Sivaji Movie Reviews

Sivaji - The Boss

Sivaji has been the buzz word in all circles ranging between anything we can imagine. The movie ahem the jet pack with 4 propellers Rajinikanth, Shankar, AR Rehman and AVM productions took off faster than any other movie did in all the places it was released and it has been reported that it already amassed huge collections even before it actually hit the screens on July 15.We need to mention a special thanks to the advanced bookings which started a week prior to the actual release date which saved us from the stampede and the long waits we generally have for a film with such huge expectations.

To be brief, what we see in the movie is Sivaji (Rajinikanth) who fulfills his 25 year old dream to provide free education and medical facilities to everyone and our usual dose of love soup and comedy pop. If you are not content with the plot go ahead and read further. If you are a diehard movie buff who doesn’t want to miss any thrill then stop reading and get the tickets …

Now let’s do it more elaborately,

The opening is pretty unusual, It starts right from the titles and whoa you are in for a surprise … you won’t see the usual Sivaji logo which you might be following all these days but an old normal typeface, may be this is intentional to celebrate AVM 60 years anniversary and to add it up you won’t get to see Rajini right away . You are dragged to the edge of the seats just to get the first glance of Rajini which many of us wait eagerly. The movie starts with Sivaji (Rajini) handcuffed and taken into custody by CBI. Once in his cell the person in the next asks Sivaji why he is in and Sivaji narrates and the majority of the story, barring the climax happens in a flashback. Sivaji arrives in India from United Stated after making lot of money as a software engineer there. He returned to India to provide free education and medical facilities to everyone in India. Villain Adiseshan (Suman) doesn’t like the idea as it would affect his business (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. One of the highlights is how he brings out all the black money from the fraudsters including villain Suman back and turns them into white.

Rajinikanth is yet again back with a bang, a bang as loud as you can imagine and as far as it can reach. Sivaji is another priceless possession in the evergreen pouch of our Superstar. His stardom is clearly evident with the amount of response he gets with every movie, and Sivaji is no lesser example to prove it again. Looking younger by decades as though travelled by a time machine, Superstar looks ravishing and has given out a spell binding performance. In his tonsured(Motta) role, he even makes us forget the La ka la ka la ka. He is an epitome of style and his walks and his mannerisms have been captured in a fan like style by Shankar. His histrionics just bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. His histrionics especially when he donned various characters are truly something only Rajni can manage. The main strength of this film is Superstar’s presence in every frame. It is a fact that his presence overshadows all the exorbitant 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’.

Shankar is a master in bringing out social issues through his script and packaging it in a commercial way. The message in the movie and the final slides on the screen as names roll by is something every Indian would dream for. Shankar, as we know is a perfectionist and doesn’t hesitate in acquiring the most advanced technology to make his films. Sivaji is no exception. Every technical department of the film is perfect. Make up is the highlight of the film; Rajnikanth appeared in various styles which are certain to be a hit with the masses. A special mention for the tonsured look in the climax, it is wonderful to see a top actor take his chances and pull them off successfully. ‘Sivaji’ seems to be a borrowed mix of ‘Padayappa’, ‘Gentleman’, ‘Indian’ and ‘Mudhalvan’. ‘Anniyan’ the previous movie from Shankar has shades of ‘Indian’ and ‘4 Students’. Hope Shankar comes with something clean next time. 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. The songs picturisation has always been Shankar's forte and he proves that again. Balalaika has Nayantara looking hot and the scenes are so pleasing to the eyes. Sahara and the glass tower look ravishing and Shreya is SUPER DUPER HOT in Vaaji Vaaji song. Athiradee and Style song is every RAJINI fan's dream come true. Wonderful use of CG in both the songs. Shankar or ARR has been so clever in using the Theme song .Style song and Adhiradi song graphics are top class (Both are fantasy songs and they sure have unrealistic sequences which is why you have CG in the first place).

Rahman's songs have already stuck on to the top of the charts and would sure stay on for some more time with the visuals out now. He has done a wonderful work with the BGM and especially Blaaze proves why he is Rahman's favorite. The BGM music which resembles one of the songs is too good to hear.

Sujatha's dialogues are another added strength to the movie. Scene where Suman makes fun of Rajini is another gem by Sujatha. Magic with little words and its Sujatha for you.

Heroines in Rajini and Shankar movies have always been mostly for glamour. Here too Shreya fits the bill perfectly and does a fantastic job at that. In addition she does have some scenes to prove her acting and she does a good job.

Vivek's rockbottom career is going to be revived with this movie where he is there with Rajini in most of the scenes. Office Room comedy scenes and La Ka La Ka scenes STAND OUT!! He even has a couple of punch dialogues. Vivek was stupendous and there is no dialogue of his that failed with the crowd. His chemistry with Rajni is perfect. Their comedy together is a vital part of Sivaji. Vivek’s dialogues don’t seem like they were written, they feel like it was just Vivek’s timing.

Suman has been a revelation in terms of Villain. Speaking fewer words and with no over the board shouting, he has done a wonderful job and looks menacing. The confrontation scenes b/w Rajini and Suman are a highlight of the movie. Suman is good as the bad guy always opposing Sivaji, a very important role any time if you are opposing Rajni.

Raghuvaran had a very small yet very crucial role to play.

All the other characters were cast perfectly.

Now the constraints, the screenplay was pretty fast but the shift between the hands between Shankar and the Fight Master is clearly visible, the fight sequels looked really really dragged out and there could some clipping. The movie has us at the edge of the seat thought out but this dragging made it a bit, a very little bit relax.

Sivaji - Pera ketta chumma Adhirudhilla

Some news from the grapevine:

1. The Chennai city rights have gone for a whopping Rs.6.5 crore and this is the highest for any movie for City rights. The City rights have gone to one of the biggest movie industry Celebrities based in Chennai and the industry goes by his sharp acumen and fine financial engineering skills. In fact it is said he has triggered the Sales. theatres are releasing 4 shows each every day.
2. The Coimbatorians did not want to be left behind Chennai and raised the bar to Rs.9 crore.
3. The estimated business done is likely to be about Rs.100 crore!!! Whoop - mind boggling.
4. The bookings have been done for 10 days already for all shows in all theatres.
6. Today’s newspaper says that IT companies are booking en masse for their employees. A new word has begun in corporate world - movie sop (like ESOP).
7. Director Shankar used 2500 junior artists for the introduction scene of Rajnikanth.
8. A huge set of glass house was built to shoot Sahana song.
9. 4K DI (Digital Intermediate) digital camera is used for the first time in India for this film.
10. Helium Balloon light is used to shoot a song. The crew has to use 13 helium cylinders for the lighting.
11. The team of Shankar saw important footages of most of Rajnikanth’s films since his debut in 1975. They found that Rajnikanth looked best in Padikkadavan (1985) film. Then Shankar summoned the make-up artist to come up with a similar hairdo for Rajnikanth 22 years later.
12. Rajnikanth donned 15 different hair styles for this film. He also tonsured his head and shaven off his mustache for a get-up in this film. A make-up artist from France is flown in for this purpose.
13. A few songs of this film are shot in USA and Spain.
14. Soundarya - daughter of Rajnikanth - supervised the 600 scenes of Computer Graphics work that lasts for 50 minutes in this film. It took over an year to do this CG work.
15. Bellamkonda Suresh is said to have bought the Telugu remake rights (excluding satellite, overseas, ringtones, audio etc) for a whopping 14 crore. It is also learnt that this film is sold for 20 crore in AP (4 crore for Ceded, 6.75 crore for Nizam and 9 crore from Andhra).
16. The film is India's most expensive film to date reportedly made with a budget of Rs. 65 crore, directed by India's most expensive director Shankar (reportedly charges Rs. 8 crore per film).
17. Rajinikanth has been paid Rs. 15 crore plus share in the profits which will easily take his earnings to anywhere between Rs. 25 crore to Rs. 30 crore!

Only goes to show how far behind the Hindi film industry is compared to their Southern counterparts and which makes people laugh when the Hindi movie stars and producers start talking about matching Hollywood. We get an impression as if they first need to match the Southern biggies before they even start of aiming for Hollywood. Watch the movie even if you don't understand a word of Tamil to see why Rajini is the real boss!
Sivaji Music Review - Rahman delivers, big time

People talk of the pressure of expectations on Sachin Tendulkar whenever he steps out to bat in Indian colours. But spare a thought for A R Rahman too. The Mozart of Madras is in no less unenviable position. Every time a film's audio for which he has scored music is out, the whole world sits up to listen. And for Sivaji, the pressure is three-fold, as he has to satisfy his own fans, that of Rajinikanth and Shankar too. In such a situation, when you have constituencies to live up to, the music inevitably is populist.

In Sivaji, Rahman's music works at two levels ' as he shows glimpses of his own splendid arrangement-orchestration skills. The second is in smart packaging in an effort to live up to the myriad demands of diverse sections.

The seven tracks in the album don't fit in a particular genre. And that is to be expected. Some of them appeal instantaneously. And some, like many Rahman numbers, take time to settle down. Mass elements are inevitably there. It is to Rahman's credit (and genius) that he has managed to incorporate melody within the ambit of rhythm-based numbers.

Balelakka: SPB, Raihanah, Benny & Chorus

Lyrics: Na. Muthukumar

A Rajini introduction song is a non-negotiable instrument of sorts. It has to have SPB belting it out with his unmistakable gusto. It has to have some pulsating beats. It must make you snap the fingers and tap the foot. This song makes you do all that and plus some more. SPB is amazing with his breath-controlled rendering. This man never ceases to amaze us. He might be over 60. But who would say that after listening to this number. The interludes and the rhythms give an extra pep to the proceedings. Raihanah (Rahman's sister) and Benny also chip in with their best. Muthukumar's lyrics set out in typical fashion.

Style: Rags, Tanvi, Suresh Peters, Blaaze

Lyrics: Pa Vijay
The song works in many ways as it has a variegated pattern to it. As the initial words suggest, the song talks of style, which is the essence of Rajini. But Rahman, as he is wont to, has worked the tune in a slightly recondite way, in that it moves around an attractively bewildering manner. You have Blaaze letting out his typical staccato rap bits while Suresh Peters bungs in his anglicized rendering. And suddenly, almost catching you unawares, you have Tanvi chipping in with a beautiful morsel in traditional Tamil. Though the song is multi-dimensional, it works, especially with its surprise swerves and Rahman's mastery over arrangements. Style is in Rajini and Rahman too.

Vaaji Vaaji: Hariharan, Madhushree & Chorus.

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

Perhaps this will be the anthem of the State for some time to come. Musically, the song may have nothing new. But Rahman's genius lies in packaging. Building layer by layer, he lets the song rise up like a beautifully created skyscraper that is high on both aesthetics and utility. Rahman has made Hariharan croon in a un-Hariharan-like manner. Perhaps that maybe the trick that makes the song work and makes Vairamuthu's lyrics stand out in beautiful relief. Madhushree is adequate without being anything extraordinary. The tempo and the beats make this a good mass song.

Athiradee: AR Rahman, Sayanora

Lyrics: Vaali

This is straight away Rahman turf. The man knows which song to pick and sing. His nasal twang may not appeal the first time. But they just take control of you over a period of time. Athiradee does. The lyrics are unabashedly Vaali as he plays to the gallery big time. But his smart mind chisels out interesting lines. Vaali deserves special plaudits for his ability to think in sync with the modern generation. The rollicking beats and the guitar ensemble give a good edifice for the song as Rahman gives it all he has. As a singer, Rahman has also improvised, and innovated, with his voice. The effect is ethereal. The song takes time to take effect on you, but once it does it doesn't vanish. That's Rahman effect for you. A high-octane song.

Sahana: Udit Narayanan, Chinmayee

Lyrics: Vairamuthu
When it comes to Tamil words, Udit Narayanan's tongue becomes a knife of sorts as they (words) are chopped mercilessly. But here you will almost forget that failing as the song and its inherent melody fill you in a cool embrace. Chinmayee is Rahman's big weapon. He uses her for songs that deserve something special. Right from Kannathil Muthamittal we have been seeing that. Here too the young girl sings with a rare elan which comes from the combination of talent and intelligence. Chimayee's speciality is that she is no one-type singer. She can deliver according to the needs. The Rahman interlude (in voice) adds a special mystique appeal to the number. A honey-dipped flower. That is this song for you.

The Boss: Blaaze, Naresh Iyer, Raqueeb Alam

Lyrics: Na.Muthukumar, Blaaze

Probably the theme number. Or a kind of leitmotif in the movie. The song has its limitations as it is perhaps situational. The lyrics too are puerile as the words are forced and stretch for effect. The rap bit is on expected lines. Naresh Iyer dulcet voice manages to leave a mark even in this small piece.

Sahara: Vijay Yesudas, Gomathi Sree & Chorus

Lyrics: Vairamuthu

This seems to be a modulated version of the Sahana song. But what a beauty it is. Rahman's mastery is all pervading. He has fused a variety of ideas into this one number and his unquestionable brilliance with soft instruments show up elegantly. The way he has got Gomathi Sree slip in that Thirupavai bit underscores his virtuosity. And she also rises to the occasion quite brilliantly. But the song-stealer is Vijay Yesudas. The young man shows that he is well and truly on the way to filling the perch that once belonged to his illustrious dad. Vijay is very soothing and pleasing in this number. When he and a tiny flute join forces, you could almost feel heaven A fitting finale to a rocking album.

To be sure, there will be different opinions on the songs. There will be carping critics who will pronounce that the album doesn't measure to usual Rahman standards. But you have to take into consideration the situation that Rahman was working under.

All things considered, you can unequivocally say that Rahman has delivered.

Sivaji songs will be heard for a long, long time.