Sivaji - The Boss

After so many release dates, the movie, Sivaji, the boss was finally released. I saw the movie a couple of days before in INOX (Chennai City Centre), probably the best theatre in Madras (now Chennai). The crowd seemed very disciplined and decent, it was the executive class. When the movie began and the super star hit the screen, there were thunderous roars and cheers from the audience. There were only executives before me. Their class was lost. Not to blame them, it was love for the super star which they couldn't hide.

The movie revolved around a story which was practically impossible. Rajinikanth seemed young for his age. Shankar, the director of the movie had apparently spent huge amounts on the make up. In the "Oru Kudai" song, he actually seemed fairer in complexion than Shreya which was hard to accept though I assume it was a deliberate attempt. Also there was a lot of what I considered unnecessary animation in the movie. Quite a characteristic of a Shankar movie. Shankar has as usual tried to educate the audience about a few laws and also about medical concepts in the movie. A CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is considered effective only if it is performed within seven minutes after blood flow stopped. Many wouldn't have worried much about logic if they had considered this a purely Rajinikanth movie. Since it is a Shankar movie we expect him to maintain his standards. Shankar has yet again voiced his dissatisfaction over corruption. Not something new. He has been doing this over a long time. Looking back at his previous movies which have a similar concept, we have got quite a handful - Gentleman, Indian, Mudhalvan, Anniyan and now Sivaji. Shankar might have made up his mind not to stop making movies with this concept until corruption is purely out of India. In that case I can assure that we are going to see a lot more movies like this. This story didn't require Rajini in it. Could have done fine with Arjun instead. I would call it a purely director movie. Even while Rajini spoke the dialogues, it was clear he was speaking out on behalf of Shankar. Rajini has tried to dance again in this movie like he has been doing in the last few movies. I would say he has been doing a pretty decent job. Anyways, who cares and who do you think was in the theater expecting to see Rajinikanth dance? It was the punch dialogues and the style that the crowd had come for. They of course went home disappointed. Shankar is to be blamed. Shankar could have also handled and controlled the stunts better. Not to forget, he has done a good job in publicizing the movie.

Many did say it was not a Rajinikanth movie. It didn't have the ingredients required. I agree..
What is a Rajini movie without dialogues attacking politics? I felt the movie also lacked some style that we are used to seeing in his earlier movies.

Shreya looked perfect. She looked lovely throughtout the movie. Her acting was good too. Comedy was taken care by Vivek, Solomon Papaya and Raja. Gave a feeling of a debate. Surprisingly, Vivek was given a lot of importance in the story and accompanied the super star in a lot of scenes. Vivek also managed to steal a few punch dialogues from Rajinikanth.

The music was good too. "Sahana" song has been sung amazingly well by Udit and Chinmayi. Chinmayi has rocked back after a long time in Tamil. She however gave a few hit numbers in Guru. The picturization of the songs were good too.

The villain of the movie, Suman, has done a considerably good job. He has come on screen after a long time in Tamil movies. But the reality is that any experienced villain (maybe Prakash Raj) could have done a better job.

I have a strong feeling that this movie won't be as successful as what Chandramukhi was but still would cross a year mark.

These comments come from a die hard fan of Rajinikanth, disappointed by the movie for all the hype it had been given and also a bit angry on Shankar for giving stereotype and tiring movies.

What anybody would expect of a Rajinikanth movie is a movie (with/without a strong story) filled with punch dialogues, a few of them attacking politicians, a few stylish moves, stunts, music and dances which would be appropriate for the super star. And all this well directed by a director who can understand the expectations of millions of fans and mix with the super star and not thrust the story on him. Hoping such a movie is somewhere in the offing. Waiting for such a blockbuster, here I blog.

A much awaited marriage

There I was watching intently standing right behing the seated couple while those three knots were tied around my sister's neck. Yes. A much awaited marriage was over. There had been a lot of struggle, prayers for this marriage to take place. Some might consider this a little early or a little late marriage. But, to me this was the right time. The struggles had a purpose. The reception which was the day before the marriage was a little too crowded and noisier than I expected it to be. I am fuming. I felt like I was in a furnace. I am not sure what better I could have done. I chose to wear a formal suit. What else can you expect? It was a summer night in Madras (now Chennai) and ofcourse I was drenched with my own sweat. But considering the recent unexpected showers which had helped reduce the heat a bit, the city got relatively cooler. Though it was a busy evening for me, I managed a few memorable moments with some friends. The short trip to a few temples in and around Kumbakonam the previous week did help in understanding each other's families though the actual purpose of the trip was to reduce tension that was caused because the horoscopes conflicted on some very important aspect. Well, that is past. The marriage is over now. Unlike a north Indian marriage or for that matter even a Brahmin marriage, this marriage was short. Not much formalities were involved. This was totally in a Chettiar style. Usually marriages freak me out. Its just an inner fear. I wonder what it takes and when someone should love or marry. Well, even if fate was to strike I am happy its far from now. :) Wishing the couple a happy married life and future, here i blog.