Sivaji Review

Synopsis

Even before the release of the movie, its subject is known to all. True to the pre-release leak, Software engineer and NRI Sivaji (Rajnikanth) comes from the US with about Rs. 200 crores – for setting up a No-donation university and a free hospital for the poor. Sanction of government permits to Sivaji's target is made difficult by his opponents. Soon, Sivaji finds that bribe is the most common malady in government offices. Later, he comes out with a personal detection. India with its Rs 20,00,000 crores of black money is not a poor country. His action plan is clear: To get the details of hoarding black money by the government officials and Ministers and then blackmailing them to have his share, which he would utilize only for the good. Adiseshu (Suman), an influential but commercialized educationist always tries his level best to kill Sivaji. The war between the two heats up and the result is the murder of Sivaji. But a friend of Sivaji (Rajnikanth) comes from the US and takes over Sivaji's charity foundation, besides forcing fatal vengeance on Adiseshu. He also continues his battle against black money. Is he the Sivaji himself in disguise? Naturally, yes.

Artistes Performance

Rajnikanth has given wonderful performance with different getups. Maximum is extracted from the superstar in the dance division. His mannerisms – taking chewing gum into his mouth (the piece so thrown would hit his palm and jumps into his mouth) – is a good watch. The same mannerism is repeated in different types. His getups, particularly as a white and NTR, are done carefully. The climax getup with tonsured head and stylish beard comes as a surprise. His dialogues and contribution of comedy are a major plus point. In short, Rajnikanth shoulders the entire weight of the film.

Shriya looks charming as usual. However, she didn't get any special chance to perform, except for song and dance. The long absence of Shriya from Tollywood due to providing of bulk dates to director Shankar has led to a surmise that she would have been given an important role, which is not here.

Suman played the main villain. Sporting white dhoti and khaddar shirt, he is shown as the representative of those who find education a lucrative business.

Vivek played the friend of Rajni. His comical performance is routine. There is not much scope for Vivek to do the comedy, as Rajni himself handled it.

Manivannan and Vadivukkarasi played the parents to Rajni. The episodes in which they seek alliance for their son are interesting.

Raghuvaran did the role of a heart specialist, who has no direct link with the main story.

Nayantara appears in an item song (first song). Her dance is a good watch with lot of hip shakes.

Technical Values

Story of the film is not only an NRI tryst with education sharks, but also an attack against the black money in India. The story seems to treading the path of a Tagore, when the hero gets to investigation on the bank account and audit details. The subject (or say the message) is not dealt completely, but in bits and pieces. The movie has not reached the expectations of the audience when they look at the overall output of Rajni-Shankar combination. That too for the first time!

Screenplay is good. Comedy scene followed by a serious scene seemed the set formulae. The first half runs smoothly and the second half runs on a slow note, but for Rajni's part.

There is mixed response to the songs and music by AR Rehman. All the songs are dream songs, each showing Rajni in a new getup. The first song with more than 2000 junior artistes in the backdrop is shot richly. Rajni's steps as NTR, Chiranjeevi and ANR are a good watch.

Comedy is all right. Except for Rajni and Vivek combine comedy, there is very little or nothing special in this department.

Dialogues are a highlight in the film. Rajni's mannerism – Cool – said repeatedly is trendy. A couple of one-liners – "Pandulu gumpugaa vasthayi, kaani Simham okkate vasthundi." (Pigs come in groups, but Lion strikes singly) and "Manam eppudu chasthamo theliste ika jeevitham narakam" (When we come to know when we will die, life becomes a hell) – are good.

Shankar's direction is known for grandeur in all segments. Picturisation of songs, costumes and locations are rich.

Stunts are done with overdose of graphics. The chase and dash sequence with cars is good, but turns monotonous and unconvincing. Similarly, the climax fight is visualized in a good manner. As the hero and villain fight, the currency notes are spilled all over (signifying the hero's victory over black money). This sequence too is shot at length, which has lost the punch.

Graphic work deserves a mention. Much of this element is limited to aerobics of Rajnikanth in the air when he fights out the baddies. There are two interesting visuals: Blacktopping of roads before Rajni as he walks; and the setting of educational institution as the students walk on the campus.

Generally, there will be lot of importance to sentiment in almost all Rajnikanth's movies. Here, Shankar seems to have completely ignored this commercial element. The horoscope sentiment and its curious turn are conceived in poor taste.

Cinematography is excellent. Production values of AVM are tremendous.

Final Verdict :

The movie is opened to terrific collections. The lone strength of the movie is superstar Rajnikanth. Hence, its success rate is open for a debate.