The real boss

I don’t understand a word of Tamil. And yet, I followed 90% of Sivaji, which should give you some idea why Rajinikanth is India’s biggest movie star, and also what to expect in his new blockbuster. It’s all there. Pulsating songs set against garishly elaborate backdrops, over the top costumes, and loads of oomph and energy. AR Rahman has, as always, delivered the goods. 'Vaaji Vaaji En Jeevan Si Sivaji' tempted me to join the gang on the aisles, even if I have no clue what the words mean.
The legendary Rajini fight sequences have gotten laced with mind-blowing special effects, so expect shots like a bullet stopping itself millimeters away from the star’s forehead, a train coming to halt inches away from our hero (flagged down with a red chunni by his gal, who, while heaving a sigh of relief, also cares to heave her ample cleavage). And yes, there are enough trademark Rajini punch lines through the three-hour plus marathon. Although I did not always follow the lines, that did not stop me from whistling wildly in the company of hundreds of die-hard fans. Rajini does that to you, he transcends all language barriers through sheer charisma.

Superb performances
Lead actress Shreya fits the part perfectly. She can at once be an ultra conservative Tam Bram, and in another jump cut, a sexy damsel oozing with raw passion. Cinematographer K V Anand has come up with rich and grandiose imagery, and art director Thota Tharani’s techni-coloured sets ensure not one member from the audiences dares strut off for a quick ciggie.
Commenting on Rajini’s acting is a waste of time, the man is a class act, a great delight to watch. He may have given up his unique cigarette flicking gimmicks, but Rajini more than makes up with chewing gums and one-rupee coins. But full credit for making a sixty-year-old man look convincingly thirty-plus must go to costume designer Manish Malhotra and hair stylist, Sandrine Verrier Seth. The cool blonde wig was a roaring hit in the Bangalore audi.

The story has been told
If there’s one negative to Sivaji, it’s the lack of a novel storyline. While director S Shankar has been hugely protective on pre release leaks, he need not have worried. It’s an out and out James Bond flick, with a very faint and oft-repeated ‘social message’: the rich must also think of the poor. And even if some loaded Bangalore techie was moved, it was more because of Rajini’s rapid-fire kicks and punches, and less because of the kind message he imparts. But that does not stop Sivaji from being a cinematic treat. Simply because Rajini overpowers and eclipses all storylines. The actor is bigger than his canvas, a true larger-than-life hero. There is no one in Bollywood who can claim that sort of a mass appeal, no wonder AVM has readily put Rs 80 crore riding on his slim shoulders, making Sivaji the most expensive film in Indian history.

Big B versus Rajini
Amitabh in his best days (Deewaar, Trishul) had a similar cult following, but there’s one key difference: In an Amitabh film, the galleries blew whistles and catcalls as he first appeared on screen. With Rajini, the hysteria begins as soon as the dull and dry censor certificate comes on. Still want to debate who’s the bigger movie god?

(Originally written for Mirror.)