I have never seen any movie on its first day, let alone a Rajini starrer. When the tickets for Sivaji started to be sold over the internet last week, I wasn’t very inclined as I preferred to wait for the DVD. It so happened that we chose to go for a dinner at a restaurant in Harrow and next to it was the cinema screening ‘Sivaji’. Just out of curiosity, I walked in and enquired about the ticket availability and there were three for the opening show. In a rush of blood, tickets were exchanged for cash. There we were at Harrow Safari (London) at the first day, first show of the most expected and most hyped up movie of the year. We didn’t even think a bit about how our two year old Anirud would react on his first movie experience.
The movie ‘Sivaji’ opens with the scene where a hand-cuffed Rajini is arrested and taken to the prison. So many versions of the story were doing rounds ever since AVM – Shankar – Rajini teamed up for this project. Rest of the story, barring the climax happens in a flashback.
Rajini as Sivaji arrives in India from States after making lots of money there. He wants to provide free education, free medical facilities etc to all and sundry. Villain Adiseshan (Suman) doesn’t like the idea as it would affect his business (what else – medical college, hospital, university etc) and creates hurdles through his cohorts in the government. Yet, Rajini bribes all the officials and goes ahead with the construction of buildings of the above stuff. Angered Suman effects the change of government and Rajini loses every penny he had and comes to the street. How Rajini gets back and takes revenge forms the rest of the story. In between he chases Shriya, sings few duets and marries her. Also, he brings out all the black money from the fraudsters including villain Suman back and turns them into white.
Did you hear the same story line in Padayappa? Yes, you did. Does the free education stuff reminds you of ‘Gentleman’? Yes, you are right indeed. The black money stuff – you would be right in thinking that you heard the same in ‘Mudhalvan’ and ‘Indian’ in a different flavour.
The biggest drawback of Sivaji is that even a child would be able to get the story after the first five minutes. ‘Sivaji’ is a borrowed mix of ‘Padayappa’, ‘Gentleman’, ‘Indian’ and ‘Mudhalvan’. Yet, Sivaji is different. Different because Director Shankar has never bothered to bring his pet theme of ‘abolishing the black economy’ into the foreground. Instead, he filled every frame of the film with lot of Rajini-isms sprinkled with good comedy. Vivek appears in almost every scene with Rajini and has single-handedly taken care of the comedy bit. I don’t know why they chose Shriya for this role. While she does a good job of exposing her assets, I think she watches quite a lot of Tamil megaserials. Ore azhuvaachi throughout. Suman has done a neat job as villain. Raghuvaran makes a brief appearance. So does umpteen other people like Manivannan, Solomon Papiah, Carl Hooper… err… Vadivukkarasi, Mayilsamy, Chinni Jayanth etc. There was a talk about Amitabh making a guest appearance. Where was he?
The main strength of this film is Superstar’s presence in every frame. It is a fact that his presence overshadows all the exorbidant sets that are filled throughout. In most of the scenes, he appears at least 15 years young. Not many punch dialogues, but lot of stylish mannerisms – especially the way he flips the 1 rupee coin, the way he gets the bubblegum into his mouth, the way he taps his ‘mottai mandai’ would be fun to watch. I wouldn’t be surprised if our crazy fans back in TN start biting chillies after watching ‘Sivaji’.
Songs have been picturised so well. In ‘Anniyan’ Shankar painted the entire village/trucks etc. In the ‘Balleilika’ song of Sivaji, he has painted the pot bellys with the face of Rajini. Nice to watch, but so typical. SPB has once again proved how his voice makes the difference for the opening song of a Rajini film. I was a bit sceptical about the ‘Oru Koodai Sunlight’ song, but it has blended well indeed. I guess the ‘Sahana/Sahara saaral’ song would have cost the producers a lot.
To sum it up, Sivaji doesn’t disappoint. Rajini seems to know his limitations and has provided what is expected of him. Whatever his fans expect – be it a fight with 50 people, be it style, be it punch dialogues it is there. It is an expensive Rajini masala. But what does this most expensive movie in India mean for Director Shankar? Sadly, this film has once again exposed that he could not or rather would not come out of the circle he has drawn for himself.
Is Sivaji watchable? Yes!
Is Sivaji entertaining? Yes!
Does Sivaji provide value for money? Depends on how much you paid for the ticket.
On a personal note, our little one watched in awe without moving a bit, which was a big relief for us. On the way back, he was saying ‘rayyinii’, ‘ballikaaa’. Well, here comes the next generation of fans for the Super Star. Typing this at 2:25 AM hoping that this would be the first descriptive review of Sivaji in the blogosphere.
Oh yeah… Nayan Tara looked gorgeous in ‘Balleilikka’. Wonder how she became this slim.
This entry was posted on Friday, June 15th, 2007 at 2:29 am and is filed under Movies. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
June 15th, 2007 at 2:34 am
Yeah…Can def say the first review…good review indeed..wanted to watch the movie..but ended up buying tickets for the ARR show thats coming up this weekend here…I know the reasons for Nayanthara’s slimness..want to know??[:P]
June 15th, 2007 at 2:52 am
neat review… (ur review) satisfies my expectations
)
June 15th, 2007 at 2:55 am
[...] i’s pair. Lightning Strikes Everyday: Movie Review: Sivaji : 99% Style 1% Substance Chakra’s Graffiti » Blog Archive » ‘Sivaji – The Boss’ – 100% Biased review Did you hear the [...]
June 15th, 2007 at 2:57 am
Great review. Glad that you and your family liked it,especially the small KID. As long as Rajini does his thing,that all we care. we don’t care about others. We are there to see our THAILVAR. I couldn’t make it to the preimier tonight at 8 PM EST in MI due to some personal reasons.. But I will be going to see my THALIVAR Friday night. From all the reviews i read so far this is a must see RAJINI movie. Thalliva here we come…..
June 15th, 2007 at 5:00 am
I would love to see Rajini’s Mottai Thalai…but after all these initial hype wittles down may be in the second run
June 15th, 2007 at 7:38 am
This is the first review of Sivaji that I came across thru Google blog search.
Good review, i must say. With so much money at stake, i am not surprised that the Shankar-Rajani-ARR-AVM combine stuck to the ‘tried and tested’ formula of Rajini movie.
As you indicated, it is the treatment that mertis attention and judjing by your review, i am pretty confident it has hit the right notes.
chalo. we will wait for our turn to get to the movie halls here in Trivandrum, India
June 15th, 2007 at 7:56 am
[...] ன் விமர்சனமே ஆரம்பிக்குது. The biggest drawback of Sivaji is that even a child would be able to get the story after the first five m [...]
June 15th, 2007 at 8:12 am
[...] people, be it style, be it punch dialogues it is there. It is an expensive Rajini masala – Chakra Sivaji, The Flop – I hear “Rajnikant “ being compared to Amitabh Bachan in SUN NEWS. Thoug [...]
June 15th, 2007 at 8:48 am
[...] and his walks and his mannerisms have been captured in a fan like style by Shankar. Chakra opines The main strength of this film is Superstar’s presence in every frame. […]In most of t [...]
June 15th, 2007 at 9:21 am
Chakra
I thought i would be the first to let u know abt the movie..
I differ from you..i believe the film doesnt live up to the hype. I agree the ways the songs were shot is amazing..especially “Oru Kudai sunlight” when thalaivar comes in Harley..no one can do the songs soo well except Shankar and the looks of Rajni in the second half is wow.
Otherwise i think there should be better comedy in the first half..The “Pazhaga Vaanga” is too boring after a while and the climax runs for more than 30 mins..i think they dragged it too much
ANYWAYS I AM DISAPPOINTED
as the movie doesnt have the Rajni’s elements ..the punch dialogues
June 15th, 2007 at 9:22 am
but did i tell i am going to watch it again tomorrow
June 15th, 2007 at 10:11 am
Kalakiteenga Thala !
June 15th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Kathai irukkarathala full post padikala..Just last 3 para’s padichen.
First day first showaa kalaku
June 15th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Watched the movie first show, first day in Feltham. Came out of the theatre and saw about 1000 people waiting out side(9:30PM) and the guy(Gora) guarding the gate asked me “Gosh. I never seen so many people waiting for a movie. Is it worth the wait” and I said “Certainly”.
June 15th, 2007 at 11:35 am
June 15th, 2007 at 11:36 am
http://www.toondoo.com/View.toon?param=28352
Arun.
June 15th, 2007 at 11:41 am
vettiya kasa kariyakkama…. velaya parungappa….
June 15th, 2007 at 11:44 am
//On a personal note, my little one watched in awe without moving a bit, which was a big relief for us. On the way back, he was saying ‘rayyinii’, ‘ballikaaa’. Well, here comes the next generation of fans for the Super Star.//
That his success……………. how come… no one knows…. but its happenening … only for him….
Blessed man……..
June 15th, 2007 at 11:45 am
//On a personal note, my little one watched in awe without moving a bit, which was a big relief for us. On the way back, he was saying ‘rayyinii’, ‘ballikaaa’. Well, here comes the next generation of fans for the Super Star.//
That his success……………. how come… no one knows…. but its happening … only for him….
Blessed man……..
June 15th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
kalakkal review.. thanks Chakra… i definitely believed that Dubukks or you would not disappoint me in posting the review, there you go… we’ve booked tickets for sunday, is going to be a good one I guess…
June 15th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Hi Chakkra, Thanks for the review and moreover it is a relief for me and many others who are planning to take their little ones to the movie.
I totally agree with Siva, irrespecitve of what the Story is and is it believable he would defintely provide a wholesome entertainer for the family and that is his Success.
Sivaji ku Jey !!!!!!!
June 15th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hmm. I guess this is one of the advantages of being near (or in) GMTime! Guys get the first look.. because we (usa) are one day (atleast?) behind you! Nice review. BTW, did that Refill guy (Raja from Solomon pappaih’s Pattimandram group) appear anywhere? Why the hype for him – guess Shreya’s dad?
June 15th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
na…en na shreya va pidikala? unga wife unga bloga padippa nrathu naalaya?
June 15th, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Chakra,
I think this is your longest post in the recent times. Surprised!!! I think the review is good than the movie. I know what to expect in a Rajini movie. I like his style and if I could see it even after 1 year I do not mind. You did take a risk in taking Arvindh for the movie. Definitely the kids will like Rajini. Well written about how the next generation becomes a fan. LOL.. You are proving to be a good journalist.
June 15th, 2007 at 5:51 pm
//On a personal note, my little one watched in awe without moving a bit, which was a big relief for us. On the way back, he was saying ‘rayyinii’, ‘ballikaaa’. Well, here comes the next generation of fans for the Super Star.//
the answer lies in my blogspot…
yes..interview with superstar been published here…
June 17th, 2007 at 5:57 am
first day first show. cool. Inga tickets kadaikardhu is so tuff
aamam y carl hooper ?
June 18th, 2007 at 2:49 am
Good Review!,Saw the movie yest at the midnight show, standing in a line , which grew to a block in length.. its a treat for Rajni fans, but the rest of us, its a visual bonanza but a logical quest
). The only complaint i have is for ‘Balleilika’ Shankar could incorporated more tamil dancers,the girls had Orrissa headsets for Gosh Sake!!!
For the midnight show we had kids as young as young as one awake and watching, so I would say the next generation has truly started!!
June 19th, 2007 at 11:55 am
People - Thanks everyone for your comments and link up.
Me -
> na…en na shreya va pidikala? unga wife unga bloga padippa nrathu naalaya?
– Don’t you feel that Shreya was crying all the time? However, I did like her in the songs.. hehe…
June 26th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Hi,
Just glancing through all the comments, I know I am cleared out numbered, but for what its worth, I would say the movie sucks… The kind of expectations built up about the movie, its grand world-wide opening, tickets sold out in Malaysia, Japan, UK, even places like Mumbai (I had to wait for 10 days before I could get a ticket and I hear one of the movie theatres in Matunga, Mumbai has been sold out for the next 3 months !!!) are completely in contrast to the actual movie.
Nothing really worth mentioning about in the movie – its a big let down. Not worth watching even if you get a free ticket (and I got one, by the way).
Now, I can stand back & await all the brickbats to follow.
Cheers
Sita
June 28th, 2007 at 4:57 am
Honest review, chakra. I liked it. idhu varaikum ezhuthinavangha elaam onu Rajini fans, so superr nu ezhutharaangha…and other ppl complained a lot. yours is good. I agree
June 29th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Sita,
U are spot on. It is a pathetic movie. Rajini looks his age specially in the nayanthara song. The only saving grace is the sets.
The film has flopped in B&C centres in TN. It has also fallen in AP & karnataka. It is only sustaining in chennai bcos of the hype.
Poor distributors. They have been taken for a ride by AVM & shanker.
Rajini had indciated he will retire after Baba. Do that now, rajini.