In a cinematic landscape long dominated by the formidable trio of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan, a 60-year-old actor stunned the industry by not only challenging their decades-long supremacy but also delivering the biggest box office hit in Indian film history.
While the Khans have ruled the box office for over three decades, creating milestones with iconic films and devoted fan bases, it was veteran South Indian superstar Rajinikanth who broke the mold. At a time when most actors his age consider slowing down, Rajinikanth defied both age and expectation with a film that shattered every conceivable record.
The film in question, 2.0, released in 2018, was a sequel to his earlier sci-fi success Enthiran (Robot). Directed by Shankar, 2.0 was mounted on a jaw-dropping budget and featured cutting-edge visual effects that rivaled Hollywood standards. Despite intense competition and the looming shadows of the Khans’ brand value, 2.0 outperformed them all — emerging as the highest-grossing Indian film globally at the time of its release, excluding overseas China collections.
At 60, Rajinikanth was not just playing a lead role; he was headlining a futuristic action film, playing a dual character — the scientist Vaseegaran and the eccentric humanoid robot Chitti. Paired with Akshay Kumar, who played the film’s antagonist, Rajinikanth’s charisma and cult following helped drive massive footfall across both South and North India. The film’s success was particularly remarkable given that it managed to bring audiences from both Hindi and regional markets together — a rare feat in Indian cinema.
The accomplishment becomes even more significant when viewed in the context of the Khans’ recent trajectories. While Aamir Khan had massive hits like Dangal and PK, and Shah Rukh and Salman delivered crowd-pullers such as Chennai Express and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, none of them had ventured into a project as technically ambitious and pan-Indian in appeal as 2.0 during that time.
Moreover, 2.0’s reach wasn’t limited to India. It performed strongly in international markets, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, regions where Rajinikanth has an enormous diaspora following. The film grossed over ₹800 crore globally, marking it as a landmark moment not just for Tamil cinema but for the Indian film industry as a whole.
What made Rajinikanth’s triumph particularly awe-inspiring was that he didn’t rely on the glitz or romantic glamour traditionally associated with Bollywood stardom. Instead, he leaned into his larger-than-life persona, delivering powerful performances, backed by unique storylines and an unwavering connection with his fan base.
This story of cinematic domination is not just about breaking box office numbers. It’s about how an aging star reinvented himself in a tech-heavy, genre-defying spectacle — in a market where youth and glamour often rule. Rajinikanth proved that stardom has no expiry date and that experience, charisma, and daring creative choices can still outshine the biggest names in the business.
In an era where newer stars and younger talents continue to emerge, Rajinikanth’s feat stands as a testament to the enduring power of iconic storytelling and unparalleled star power — even when competing against three of Bollywood’s biggest legends at the peak of their game.
