically because of his personal attitude - he really doesn’t care about the screen time he gets in movies. Which is not the same for Kamalhassan(a fantastic actor, but not a superstar) who is known to push directors to better his own roles and screen-time. Not saying that’s a bad thing, only pointing out the differences in both actors’ working styles.
One more thing that contribute to Rajni’s success - his fan following WORLDWIDE! I’m not sure how many non-South Indians know this, but there is a huge fan following for Rajni in countries like the USA, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia where the number of people who migreated from South India most probably exceeds the number of people who migrated from other parts of the country. (Its not the same case in the UK though). The first time I went to the USA, I went to a movie-hall to watch a Rajni flick(”Arunachalam”, I think) in Chicago, and believe it or not, there was a big cutout for him at the cinema hall, just like how its done in the halls in Tamilnadu! And there were his fans (IT guys, doctors etc) arriving in BMWs, Hondas and Toyotas and duly performing an aarthi to his cutout, followed by breaking of a coconut and a puja!!! And inside the movie hall, movie tickets were torn to pieces and flung in the air to mark the introductory scene of the superstar! This, of course, was accompanied by ear-splitting whistles and a lot of dancing at the aisles. Mind you, these are not the front-row audience that you see in small towns in TN, but the educated elite of the nation!!! And many Tamil parents in the USA love to take their young children to a Rajni movie in a cinema hall and teach them how to dance, whistle and applaud at the punch-dialogues that the actor delivers on screen!!!
If this isn’t enough, in Japan, Japanese people watch his movies in droves!!! In fact, a few Japanese people flew down from Tokyo to watch “Chandramukhi” on the day of release at Satyam cinemas in Chennai!!!! These are not Tamilians settled in Japan, but actual Japanese folks! And there are snacks(like our Haldiram packets) in Japan that have photos of Rajnikanth and Meena(actress) on them!!! The dude’s a phenomenon out there too!
My personal view as to why he ticks better than most is because he’s dark-skinned, always stars in movies with the role of a middle-class individual struggling to make ends meet, and works hard to achieve success. Something that the vast majority of people in Tamilnadu can relate to. Kamalhassan, on the other hand, is fair-skinned and looks hip and simply cannot be accepted in screen as someone who is not rich - he’s too good-looking for his own good! People simply cannot relate to him. However, he shines because he manages to act so convincingly that people get mesmerized by his skills. He’s definitely a success in his own right, but no one in India can be compared to Rajnikanth. Not even the Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan.
November 10th, 2006 at 2:23 am
Stars are born with high qualities like Rajni
His way is different .Styles are different .Beco’z he is BABA
November 17th, 2006 at 2:51 am
he is best among all tamil actors and his co-stars we wish him all the best
November 18th, 2006 at 3:42 am
what about kamalhassans vettaiyadu villaiyadu it has broken all the records in tamil film industry.Pls check it up with tamil industry people.Kamal is class and rajini is mass.Kamal has got fans across the world .What ever kamal had done to the indian cinema i dont think no body can even think of.
November 22nd, 2006 at 3:51 am
Since last 5/6 years Kamal acts in atleast 2 to 3 movies per year & makes almost everything as average or below average.
Whereas the GOD of Films, Rajini acts rarely, say 1 movie every 2 years & makes it super hit.
We pray to know the message of Rajini’s New Movie..
We need a person who makes us so enthusiastic, after seeing his film. We see Rajini on this.
Just a bit of National award.. Super Acting.. is not needed for our mind. (As Kamalji does.), We need to get happiness by seeing the Movie, to make our body enthusiastic to do work fresh in other times. We need atleast 1 rajini movie per year to run that year happily.
We are Happy to Live in the Era of Rajini.
Long Live Rajini & Long Give Movies.
November 24th, 2006 at 4:08 am
simply superb
December 3rd, 2006 at 9:24 am
thanks
December 5th, 2006 at 12:12 pm
i think :-? this is rubbish :-w
i think and very one will come to know that this new is only for publicity for the film and rajni
i laugh they are paying 16 crore for old man:d:d:d:d:d:-?
December 6th, 2006 at 3:16 pm
the comments seem to be faaaaaaaaaar more interesting(read Mahesh Bhatt style) than the post.
December 9th, 2006 at 7:32 am
Rajinikanth flims are useless and only applicable to his brainless fans.
December 14th, 2006 at 1:53 am
I am proud.My eyes well.It is my good luck that I should be a contemporary of Rajni.
Generations to come will hardly believe a man as this in flesh and blood really existed said Einstein about Gandhi I say the same about Rajni.
Dear Friends from North consider yourself unlucky if you had not watched a Rajni film.
Oh! Rajni I just love him
Rajni Dasan,Charlotte
December 14th, 2006 at 1:59 am
Actually there is nothing great about Rajni.
To understand the Rajni phenomena one needs to understand the Tamil mind.
Tamilians defied India on Hindi-all states except Tamil Nadu accepts Hindi.
All states except Tamil Nadu accepts Amitabh.
Tamilians actually by rooting for Rajni challenge and go against India’s accepted hero Amitabh-
a typical rebellious Tamil attitude that votes only for dmk/admk in politics and never the bjp or congress.
By promoting Rajni and propping him up they sort of take “revenge” on rest of India who opt for Amitabh.
They are deliberately push this guy up to challenge “India”-
Any comments
December 20th, 2006 at 3:17 am
To answer to Mr. pravin banjamin,
“To understand the Rajni phenomena one needs to understand the Tamil mind.
Tamilians defied India on Hindi-all states except Tamil Nadu accepts Hindi.
All states except Tamil Nadu accepts Amitabh.
Tamilians actually by rooting for Rajni challenge and go against India’s accepted hero Amitabh-
a typical rebellious Tamil attitude that votes only for dmk/admk in politics and never the bjp or congress.
By promoting Rajni and propping him up they sort of take “revenge†on rest of India who opt for Amitabh.
They are deliberately push this guy up to challenge “Indiaâ€-”
I do not know why you started to talk about Tamil people’s mind….By the by, Tamil film industry is not just stated recently…it was started just two years after the bollywood….Rajini is not a first popular actor in tamil nadu…already there were two legends MGR and Shivji ganaesan in Tamil Nadu…they ruled the industry when Dillip kumar, raj kapoor and others were in bollywood….I agree that Amitab is a good actor but i can not accept him better than Rajini kanth because we know Rajini Kanth’s reel and real life….
Add my points on this topic…..
I can explain why he is paid more than any other actor in India…..
Just take the case of his latest movie chandrakmukhi, it still runs in Chennai (crossed 609 days)…the movie is not just called block buster because of 600 days run….it is called block buster because the movie ran 100 days in 156 thatres across the globe. The movie ran 100 days in Tamil nadu (90 theaters), Andhra (50), Karela where already manichitrathazu was released, Bangalore where already aptha mithra ran more than 365 days, Srilanka (9), Mumbai (Arrora, Matunga, Mumbai), USA (San Jose, California), South Africa (1), Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf countries….Also it was released in UK, Australia and France…..the whole point is he has strong hold in southern India which holds more than 60% of theatres in India (Andhra has maximum no. of theatres in India followed by Tamil Nadu). The average no. of movie goers in southern is more than 70% of theater whereas other than south India the percentage is less than 40%.
If anyone read the article written in business world august 2002 issue when the baba movie was released …..it was stated that, before the release of the chandramukhi, last five rajini movies did more than 250 crores business. Today’s multiplex theatre culture, none of the producers really wants their movie to run for 100 days….. if the movie gets initial opening well he will get back his money….but the problem is the distributor and theatre owners usually gets their money in long run….i do not know how many of you know about the minimum guarantee of a movie in a theatre…….it was first introduced in Tamil industry for Rajini kanth movies. Because producers have believed that rajini kanth movie would do business well in the market and they won’t loose their money.….. In addition to this, the entire Chandramukhi distribution business was done with in four hours….. it was sold for 30 crores….Finally, the movie collected about than Rs.120 Crores. He does not allow to flood is movie prints in market ……he just sells 300 to 400 prints in market…Average every prints fetches Rs.30 lakhs…..whereas the recent hindi movie DHOOM 2 which was released in 1800 theatres across the globe…..if you increase more prints, it will increase more profit to producer…..I am sure it seems easy to surpass the box office collection of rajini kanth movies with 1800 prints…but the average revenue per print is sky rocketing which no where any heroes movie can do that………
The real marketing strategy is he wants every one to gain money not just only the producers….….Also, it is not the business that if you bid high you will get his movie to screen in our theatre….some of the areas where he has its distribution rights would be given to known people and veteran actors or producers or film personalities….he never gets money from his producers before the movie starts. if he demands none of the tamil producers can pay the money. Even if they pay the money (16 crores), I don’t think that they can produce the movie….. then only producers like ADLAB only can do movie with Rajini kanth…..….he mainly gets the distribution rights of many territories of Tamil Nadu as his remuneration and he takes part in risk of the business ….this tremendously reduces the financial pressure to producer….but it is not the case to other actors, they do not want to take much risk in their earnings…..because every one knows that cinema is an uncertain industry to get back their money…. I think, since his success are certain in an uncertain industry…..probably this would be the reason that he is being a highly paid actor in India.
December 28th, 2006 at 6:52 am
Rajini is the only superstar of Tamilnadu.
His fan bases are in Japan,Turkey,Malayasia,
Singapore,UK and Canada.
Actually Rajini’s original salary is still not clear. He is getting 16 crores as salary and
entire chennai cities film rights.
Rajini acted around 96 movies in tamil. 82 are hit movies.
He acted in one hollywood movie also namely
Blood Stone.
Rajini lives in heart of southindian people because of his charisma, humanity and simplicity.
December 29th, 2006 at 9:40 am
there is only one sun in our solar system similarly there is only one superstar in our indian celluloid screens he is inimitable,impeccable and invincible too good luck thalaiva
December 29th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
im really into bollywood…met few actors and actresses in bangkok…as usual im i live in bangkok…i’ve good talent of acting…i hope i get into bollywood in 2010..
January 1st, 2007 at 1:07 am
ACCORDING TO ME, THE REASON FOR HIS POSITION AT THE TOP OF INDIAN CINEMA IS BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
1) A FAN OF RAJINI WILL CONTINUE AS FAN TILL HE DIE
2) HE IS CROWD PULLING MACHINE, THERE IS NOBODY NEAR HIM, ATLEAST IN TAMILNADU.
3) HIS FILMS OVERSEAS RIGHT VALUE IS MORE THAN THE FULL COLLECTION OF A FILM BY OTHER HEROES EXCEPT KAMAL
January 1st, 2007 at 11:28 am
rajinis films has great market in japan
he has many fans there also so this proves
his reach
his style is been a
rolemodel for tamil youths
January 1st, 2007 at 12:00 pm
no way can he the most highest paid actor in the film industry, that is ludludicrously silly
January 3rd, 2007 at 5:21 am
Just click the below link and know the other side of Superstar. He is not a superstar alone. He is a superhuman.
http://www.tamilanywhere.com/CINENEWS/Hotnews/2006/december/301206.asp
Sorry friends. If you can’t read tamil, pls inform me. I will translate for you.
January 6th, 2007 at 1:52 am
hi i like all movies in southern india mostly tamil and malayalam
i think rajni is huge superstar and he deserves the money he gets.
and i think they make lot good movies over there
i have seen all mani ratnam and shankar movies
including the tamil version though i m not from south.
i did not like when yuva and nayak got bed reviews
because me and lot of my friends saw yuva and nayak and liked it very much.
i think this is because there is some opposition in bollywood that doesnt want anything fom south to be sucsessfull that why they writing off all the movies performence
telent
but i think only sucessfull talent from south is priyadarshan these days in bollywood
January 15th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
here in uk waiting for up coming movie “sivaji
February 6th, 2007 at 10:51 pm
i dont think so .[-(.rajni cant reach at the level of the super stars like SRK ,Aamir etc. i think that Aamir is most high rated hero in indian film industry.because his acting has reality.wich have no actor even not SRK.Aamir is best of all.
February 12th, 2007 at 4:20 am
What more can I say about Superstar Rajnikanth , he is all that and then some !!
My fav actor from the time I was a young un till forever !!
March 10th, 2007 at 10:14 am
It does not matter how many actors come and goes in Indian Cinema …. Bollywood….Tollywood..etc….
MGR….and RAJANI……
these two actors are the SUPER STARS…..
in their careers only few movies did not click…
other then that….the rest are record beaking…Bollywood actors….dont even compare it to the tamil actors….
Super Star…..Rajani……even the name will freak all the actors in Bollywood….cause of his power fans……yes I do believe that Bollywood is bioses about South movies..cause they do not want any movies to beat theres….any time….
I watched all kinds of movies from hollywood to Chinese to Japanies…to Hindi…to Tamil..Telugu antything you name it……
there is no one like Super Star……….
His Shivaji combo with Shanker, AR-Rahman and AVM….will break more record…let us all wish our SS a BLASTING BLOCK BUSTER for his upcomming movie….I want the movie to reach 200 croses………ALL THE BEST…
PS: how the hell Sholay bollywood movie ran for 25 years??????? make no sence……
March 10th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Ohh yeah one more thing…….South movies are FAR better then Hindi movies….there are good once but now….Bollywood is just trying ot copy Hollywood..style …..all the recent movie are horrible to watch……..
March 13th, 2007 at 3:53 am
he was one and only SUPERSTAR
March 21st, 2007 at 2:46 am
i dont think so ..rajni cant reach at the level of the super stars like SRK ,Aamir etc. i think that Aamir is most high rated hero in indian film industry.because his acting has reality.wich have no actor even not SRK.Aamir is best of all.
http://www.expertsitsolutions.com
March 23rd, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Film Industry is eagerly waiting for April 12 2007 Reason?—-It’s release date of Rajnikanth’s latest movie SHIVAJI
Some Facts:
Rajnikant’s Remuneration = 2 * Remuneration of (Amitabh Bachan + Abhishek Bachan + Hrithik Roshan + Aamir Khan + Shah Rukh Khan)
Releasing worldwide in 27 countries on same day with about 2900 theatres. (Earlier Record– Krrish in 14 countries in 1200 theatres).
India -2200 theatres
China-211 theatres
Japan-130 theatres
Singapore , Malaysia , Hong Kong-100 theatres
Middle East-100 theatres
USA-80 theatres
UK-70 theatres
And this release is only behind Casino Royale which is released in 36 countries in 3200 theatres.
Rajnikant’s Remuneration in his last 3 movies:
Baba - 40 crores
Chandramukhi - 25+ crores
Shivaji - 40+ crores
Rajnikant is only behind Jackie Chan in terms of remuneration in Asia.
Charity:
Ranjikant donated around 160 cores for charity (old age homes and orphanages) other than the trust he runs whose maintenance is around 17 crores per annum.
Rajnikanth to build hospital …..
(2/17/2007)
According to the reliable sources, super star Rajnikanth has bought eight acres of land at Ponneri (outskirts of Chennai), and propose to construct a hospital for the poor and needy, as well as to build a school there. Rajnikanth and his fans associations are known for their work towards social causes.
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Recently there was news that Rajnikanth sent in messengers along with help to those who crossed shores from Srilanka to Rameswaram. Talks are that Latha Rajnikanth might take care of the proposed hospital and the school project at Ponneri. Latha Rajnikanth is running successfully “The Ashram” school in Chennai, also managing the Dhaya Foundation ably
Source : behindwoods.com:)>-
March 26th, 2007 at 6:49 am
thalai pola varuma
he is the best and will remain the best forever and ever
March 26th, 2007 at 9:19 pm
hi!rajiv
how ru?i’m reema shahi from ktm
i like u n i love u so much.my
family always loves u.we all loves
u so much.
reema shahi
ktm,nepal
March 27th, 2007 at 12:23 am
Can u please correct as Highest paid ASIAN actor! Jackie chan is lesser than him. Surprisingly 2 crores.
April 29th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Sivaji: The Boss The film, prior to release, has re-written several Indian records at the box-office starting with the most costly production to date with 60 crores, overtaking, the 2002 Bollywood film, Devdas which cost the producer 50 Indian crores. With Sivaji, the lead actor, Rajinikanth becomes the highest paid actor in (ASIA)India receiving 20 Indian crores for his portrayal of the title character
************
Ekambaram: “Ekambaramnu sonna vayithula irukura kozhandhai kooda vaaya moodum.” (à®à®•à®¾à®®à¯à®ªà®°à®®à¯: “à®à®•à®¾à®®à¯à®ªà®°à®®à¯à®©à¯ சொனà¯à®©à®¾, வயிதà¯à®¤à¯à®² இரà¯à®•à¯à®•à®¿à®± கà¯à®´à®¨à¯à®¤à¯ˆ கூட வாயை மூடà¯à®®à¯”) - “Say the name ‘Ekambaram’ and even an unborn child will shut its mouth and hush up.”
Alex Pandian: “Adhe kozhandhai kitta Alex Pandiyannu sonna, innoru kaiyale avanga amma vaayayum moodum!” ( அலெகà¯à®¸à¯ பாணà¯à®Ÿà®¿à®¯à®©à¯: “அதே கà¯à®´à®¨à¯à®¤à¯ˆà®•à®¿à®Ÿà¯à®Ÿà¯‡ அலெகà¯à®¸à¯ பாணà¯à®Ÿà®¿à®¯à®©à¯à®©à¯ சொனà¯à®©à®¾, இனà¯à®©à¯Šà®°à¯ கையாலே அவஙà¯à®• à®…à®®à¯à®®à®¾ வாயையà¯à®®à¯ சேரà¯à®¤à¯à®¤à¯ மூடà¯à®®à¯”) - “Well, if you say the name ‘Alex Pandian’ to that same unborn child, it will even close its mother’s mouth with its other hand!”
May 14th, 2007 at 5:33 am
chettanayala
May 16th, 2007 at 9:36 am
Rajini is not god, he is afterall a human, he as offered nothing exeptional to the development of the society except his own family, why give much importance when there are persons all around like ABDUL KALAM & other role models.
May 16th, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Rajini may not be god but to say that he has offered nothing exceptional to the development of the society is quite ignorant. The amount of charity work done by him and especially his wife is inspirational. Education programs, employment programs etc for the poor and underprivileged. People in Tamil Nadu are crazy about Rajini equally for his on-screen and off-screen activities. He is not just a mere actor who brings entertainment and happiness to millions of people, he is a true humanitarian. The difference between him and other “stars” is that Rajini doesn’t talk about his charitable activities. He just does.