Sridevi and Rajinikanth in the Tamil classic Pokkiri Raja (1982)

Trying to understand the phenomenon that is Rajinikanth... its so hard to put into words. Someone like Salman Khan currently is riding the wave of all style no substance, whereas Rajinikanth in his prime, with his wildly mimicked style, had such gravitas. It would be easy--albeit foolish--to write him off for the mannerisms, his suave style, his bag of tricks and gimmicks that he pulled off with such elan, amusing critics, fawning fans... but his choice of films, the messaging, the gut-punch moments in his movies, it elevated this Marathi-born Tamil cinema icon. 

Thankfully there are several books and features about him in print and online. 

Here he is with a signature move on still - from the film Pokkiri Raja, with frequent co-star and friend, the similarly iconic, Sridevi. Aka, "the great Sridevi!"

Sridevi was 19 here, and she wasn't eclipsed by her often senior and legendary co-stars. 

Released on 14 January 1982, the film was a major success.