Rajinikanth Receives Lifetime Achievement Award at IFFI, Reflects on 50-Year Career

Goa, November 28, 2025 – The Closing Ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) saw a monumental moment as cinema icon Rajinikanth was presented with a lifetime achievement award. The honour celebrated his remarkable 50 years in the film industry, a milestone that resonated deeply with the actor and his fans.

The 74-year-old star was greeted with a standing ovation as he took the stage. He shared his emotional reflections on a career that has spanned five decades. Rajinikanth remarked the journey felt surprisingly short, like it had passed in a mere few years. The actor’s words highlighted his deep connection to his craft and the profound impact it has had on his life.

An Emotional Milestone

Rajinikanth openly expressed his emotions, stating that he would choose the same path again if given the chance. He shared that five decades of acting felt more like a decade or fifteen years. The actor conveyed his enduring passion, saying I would like to be reborn as an actor and Rajinikanth if he had a hundred more lives.

“Lal Salaam” Premier

Adding to the celebrations, Rajinikanth’s recent film, “Lal Salaam,” was screened at the festival. Directed by his daughter, Aishwarya Rajinikanth, the film’s premiere at the globally recognized event was a proud moment for the filmmaker. The 2024 Tamil-language sports action drama, produced by allirajah Subaskaran under the lyca Productions banner, showcased Rajinikanth’s enduring influence and appeal.

IFFI’s Rich Legacy

The 56th IFFI edition, which concluded on this day, brought together filmmakers, artists, and industry professionals. It highlighted significant achievements in Indian and world cinema. The festival paid tribute to the centenary years of cinema legends, including Guru Dutt, Raj Khosla, Ritwik Ghatak. It also honored P. Bhanumathi, Bhupen Hazarika, and Salil Chowdhury, with restored screenings of their influential works.

This year’s event underscored the enduring power of cinema to connect,inspire,and celebrate the human experience.

Key Facts from IFFI 2025

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Rajinikanth Reflects emotionally on Half a Century in Cinema: “Time Felt Like 10-15 Years”

The Superstar’s Journey: From Antagonist to Icon

Rajinikanth,the undisputed “Superstar” of Tamil cinema,recently shared poignant reflections on his remarkable 50-year journey in the film industry. In a candid moment, the actor expressed a surprising sentiment: that five decades felt like a mere “10-15 years.” This statement speaks volumes about his enduring passion and immersive dedication to his craft. His career, spanning numerous commercially accomplished films, began with roles that showcased his unique style and charisma, initially as an antagonist and supporting actor.

Early Roles & The Rise of a Legend

Rajinikanth’s entry into the world of cinema wasn’t immediate stardom. He honed his skills through diverse roles, frequently enough portraying villains with a captivating intensity. This period was crucial in establishing his screen presence and building a dedicated fanbase.

* A.P. Nagarajan’s Apoorva Raagangal (1975): Marked his debut,though a minor role,it was a stepping stone.

* K. Balachander’s Films: Provided important opportunities, shaping his acting style and public image. Balachander recognized Rajinikanth’s potential early on, casting him in films like Moondru Mudichu and Thanneer Thanneer.

* Villainous Beginnings: Roles as a compelling antagonist allowed him to showcase his physicality and unique mannerisms, quickly gaining attention.

these early experiences laid the foundation for his transition into leading roles, a shift that would solidify his position as a cinematic icon. the 1980s and 1990s witnessed an explosion of Rajinikanth’s popularity, with film after film achieving blockbuster status.

Defining Moments & Blockbuster Films

The 80s and 90s were arguably Rajinikanth’s golden era.He consistently delivered films that resonated with audiences, cementing his “Superstar” title.

* Billa (1980): A landmark film that showcased his ability to portray complex characters. The film’s success spawned remakes across Indian cinema.

* Baasha (1995): A quintessential Rajinikanth film, known for its powerful dialogues and action sequences. baasha remains a cultural touchstone in Tamil Nadu.

* Muthu (1995): A commercially successful film that expanded his reach beyond Tamil Nadu, gaining popularity in Japan.

* Padaiyappa (1999): Another massive hit,demonstrating his enduring appeal and box office draw.

These films weren’t just entertainment; they were cultural phenomena,influencing fashion,dialog,and even social attitudes. His signature style – the cigarette toss, the swagger, the unique dialogue delivery – became instantly recognizable and widely imitated.

Evolution of a Superstar: Adapting to Changing Times

Rajinikanth hasn’t remained static throughout his career. He’s demonstrated a willingness to adapt to changing cinematic landscapes and audience preferences.

* Experimentation with Genres: While known for action and masala films, he’s also ventured into different genres, including science fiction (Enthiran) and social dramas (Lingaa).

* Collaborations with New Directors: He’s consistently worked with both established and emerging directors, showcasing his openness to fresh perspectives.

* Embracing technology: Films like 2.0 (a sequel to Enthiran) demonstrate his willingness to embrace cutting-edge visual effects and technology.

kabali & Beyond: Global Recognition

Rajinikanth’s influence extends far beyond South India. Kabali (2016) marked a turning point, gaining significant international attention and solidifying his global fanbase.The film’s release was almost a festival,with screenings organized in various countries.

* Kabali’s Impact: The film broke box office records and generated widespread media coverage, introducing Rajinikanth to a new generation of viewers.

* Continued Success: Subsequent films like 2.0 and Annaatthe have further expanded his international reach.

* Recent Projects: his recent film Jailer (2023) has broken multiple records and is one of the highest grossing Tamil films of all time.

The “Time Flies” Sentiment: A Reflection on passion

Rajinikanth’s statement about time passing quickly isn’t merely a casual remark. It’s a testament to the immersive nature of his work. When you’re deeply passionate about what you do, time often loses its conventional meaning. His dedication to cinema, his connection with his audience, and his constant pursuit of excellence have likely contributed to this perception. the actor’s journey is a powerful reminder that pursuing one’s passion can make even a lifetime feel fleeting.

Rajinikanth’s Influence on Tamil Cinema

Rajinikanth’s