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Rajni Rocks, Shivaji Is So-So

APK | June 15, 2007

Rating: **.5 (***** Very Good, **** Good, *** Fair, ** Average, * Bad)

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Cast: Rajnikant, Shriya, Suman, Vivek, Vadivukkarasi, Manivannan, Raghuvaran, Nayanatara and Others.
Action: Peter Hein.
Art: Thota Tharani.
Audiography: AS Lakshmi Narayanan.
Choreography: Prabhudeva, Raju Sundaram, Lawrence & Brinda.
Cinematography: KV Anand.
Dialogues: Sree Ramakrishna.
Editing: Anthony.
Lyrics: Bhuvanachandra, Kulasekhar & Suddala Ashok Teja.
Music: AR Rehman.
Co-Director: AR Gandhi Krishna.
Story, Screenplay & Direction: Shankar.
Presenter: Bellamkonda Suresh.
Producer(s): M. Saravanan & MS Guhan.
Banner: AVM Productions.
Release Date: 15th June, 2007.

Shriya and Rajnikant

One of the biggest stars of Indian cinema and a trendsetting director-the combination set fans and audiences into a tizzy. Shivaji, setting records even before its release, is perhaps the most highly anticipated movie of this year. Alas, as it is bound to happen, sky high expectations bring slight disappointment. Read on.

Plot Shivaji returns from the US with the intention of establishing schools, colleges and hospitals for the poor. The officials, from clerks to ministers, ask for their share in the pie. Fed up after facing hurdle after hurdle, he decides to tackle it uniquely. Adishesu runs a medical college and hospital, minting money and wanting Shivaji out of his business. A master plan is launched to eliminate black money from the country, and Shivaji becomes The Boss of the system.

Story, Screenplay and Direction In the first half we see Shivaji trying in earnest to help the poor, and his love story also is in focus. There are good songs, good humor and factors like editing, dialogues and screenplay make it an interesting watch. The second half begins on a high note, but as it proceeds, it drags like never before. Even Rajni's style and charm can only push the movie a little, the rest depends on the screenplay. And it falls short at this very place.

There is very little logic in the climax. Facts about electrocution, CPR and others are distorted and used for the movie. The expectation that a viewer has after watching the first half falls terribly short. Rajni shines through from the first frame, Vivek gets his share of the limelight, Suman looks the part and Shriya cries a lot (though she looks pretty in the songs).

Rajnikant

Shankar displays his prowess while handling crowds. The biggest disappointment to someone who likes his work is that Shivaji seems like a mishmash of Aparichitudu, Gentleman, Bharateeyudu and Oke Okkadu. Rajni-Shankar Combo could have done wonders, but it didn't.

The comedy generated when Shriya tells him he is dark and he tries to become pale is good as is the Chandramukhi dance Shriya does. The three action sequences, one in a music shop, the other in a drive-in theatre and one more on the roof of a college are good, but the last one drags heavily.

Rajni Act to Mimic: He throws his chewing gum to his palm and it rebounds into his mouth (inspired from a Jackie Chan flick Armour of God). 1 rupee coin is flicked Rajni-ishtyle.

Dialogues of the Fortnight: Cool, shit, nuts! Yes, Rajni's quotes. 'Na Dari Rahadari' from Narasimha is replaced by 'Na Dari Simhapudari'. To Suman's cronies he says 'Pandule gumpuga ostai, simhan okkate ostundi'. Rajni asks his mother 'Amma nannu nallaga enduku puttinchav?' To which his mother replies 'Tellaga unte masipotav ani nanna'.

Rajnikant and Shriya

Performances Rajni rocks from South India to Japan, and one has to watch his movies to know why he is a superstar. Love him, worship him or hate him, no one can ignore Rajnikanth. Gimmicks and his aura apart, he is an excellent entertainer. Shriya has little to do, but she is convincing. Suman fits the part, though adds nothing to it. Vivek gets lots of humorous quotes. Raghuvaran puts in a cameo.

Song and Dance Extravagant sets, elaborate costumes, Rehman's funky tunes and good photography make the songs a good view. Rajnikanth is stiff now, but charismatic all the same and Shriya dances well. 'Belleilakka' with Nayanatara is good.

Last Word With loopholes in the script and lack of logic in the climax, Shivaji disappoints as it drags in a highly anticipated second half. It's an average movie on the whole, while Rajni fans have to wait one whole year to feast their eyes on another celluloid extravaganza.