Relief seems to be the first word must have come to the minds of Shankar and Rajinikanth after the FDFS (first day first show). The butterflies in the stomach must have fly now over their heads as the cash registers are ringing and money and appreciations started pouring from all quarters. Strangely the BABA syndrom which was remembered and reminded by only few. Others never seem to worry about the result of the fated film, just thronged the theatres from the wee hours of friday.
It was 6.30 in the morning I reached the theatre and the parking space is full and no fans at sight. Everyone occupied their seats never wanted to miss even the censor card. Anxious ticket holders waited for their companions to come, cursing their fate for waiting outside when all the fun and frolic is happening inside. The whistles and cat calls, and thalaivaas' increased the blood pressure of those waiting outside literally and figuratively. The much expected and supremely hyped Enthiran is going to run infront of the screen before them. Does the film fulfilled the expectations of overexpected (always) rajinikanth fans?. Rajinikanth is like a tendulkar of sorts as every match we expect sachin score a ton which might not happen. Every three years when rajini film hit the theatres we expect the fireworks and a brand new success which could match only the earlier rajinikanth film. How is Enthiran?
Now that the story is out let us not revel on that aspect. As Dr Vaseegaran ( Rajini ) makes Chitt - the robot ( rajini ) a look alike robot who he wanted to dedicate to the army to fight the enemies ( or to assist the army ) got stumbled by the treacherous Superior Bohra ( Danny Denzongpa ) installed the human emotions programme to make it almost human from humanoid. Trouble starts when chitti started developing a passion for Sana ( Ishwarya Rai Bacchan- but who is not) and all hells broke loose when Dr Vaseegaran hit with jealousy pangs and Chitti fall into the wrong hands become Chitti - the villain. In the end all ends well but not for Chitti.
This one liner ( or a multi liner ) story developed into an exciting screenplay, mixed with mind blowing special effects, gravity defying stunts, animatronics, Bombs and cars explode, Glasses shattered and we can say the second half itself as a climax. Yes, We have not seen a climax this long runs almost 50 minutes with full of action.
The fans are in for a treat from the first frame as they ( we ) are watching Rajini in a double avatar. Playing a Robot came naturally to him and his fast paced diction adds pep to the role. But Dr Vaseegaran he could have done better both with make up, body language, expression and action. The growing up of beard then and there gives him an avoidable look. Only to justify a dialogue written by late Sujatha " leavukku vantha rishi maathiri irukke " he grows beard it seems. Sujathas' participation is very much appreciated but his demise is a major cause the film lags in certain portions. He could have certainly added the flavour on talkie portions in the second half where Shankar has no other way but to rely the CG work rather than the projection of human emotion. Certainly the tussle between Vaseegaran and Chitti would be a treat to watch if the team scratched their heads for few interesting scenes between them on the love affair.
The abrupt start of the overstretched climax gave the necessary adrenalin pumping but the effort The BOSS had in the last 10 minutes of Sivaji sorely missed here. Afterall we all used to rajini doing certain thing unimaginable, implausible things on screen only because he is rajini. The robot avatar given him enough leeway on this and added to Shankars imagination on destructive power of robot the last 30 minutes we sat is sheer awe. Awestruck and jaw dropping action sequences a never before in any of Indian movies certainly the highlight of the film. The balcony circle society tend to compare this with matrix, terminator and other hollywood block busters. No comparisons please, when the same team work together for a tamil movie we should accept Rajini as we accepted Arnold and Keanu reaves.
Performance wise Rajini literally has given a lot for this movie but his style, mannerisms, magnetism and charisma were underutilised. Whenever he get a chance he enthralls and swept us completely. Check out for his tone "Robo" and the maaaaaaaaaaaaaaay". Less said about Ishwarya the better. Danny didn't have much chance to exhibit his villainy after Rajini take over that part too. A forgettable outing for him.
Shankars' dream project took life with the larger than life image of Rajinikanth and after watching the film we can surely say only Rajinikanth will make the project workable and viable. The other two actors who considered for the job would have done different but the end product and result might not be so staggering as this. Randys' camera breathes life to this celluloid magnum opus, promptly aided by Anthonys' editing and Oscar winner Rehman. The much talked about RR during climax doesnt seem to have an effect as the sounds of the bullets and bombs sabotage the background music. Songs are exception and a sheer delight.
All said and done Enthiran is a sure winner of cash across the country and it is difficult to recreate the Enthiran's Magic by any other actor. But of course all of Rajinis records were broken only by Rajini himself. Collections apart he just brings us into senses during the two minute climax by his monologue and strong message to one and all. We all love that rajini and his films. We expect an out and out rajini masala next time.
What do you say.
Mathu
