In a magnificent gesture celebrating Superstar Rajinikanth's 50 years of legendary contribution to Indian cinema, leading media outlets Hindustan Times and OTTplay have joined forces to pay him a monumental tribute.

A First in a Century of History!

The most significant aspect of this celebration is that it marks a historical first in the 100-year legacy of the Hindustan Times newspaper. The paper dedicated its entire front page to a single individual, a tribute reserved only for a star whose influence transcends the realm of cinema and becomes cultural mythology.

The Masthead Becomes 'Rajinikanth Times'

On November 19, 2025, readers who picked up the newspaper were astonished to see the familiar 'Hindustan Times' masthead replaced by the spectacular, custom-designed title: 'Rajinikanth Times'.

From Bus Conductor to an Era
Rajinikanth's life story has always been the ultimate underdog tale: Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, who once worked as a bus conductor in Bengaluru, rose to become the face of Indian cinema. Over five decades, his punch dialogues became proverbs, his style became legendary, and his name established an era.

The front page was specifically designed to commemorate his five-decade journey, starting from his first film, Apoorva Raagangal (1975), right up to Jailer (2023).

Celebration Continues on Digital and Radio

This tribute was not limited to the print medium. The HT Media network transformed the celebration into a 360-degree cultural event:

Fever FM joined the chorus on the radio with Superstar songs.

OTTplay powered the digital experience, with the 'Rajinikanth Collection' now streaming his classics like Baasha (1995), Muthu (1995), Thalapathi (1991) alongside recent hits like Kabali (2016), Jailer (2023), Vettaiyan (2024), and Coolie (2025).

Superstar Rajinikanth himself expressed his heartfelt appreciation for this extraordinary initiative on his X platform, reaffirming that while stars come and go in Indian cinema, he remains an eternal force.

National Celebration on August 15, 2025!

Here is another important update for the fans: When Superstar Rajinikanth officially completed his 50 years in cinema on August 15, 2025, various media outlets nationwide also published special commemorative articles.

Major publications like 'The Hindu' and 'Cinema Express' carried articles featuring reviews and comments from critics and celebrities about Rajinikanth's 50-year journey.

Key public figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kamal Haasan, Mohanlal, and Mammootty, all issued statements and posts wishing the Thalaivar well.

For those who are keen to read the national media coverage from that special day, August 15, 2025, here is a compilation of some of the memorable articles published about Superstar Rajinikanth's 50 years in cinema: