Padayappa (1999)
'En vazhi -- thani vazhi.' (My path is a unique path.)
By this time, it was acknowledged that Rajnikant movies might fall short in plot but his oneliners were a must. Fortunately, K S Ravikumar's film was strong on both counts.
Rajni plays a rich man's son, who was forced to earn his own living, while fending off an evil woman bent on marrying him.
Through the film, Rajni sent a message to politicians while also demonstrating his popularity. Expectations had risen to fever-pitch about his next step -- and this movie added fuel to the fire.
Also Read: 'Every Rajni film is a holiday!