Sivaji Review

Wow!! I watched Sivaji!! First preview show of my life. I am all thrilled about just that and not the movie. It was definitely enjoyable but I expected much more than what I saw on screen. It was more like Perarasu movie than a Shankar movie.

Sivaji (obviously Rajnikanth!) is a Software Professional (whatever is his designation) who returns to India from the USA. He is amazed to see all those tall skyscapers and shopping malls in India. When he thinks India is metamorphosing fast into a developed country, there is this begger woman who knocks on the mirrow of his expensive Benz begging for alms. Now, he wants to do something for his country. He thinks giving people free education is the only way to destroy poverty in the country. He decides to invest all his money (200 C!!) that he made in the US to build a University that provides education from the pre-school to Ph.D all in one campus - FREE! As usual his efforts are hampered by corrupt politicians who make education a big time business. Before the interval of the movie, Rajnikanth becomes a pauper, thanks to the Indian bureacracy, and is left with just Re. 1. The rest is obvious. How Rajni fights against all odds to transform the country is what lies in the second half of the movie.

Vivek is a real winner in the movie. The first half is full of fun and frolic except for the scenes were they portray black skin to be ugly. This could have been avoided. Die hard Rajni fans would have been disppointed with his introduction scene. The introduction of Vijay in Sivakasi was much better! Also, the picturization of Ballelaka song could have been better. Rajni looks 20 years younger than he is throughout the movie, especially in the second half. For a change, the punch lines have been delivered by Vivek instead of our own Rajni. I was awestruck by the picturization of the songs. One of the best art directions I have ever seen. For a change, the heroine (Shriya) has some good role to play in a movie unlike many other movies in which the heroine appears in just 3 songs and 2 or 3 scenes! Rajni's styles are mind blowing - real challenge for the Newtons laws! There has been a commendable amount of brainstorming from the movie maker crew to create new styles. Finally, thanks to Rajnikanth for not endorsing smoking!

Overall, it was a "cooool" experience watching Sivaji. It was lots of fun after all that Sivaji fever. Deep in heart I had feeling that after all the hype it might turn out to be another Baba. Good! It didnt! Its worth watching the movie once if you are a Rajni/Shankar fan. If one expects a solid story line, it may not be your cup of tea.