Film: Sivaji: The Boss

Director: Shankar

Producer: AVM

Music Director: A.R Rahman

Cast: Rajnikanth, Shriya Saran, Vivek, Manivannan, Vadivukkarasi, Suman, Uma Padmanabhan

Rating: 4/5

The unexplained phenomena of Rajnikanth’s magic takes over as soon as the star comes on screen and the three odd hours just zip by.

The story is not at the least poles apart from all those already told. Sivaji (Rajnikanth), an NRI from the US, decides to set up a medical college in Chennai. With the money to set it up he seeks Adi Kesavn’s (Suman) help. Realizing Sivaji would turn to being a competitor, Adi does everything in his capacity to not let Sivaji succeed. Undettered by the resistance, Sivaji gets the initial construction going, by doing what he hates most, bribing government officials.

While his work is taking its course, his uncle (Vivek) and parents (Manivannan and Vadivukkarasi) pester him to find a suitable wife. That’s when Tamilazharasi (Shriya Saran) walks into his life, soon enough the initial resistance culminates into marriage.

Although family life is smooth sailing, bureaucratic pressures and Adi’s influences, caused Sivaji’s dream project to come to a stand still. What follows is his struggle to defeat all evil and ensure his dream of seeing a bright and prosperous nation turns to reality (The beauty is in the how).

Many parts of the story have already been told many a times but it is for the first time all of it has been woven to create one brilliant plot. While the plot tackles the problem of education, corruption and bureaucracy; it is the knit of the various characters that is most intriguing. The creation of each of the characters is complete. There is background, direction and meaning to each of them, no character is created in futility.

Moreover the crisp dialogues and the infamous one liners end up making you shout with glee. Each line is ingeniously crafted to address the societal condition and the various elements Sivaji is out to tackle. References of his past works and Tamil cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan further create the impact and makes you reminisce.

Furthermore the panoramic view that is visible on screen enhances the experience a million fold. The camerawork is slick and the editing even better. Each shot is well crafted and the camera alternates to show the actions from every possible angle. Clearly enough, music is the integral part of the film and its placement adds volume and depth to each action, punch and dialogue.

Even though the film is extravagant and overindulgent, it isn’t loud. It is the treatment that separates this film from the rest. The styling of the characters is first rate. While all is good, it is the graphics that seem a tad crude at times.

Though the tale is well told, this film fails to transcend the language barrier. The lack of subtitles in certain centers holds you back from thoroughly getting immersed in the film. If you understand Tamil, find yourself translating word for word to your friends beside you who don’t.

The icing on this scrumptious cake is watching Rajnikanth set the screen on fire in each scene. His acting, body language and dialogue delivery has your jaw hanging in awe. Saran proves her mettle yet again, she essays her character with sincerity (can’t wait to see her in Awarapan). Manivannan, Vadivukkarasi, Suman and Padmanabhan perform their roles extremely well. Vivek’s comic timing and acting is fantastic as well.

Everything working in its favor, it is but obvious the film is a box office diamond. All you need to do is keep the calculator out to keep adding the numbers. Sadly though, the business could have been far more only if all the prints in the Bombay circuit and other territories carried subtitles.

The enormity of the wave the film hits you with is unequaled. Irrespective of the fact whether you understand the language or not, the film positively cannot be missed. Surf the wave called Sivaji: The Boss.