Sivaji Review - The verdict? Chummaa Adhirudhu!!!

I feel a great sense of responsibility as i write this review. I have just witnessed a historic event - the coronation of the emperor, the greatest star in the history of Thamizh, Indian, Asian, and most definitely world cinema. Is my praise excessive? Na.... watch Sivaji and you would probably agree.

Sivaji marks a historic departure from the political and emotional ghosts that have haunted Rajni's career in the past decade. In Padayappa, he embarked on a pseudo onscreen battle with JJ, and the movie was bogged down by one-upmanship and consequently, male chauvinism. Baba was a daring exercise, but failed. It painfully showcased two of the things Rajni seemed to be most uncomfortable with - his age (should he act young , or middle aged?), his beliefs (should he showcase his spiritual side or continue to play cat and mouse games about his political future??).

Finally, there was Chandramukhi. A little unsure of the viability of his superstardom, Rajni played safe. He chose to remake an old favorite, let Jo and the screenplay rip and then made a grand comeback in the last 15 minutes of the movie, with almost no dialogues, a super cool bad ass getup and the famous "lakalaka".

The movie became a superhit, with fans loving his negative role. Rajni got his mojo back, and the rest is history. Sivaji continues in the same vein - a totally unihibited, unshackled bad ass Rajni; Ofcourse, he still helps the poor and needy, but he also unapologetically chases his girl, changes wigs more often than Shriya changes her costumes, fearlessly spoofs the patron saints of Thamizh cinema (Sivaji and MGR), allows Vivek to speak his punch lines for him (in Rajni style ofcourse) and endearingly calls himself the mottai boss!

Almost on par with Baasha and Thillu mullu, this is one of Rajni's finest performances. His comedy with Vivek is simply unbelievable - they bring the roof down with their totally irreverent satire, including spoofs on subjects as varied as raraa sarasuku rara, tehelka's investigative reporting, and even Vadivelu's famous "aoowww"!
Sivaji was much anticipated, partly for being a Rajni movie, and partly for being a Shankar movie. It ends up being a FANTASTIC Rajni movie. As for Shankar's contribution, I am torn between two equally plausible verdicts -

Verdict A - It is a terrible Shankar movie, simply a rehash of Gentleman with bits of Indian and Anniyan thrown in. Shankar's specialty has always been taking the common man's problems, throwing in spectacular song and fight sequences, and creating a vigilante single man army who changes Thamizhnadu in an unreal, but still very believable fashion. You have to willingly suspend your disbelief when watching a Rajni movie, but sequences in the second half of Sivaji where he sets the world right are just too much - even for a diehard Rajni or Shankar fan. Also, the "office room" (where government officials are beat up) concept has been exploited to a lesser extent in Vijaykanth movies, and it was disappointing to see such sequences in Sivaji. This movie could have just as easily been directed by K.S Ravikumar. If this criticism seems harsh, think of Indian - despite Kamal's double action and much-hyped performance, it was Shankar's taut direction that stood out. There is none of that brilliance in Sivaji.

Verdict B - Shankar has done a brilliant job here. The same guy who totally overshadowed Kamal, has gallantly stepped into the shadows here to create a memorable tribute to the superstar's talent. He makes Rajni shine, and lets everything else pale in comparison.

Vivek is simply brilliant. Suman is on par with Rajni. His restraint and understated performance is simply superb - he is menacing, but without becoming a caricature. Surprisingly, the movie does not have the big crowds of actors who typically surround Rajni. Some good actors show up very briefly, and make an impact - Livingstone, Raghuvaran, and Chinni Jayanth being the most notable.

Now the songs - a big portion of the movie's budget was spent on building sets and on song picturizations. Shankar hits and misses in equal parts. Ballelakka's picturization does not befit such a wonderful song (but Nayanthara makes the guys in the audience real happy). Also, Sahana saaral is redundant and boring - Shankar actually has women in angel dresses and fluttering white and silver wings...is that not so.....last century? duh! But Rajni simply dazzles in Vaaji Vaaji, Style, and Adhiradi kaalam. Style is especially cool - with loads of wild wigs, a white Rajni (yea really, white, and he looks pretty good!) is a treat to watch! Shreya is fabulous - she has a perfect figure, dances well, and carries off some pretty daring costumes.

Chandramukhi left me with a sense of dissatisfaction - of having watched a Rajni movie that could have almost been really good, but was not. Sivaji leaves me with no such feelings of disappointment. Cinematically, it may not be an Indian or a Baasha, but, for Rajni fans (and for many new converts), this movie is incredibly special, worth watching at least twice in the theater, and proves that Thalaivar is truly the Baasha...he is really THE Boss.