Let me start this review by saying, I’m just as much a Rajnikanth fan as anyone else. I love the man just as much now, at 65, as I did when he was at his prime. So I totally understand the Kabali-mania that’s sweeping through the nation at the moment.
With that said, this movie just did not do it for me. Someone hit the nail right on the head when they called it ‘hype covered nonsense’. I can’t help but wonder if the actor, I was once so in awe of, is starting to lose his charm. The only time I got goosebumps during the entire film was during his entry scene. I expected so much more. He’s THE ‘thalaiva’ for crying out loud!
The movie had its share of highs but just as many, if not more, let downs. The story was so far-fetched it made me cringe at times (but that was expected). There were too many ‘out there’ moments that just didn’t look or feel organic at all. I’m all for believing in the unbelievable but I just can’t help but laugh when someone who’s been shot/stabbed repeatedly is prancing around like Mary Poppins a few scenes later.
The performances overall were just okay. Rajini sir was glamorous as always, but that might have worked against him this time. Too much style, not enough substance. The director has clearly taken advantage of his old tricks which I don’t think do him justice anymore. For an actor of his caliber, I really wish he would do more mature roles. I know all the true Rajini fans will probably hate me for saying that, but I know many others agree with me on this. I realize he’s one of the few people who can actually pull off this kind of role, without looking corny, but to do it convincingly is another story. That’s the biggest letdown of this film. He convinced me he was ‘Kabali’ but failed in so many other aspects of his character. The role of a husband yearning for his long-lost wife…the role of a father who never got the chance to hold his newborn baby girl. That ‘swag’ he’s known for couldn’t help him there.
Radhika Apte as Kumudhavalli was commendable. I especially enjoyed the climax scene where she is reunited with her husband. Her reaction upon meeting him after 25 years will drowned you with all sorts of emotions. Being a relatively unknown actress, she surprisingly held her own even next to a superstar like Rajini. I thoroughly enjoyed her in this avatar. Dhansika as Yogi & Dinesh Ravi as Jeeva were also good.
Music was mediocre. Apart from ‘Neruppu Da’ & ‘Maya Nadhi’, there was nothing special. I especially liked ‘maya nadhi’. It takes you to another world. I’ve been listening to it on repeat for hours! Cinematography by G. Murali was also noteworthy. One thing I must admit is that this film was extremely well shot. Visually it was one of the best cinematic experiences I’ve had in a long time. The style quotient was comparable to ‘Dhoom 3’ or ‘Enthiran’. It was a ‘fun’ film. That’s the best word I can use to describe this movie. You quickly realize that when you’re sitting amongst a packed crowd of whistling, cheering, screaming Rajini fans.
All in all, director Pa. Ranjith managed to create a stylish yet very average film, in my opinion. It was nothing extraordinary nor was it worth the tremendous buildup, but it’s a solid one-time-watch if you’ve got 2.5 hours to kill. It was no ‘Sivaji’ or ‘Thalapathy’ but it was a decent attempt at something great. If not for anything else, watch it just for the love of Thalaiva. Rajnikanth Ki Jai!!!
‘Magizhchi’ (cheers) 🙂
By: Jessica Thomas
