Billa

A notorious gangster, Billa, is on the run from the police. In a twist of fate, a look-alike named Velu, who is unaware of his striking resemblance to the gangster, gets involved in Billa's criminal activities. The police then devise a plan to use Velu to capture Billa and dismantle his operations, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with dangerous consequences.

The original 'Billa' was a massive box office success and is considered a landmark film in Tamil cinema, largely due to its stylish presentation and Rajinikanth's iconic performance. It was praised for its slick action sequences and sophisticated portrayal of a gangster. The film significantly boosted Rajinikanth's superstar status.

• Rajinikanth's charismatic and stylish portrayal of the titular character is the film's strongest asset.

• The action sequences and pacing were considered ahead of their time, contributing to its cult status.

• The film successfully blended the crime thriller genre with commercial entertainment elements.

Google audience: While specific Google user ratings for the 1980 version are not readily available, contemporary reviews and audience reception indicate it was a highly popular and influential film, especially among fans of Rajinikanth and action cinema.

None notable beyond its immense commercial success and cultural impact.

The film was a remake of the 1978 Hindi film 'Don', starring Amitabh Bachchan. Rajinikanth's styling and mannerisms in 'Billa' became so iconic that they are still referenced and emulated today.