Hindustan Times marks Rajinikanth’s 50 years with historic ‘Rajinikanth Times’ front page

Highlights

• Hindustan Times dedicates entire front page to the actor for the first time in its history
  
• Tribute created with Amazon Prime Video
  
• Homage traces Rajinikanth’s journey from Apoorva Raagangal to Jailer
  
  

A front-page first for the superstar

Hindustan Times has marked Rajinikanth’s 50 years in cinema with a one-of-a-kind tribute, redesigning its full front page as “Rajinikanth Times.” It is the first instance in the newspaper’s century-long history where an entire front page has been dedicated to one individual.
Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad, the actor’s entry into Tamil cinema reshaped mainstream Indian film, and the publication described the gesture as a tribute to a legacy that “transcends cinema and becomes cultural mythology.”

A collaboration crafted for a milestone

Created in partnership with Amazon Prime Video, the commemorative front page reimagined the iconic HT masthead and turned the broadsheet into a visual timeline of Rajinikanth’s five-decade career. Images and references spanned from his 1975 debut in Apoorva Raagangal to recent successes like Jailer (2023).
The publication described the edition as less a news page and more “a milestone,” adding, “50 years didn’t make him a legend; he made the last 50 years legendary.”

A tribute to a cultural force

The newspaper replaced its usual layout with a bold homage that celebrated the star’s influence on popular culture. HT noted that Rajinikanth’s reach spans language, geography, and generations, calling the special issue “history printed in ink.”
According to the paper, the tribute acknowledges that in a country where “stars come and go,” his presence remains a constant.

Digital extension for fans

OTTplay, the digital arm of Hindustan Times, formed a key part of the wider initiative. The platform uses a discovery engine to bring together more than 30 OTT services under a single subscription, and it curated a dedicated Rajinikanth experience for fans.
From classics such as Baasha, Muthu, and Thalapathi to recent titles like Kabali, Kaala, Petta, Jailer, Vettaiyan, and Coolie, OTTplay positioned itself as a digital archive of the actor’s work for longtime followers and newcomers alike.

The tribute, in print and online, underscores the enduring place Rajinikanth holds in Indian cinema as he celebrates a landmark half-century on screen.