For all those who are aware, Sivali releases worldwide today, and I was very fortunate to catch the show on the first day.I can only sum the movie up in one word - "Cool".
I wont reveal much about the movie here, as I do not wish to spoil much of your entertainment.Sivaji was given so much hype by the media, and expectations were building to a level never seen before by indian cinema.Never have I seen such expectation off any Indian movie, and do check any cinema news overseas in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UK, US, and you shall see the magnitude of hype surrounding this film.
Ok, first of all- to all Shankar movie lovers, and for those who love Shankar’s style of story telling, my advise to you is to cool it off.You wont find what you are looking for here.well, at least 30% maybe.
To all die-hard fans of Rajnikanth - This is what you have been waiting for.Rajnikanth is back with his inimitable style.No matter how old he may be, his style, charisma, charm, humor and talent will never ever fade.He definitely proves that he is the most stylish and original actor around, who doesnt have to stoop low to gain acceptance.He does what he does best, and this film is all about "Brand Rajni".
Ok, back to the story, The movie is about Sivaji, a rich NRI, who brings all his money to India to build free hospitals and colleges, however, he faces lots of obstacles from bureaucracy, politicians and rivals. He is left bankrupt, and his main rival gives him 1 rupee as "beggar money". How our hero comes back and wins in the end is the rest of the story. Shreya is Tamilchelvi, a very decent tamil girl who is exceptionally glamorous in songs. Her role is limited, but is more than any other heroines of rajni’s recent movies.
This is a Rajni film directed by Shankar, and NOT Rajni acting in a Shankar film.So, I should say in terms of story and screenplay and the sequences are executed, it is no Indian, Muthalvan or Anniyan.Shankar has taken the film more or less like a tribute to Rajnikanth and tamil cinema.If you are a dieha.His trademark grandiose songs, and unbelievable fight scenes are present, and his message this time deals with corruption and black money, something which he has tackled many times before.However, even as a Rajni film, his larger than life image is not capitalised too much here, a la Baasha or Padayappa.He still is a director’s actor, and it seems that shankar was overly careful on making his film a blend of Rajni and Shankar, that there was compromise on both sides.Technically the film brought out the best of all those involved, and with CG and special effects, it was a treat to watch.
the film’s screenplay lags a bit at parts.The love scenes and action scenes were thrown in without good measure, and this spoilt the flow at some parts. Just when certain action scenes were beginning to interest the viewer, some other love scene is shoved in and this takes the pace away. But it doesnt happen too much, so it wont affect the quality of the film much.Another minus are the scenes involving a train and a "defibrillator".watch it and you’ll know why.
Coming back to Rajni.He carries the whole movie on his back, and he delivers.The comedy that he performs with vivek, no other actor would dare to do and get away with it like he does.The way they spoof fellow actors and re-enact famous scenes from tamil cinema, is just too good.The way Rajni tries to woo Shreya is funny, and the "white" scenes are a treat to watch.Rajni is never afraid to try new things, and this is so evident in this film.He has gone for a total image makeover, while retaining his style and charisma.For those who fail to understand why people like to watch Rajni, watch Sivaji and you will understand why.His screen presence is amazing and his style is just.toooooooo good.
A R Rahman has disappointed us a bit with the background score, though it could have been a bit more polished in the first half. The stunts are purely for the front benchers.The songs serve as a delight to voyeurs of Shreya, and Rajni does try to shake a leg here and there.The interesting thing is that Rajni is more "Touchy-feely" with Shreya than he had ever been with other heroines from his recent films, and I dont blame him:D .Watch out for the "retro prelude" to the Athiradee song
All in all, you pay for a ticket, and get a complete entertainment package for 3 hours plus.More so if it is a Rajni Film.What the hell are you waiting for? Go!