Latest media reports of speculative nature claim that Rajinikanth will retire after wrapping Jailer 2, a soon-to-be-announced Sundar C film, and the yet-to-be-shot Rajini-Kamal Haasan project (possibly in 2028). The superstar will be almost 78 by 2028.
This is the fifth time that retirement rumours have hogged Rajini's career. But an official word came from him only in the first instance. Rajinikanth announced Baba as his potential swansong and hinted at entering politics instead of continuing acting. That was back in 2002, a full 23 years ago. He reversed course after fan backlash and the success of Chandramukhi (2005).
The business of acting has become extremely lucrative these days. So much so, superstars can earn anywhere from Rs 80 Cr to Rs 200 Cr per movie, with the maximum amount depending on a share in profits made by a blockbuster movie. This is just monumental and many, many times greater than what the likes of Chiranjeevi and Rajini used to make two decades ago.
Rajini will not retire as long as he can play lead roles and fan-service characters. His health permits him to take on those bets. Filmmakers like Nelson are smart enough to use his image without having him strain himself much.
