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Movie : Endhiran


Language : Tamil , 2010

Genre : Sci-Fi

Director : Shankar

Cast : Rajinikanth , Aishwarya Rai

Well , what can I say . It has been a long time since I blogged , and am happy to be back with a movie very close to my heart . It does not get any bigger than this.. India’s biggest director , biggest superstar and the world’s most beautiful woman , with the country’s best musician …

Endhiran , starts off with a scientist Vaseegaran ( Rajinikanth ) , creating a humanoid robot called Chitti ( Rajinikanth ) , aiming to deploy such robots in the Army to help the forces . Things seem to be smooth , until Chitti is injected with an emotions module , which makes him similar to any other human being . Chitti then falls in love with Vaseegaran’s fiancée Sana ( Aishwarya ) , and falls into wrong hands , what happens henceforth is what Endhiran is all about.


Movies of this genre definitely warrant creative liberties . But the director has taken the term to new levels altogether . With Chitti talking with mosquitoes , helping Sana with her medical exams , shooting bullets from his fingers , this packs a punch in every sense of the word.


What will make this flick appeal to all , is the sheer magnitude of the project itself. Technically superior to any other Indian movie ever , this is one hell of a ride. Family audiences will devour the no holds barred entertainment on screen , lap it up twice , thrice and over and over again.


Comedy seems to be a bit of a letdown here , with Santhanam not doing much to set your ribs tickling with laughter . It is Chitti’s artificial intelligence , with some witty dialogues which make the viewer smile and laugh at times . Sample the scene where he teases a police constable who questions him for driving a car without a license .


The plot is not quite complex and sticks to Shankar’s fairly simple and straightforward style of storytelling . Nothing much to confuse the viewer , who is busy dropping his jaws in awe at the brilliance which unfolds on screen . Nothing to tear your brains out , a simple plot is what makes this one tick , and tick like a clock running at the speed of light , in typical Robot terms .


Negative characters are quite a few , with Danny Denzongpa playing the scheming Scientist with an eye on Chitti , hoping to turn him into a weapon of mass destruction . Sabu Cyril makes a guest appearance as a link between Danny and a global terrorist conglomerate .


However , the Robot Chitti is the darkest character . Scenes where he lusts for Sana highlight the extreme negative aspect of the character .


Acting by Rajinikanth , is something which is a big deviation from his usual movies . The gross looking hair , thanks to long hours spent in the process of creating Chitti , the solemn looking scientist Vaseegaran , does not offer the Superstar much scope to showcase his acting skills. He comes up with a subdued , yet dignified portrayal . Full marks here .


Sana , played by the gorgeous Aishwarya Rai , is a major driver to the plot , even though she does not have anything much to do on screen . She looks like a zillion dollars , and radiates beauty like never before , amply helped by some stunning costumes and truly exquisite locales for the dances. Looking at her in the “ Kaadal Anukkal “ song , almost made me fall in love with Mrs. Junior B . And am sure I was not the only guy in the audience , whose heart skipped a beat watching her blaze the screen with her Goddess like looks.


Santhanam and Karunas play Vaseegaran’s bumbling assistants , with an unexpected change of character . Danny Denzongpa does decent justice to his role as the villain , but I felt this fine actor of yesteryear could have been used better .


However , it is Chitti who steals the show , especially in the second half . How his character and mindset changes in no time , calls for applause . He carries the plot on his silicon shoulders , and it is no small burden , my friend . There are so many things that could have gone wrong in the movie , but Chitti’s antics overshadow these flaws . An absolute treat to watch .


The best thing about this would be the special effects and technology used . Scenes of such epic proportions , like the one where hordes of Rajni come together to form a Robot Army blasting everything in their path , has taken Tamil , rather Indian cinema to places never seen before . A definite pat on the back to Shankar’s vision and confidence to pull it off.


On the flip side . Few scenes could have been done away with , as they add NIL value to the plot and story . And for a diehard Rajni fan , it would come as a small disappointment , as this lacks the legendary Rajni stamp , to a large extent . Not many punch dialogues , not many unique mannerisms , as expected by the fans .

I never imagnied in my wildest dreams , that Rajinikanth would run away from a baddie who tries to rape his girlfriend . That's something Rajini "can't" do..

Something which would dampen the expectations to a small extent , but these are covered up with spectacular scenes on screen . I had to stop myself from jumping like a maniac , when a giant Robot consisting of many Chitti’s rises from the ground and stands in inimitable Rajni style and kicks a truck in its way , like David Beckham blasting a free kick into the goal post .


Music by Rahman is definitely not his best , but is pretty good no doubt , supported by stunning sets and huge production values in the song sequences . The background score could have been better and can be termed as average at best .


Shankar deserves maximum credit for his impeccable vision and guts to embark on a project of such proportions . And he has pulled it off , friends , using the Silicon Singam to maximum effect .


Some scenes will strain the vocal chords of fans , especially after the debacle of his earlier "Kuselan". The one where Chitti saves Sana from being raped , after charging himself with electricity in the middle of a train track , or the one where Rajni the Robot appears as God incarnate , in a sequence where Sana objects to loud music. These are signature Thalaivar moments . But as a Rajni devotee , I wish there were more of these . But I felt Shankar has taken this for a larger audience across geographic locations , and maybe that’s what made him cut down on the “Macho-Rajni” factor to some extent.

Shades of the classic vintage Rajni in the second half , reminiscent of Alex Pandi , will go down well with Tamil cinema fans

I will go with 3.5 / 5 as a normal movie watcher and 2.5 / 5 as a Rajni devotee . Decide which category you belong to . It does not matter , because even if you are not a Rajni fan , you have every reason to watch it. Because , you can either hate Rajni or love Rajni , but you simply cannot ignore him . Endhiran is a must watch , at least once , for its technical brilliance , if not Rajinikanth’s magic on screen . Mind it !!


Verdict : 3.5 / 5 ( Must watch )

MURATTU KAALAI - REVIEW

Murattu Kaalai ( Tamil , 1980)

Director : S.P.Muthuraman

Cast: Rajinikanth , Rati Agnihotri , Jaishankar

One of Tamil Cinema's classics , "Murattu Kaalai" , is still considered evergreen . Released in 1980 , this movie catapulted Rajni to great heights and is considered to be one of his finest movies.

The story is rather cliched , but is acceptable , considering the era in which it was made. There are 2 neighbouring villages , and Kaaliyan ( Rajni) is the best "Jallikattu " ( bull-fighting) player in the vicinity. Kaaliyan also happens to be a rather prominent person in his village , but is very down to earth. Jaishankar holds the same position in the neighbouring village , but is a stark contrast to Kaaliyan . Jaishankar lives an extravagant lifestyle , complete with goondas for sidekicks. Jaishankar 's sister , and Kaaliyan have a brief romance.

Kaaliyan , however is very affectionate towards his brothers and his entire world revolves around them . Jaishankar , decides to marry off his sister to Kaaliyan , with an eye on his land. The marriage almost gets fixed , but Kaaliyan comes to know that Jaishankar's sister wants to split the bond between the brothers. He then calls off the marriage.

What happens after that is rather predictable , and involves a dozen sub-plots , as was the trend in those days. What stands out however is some fine acting by the cast .

Rajinikanth is such a delight to watch . This movie was made much before he was crowned the "Superstar" , and although we don't get to see the trademark Rajinikanth stuff in this movie , he comes up with a very fine performance. Comic timing was his forte those days , and the comedy scenes involving him are nice. There are a few " angry young man" scenes , which highlight his acting potential.

Jaishankar and his sister don't have much scope for acting and are rather monotonous in their performances. Rati Agnihotri as , the young Kannamma , who takes refuge under Kaaliyan , to escape the clutches of Jaishankar , comes up with a decent act . Y.Gee.Mahendra , as Kaaliyan's brother , comes across as a very funny character. He makes you laugh , in almost every frame involving him.

Technically , this film was a trend setter in Tamil Cinema. The stunt sequences , were such a novelty those days. The train fight sequence is worth mentioning , and is brilliantly shot. The locations for the movie are very beautiful , replete with lakes , waterfalls, and lush green fields.

There are some brilliant scenes . The one in which Jaishankar visits Kaaliyan's place to offer his sister's hand for marriage is one of the most hilarious sequences I have come across. Watch out for Y.Gee.Mahendra's body language in this scene. And of course the bull fighting sequences. There is also a brilliant scene in which Jaishankar's sidekick whips Kalliyan's brothers. Kaaliyan's anger is portrayed in such a ruthless manner , by the Superstar.

The songs , composed by Maestro Illayaraaja, are simply amazing. Of particular importance is the "Pothuvaga En manasu Thangam" , number. This is one of the most famous songs till date , and has still not lost its appeal. The song , picturized after Kaaliyan wins the bull fighting contest , is very well shot , with some wonderful lyrics , and will remain legendary forever.

Overall , the movie is decent . The time in which it was made is an important factor. This is such a trend setting movie , and is considered to be a cult. It has been referred to in quite a fewTamil movies , the latest being "Subramaniyapuram". Although it has many cliched scenes and characters , it does not really bore you , except in a few scenes.

I will go with 3 out of 5 , for "Murattu Kaalai" , which remains one of the Superstar's finest movies till date.

Verdict: Vintage Rajinikanth. 3/5

Well, lets start off the proceedings with a review of Kuselan

Movie: KUSELAN (Tamil , 2008)


Director: P.Vasu

Cast: Rajinikanth,Pasupathy,Meena

This is not your typical Rajinikanth movie . If you are looking forward to a dozen punch dialogues , a handful , or rather , fistful , of fights , you will be disappointed , my friend. The intro scene is the highlight of any Superstar movie. This one is no exception.

The very sight of Rajinikanth , riding on a pegasus , in a Zorro costume , in the desert , to the tunes of "Cinema Cinema" , was enough to send a Thalaivar fan like me into a state of frenzy.

But before his intro , you have to endure a very slow moving and rather boring half an hour.

The movie starts off rather interestingly with certain interestingly shot frames , which show the contrasting lifestyles of the barber and the Superstar.

After this there is nothing much which happens , worth mentioning, and the audience is made to endure unwarranted torture from Livingston and his bunch of homies , in the name of comedy !!

And when Vadivelu decides to join the party , things take a turn towards the worse. Frankly i expected some rib tickling comedy , which Vadivelu is very good at normally. But Kuselan has very few comic scenes worth mentioning.

There are some very well shot scenes which manage to keep the audience interested in the movie. For instance , the one in which Pasupathy tries to meet the Superstar and ends up getting bruised in the stampede

Or, the one in which Vadivelu bumps into Rajinikanth and cant hide his feelings. The bulk of the movie , sadly,is spent in unwanted attempts at comedy.

The sentimental scenes involving Pasupathy and his family , are well intended , but get fairly annoying beyond a certain point.

The acting is very ordinary as far as Meena and the other actors are concerned
But the character of Barber Balu, who is constantly in a tight spot , is played with ease by Pasupathy . Although not as powerful as his act in " Veyyil" , this role by the talented actor is definitely worth some praise.

Ah... The Superstar himself.

Although there is not much scope for displaying the Rajinikanth phenomena which we have been accustomed to in his movies, he underplays his character , with trademark Rajinikanth elan and style.

There are loads of unwanted scenes in the movie. For instance , the voyeuristic Vadivelu ogling at a gorgeous Nayanthara. People will question my orientation if I were to say that I did not like the scene :) . But c'mon guys , this is sooooooo out of place in a Rajinikanth movie.

And P.Vasu 's attempt at self advertising could have been avoided. "Chandramukhi" need not have been re-created in Kuselan.

The music is fairly good . And the lyrics praising the Superstar are truly out of the world , and will be a treat for Rajni fans.

The climax is by far the only good thing about the movie. It is its saving grace. For people who say that Rajinikanth cant act , this will serve to be a perfect "nose cut". The pin drop silence in the theatre during the climax speech was ample proof of this , as a few lines which he delivers frankly would have brought the roof down. The climax is a tear jerker in every sense of the word. And for his fans , who will be able to correlate the dialogues to the Rajni in real life , will truly experience the Rajni magic in the climax scenes.

On the whole , this movie is a huge disappointment . We know this was always meant to be a small role for the Superstar , and I don't grouse that fact. But the movie could have been much better if many scenes had been shelved .

The execution of such a good story , falls flat on its face. I have not seen the original version "Katha Parayumbol" , but am sure the Tamil version is a poor attempt in comparison.

We had promised that there will be no room for bias in our reviews , and Kuselan is a stellar example . Even though we are MAJOR fans of Thalaivar , we will go with 1.5 out of 5 for this sorry excuse of a movie that is Kuselan. Thalaivaaa... waiting for "Sultan".

Verdict : Don't waste your time . Unless you are a Rajni fan. 1.5 / 5