A Tribute To A Unique Star

There are many different genres of film that we know and if you are from India, you are sure to have come across this particular one. I do not know what exactly to call it so let’s call it a Superstar film. A film that is made with Rajnikanth as the lead has become a brand. The beauty of Petta is that it hits the bullseye as far as this genre is concerned.

People expect certain things to be given to them in a certain way. And it doesn’t matter that we know what is going to happen, we still enjoy it. You do not have to be a Rajni fan to to enjoy this film. But to understand it, you have to be one.

Karthik Subbaraj is one of the best directors we have working today and what a treat it is to see how well he has done here. What Karthik has done is only possible when you have a deep-rooted understanding of who and what the Superstar is. From the retro title card to the way he flicks a cigarette, everything is packaged with so much love.

Petta almost feels like a greatest hits collection at time. You are sitting in the movie hall astonished by what this man and only this man can do. I have seen films from all over the world but there is a certain kind of happiness that only Rajnikanth can provide.

For me, it is not really possible to write a review for this film as I consider it to be more of a pilgrimage than anything else. It wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that Rajnikanth holds a unique place in the world of cinema. Look across the movie world and you will not be able to find someone like him. An outsider who became a matinee idol and transformed into a demigod. We have examples of journeys like this, but no one has done it for so long and continue to grow as well.

In a career that is into its fourth decade, it is astonishing to see the pull he has over people. When other people do what he does, we just don’t buy it. I genuinely feel bad that I couldn’t see this film at home. I was sitting in a small theater in Ireland but I was getting goosebumps at regular intervals.

Rajni does what only Rajni can do. There may never be a star like him so we have to cherish what we have left. For those who may not have liked the film, all I can say is okay. I would like to finish by saying what Karthik Subbaraj and many fans have always said. “There was, there is and there will be only one Superstar.” From the bottom of my heart I would like to say a big thank you to the team of Petta.

Until next time, bye.

 

Ranjith vs. Rajni

Let me begin by saying that I liked Kaala but wasn’t captivated by it completely. It is always a tricky task to make a film with someone who has transcended stardom as an actor. The big question with Kaala is how it would have been received had Superstar not entered politics. In my opinion, the reception would surely have been much better. The film also asks a fundamental question regarding its director. Is this a Pa. Ranjith film or is it a Rajnikanth film ? The problem with making a film with such a huge star is that sometimes, it may not be possible to put forth what you want to say. And, we all know the ideology that Ranjith has and it is quite evident in this film compared to Kabali. In the earlier film, it was merely hinted at whereas here it forms the crux of the story. And it seems to be more of a Ranjith film in this case. Ideally, when a director and star combine, you should be getting the best of both worlds. But, something seemed to be missing.

In my opinion, the duo and their sensibilities worked for the most part but I was left with one particular feeling. That would be the urge to see a film that is completely Ranjith or something that is out and out Rajnikanth. But therein lies a major problem with the audience and their expectations. As an actor, we have started to expect a certain a kind of film from the man himself. There are those who want him to experiment but when he does, do not seem to be appreciate it all that much. Whenever this happens, there is always talk of the vintage Rajni and how he’s missing. Perhaps it is a case of someone reaching a mythical status and that we have started to project our own expectations on the man. While the latest Ranjith-Rajni outing seems to have had a better reception compared to their first, not everyone is satisfied. Yes, it goes without saying that you cannot satisfy everyone. One can only hope that Karthik Subbaraj can come up with something that will appeal to almost everyone. All we can do now is wait and watch.

Until next time, bye.