Sivaji The Boss
.The True Boss AVM Productions made the smart decision of producing a glossy entertainer at a time when the studio is celebrating 100th anniversary of its founder A.V. Meiyappa Chettiar. The idea of making 'epic-scale' drama was immediately accepted by the Superstar Rajinikanth. Director Shankar, who is known for his 'grand shows' like Gentleman, Indian and Jeans got the plum opportunity of directing Rajinikanth first time in his career. He roped with A.R. Rahman and his reliable lieutenant K.V. Anand, a national award-winning cameraman, to shape the film. Renowned writer Sujatha took the challenging task of writing its script. Legendary art director Thottatharani and lyricists Vaali to Vairamuthu, almost all the bigwigs of the industry assigned to give a 'first-of-its-kind' movie experience to the onlookers.
Ever since its first day shoot, the movie generated enormous amount of euphoria in the media. Culminating all these, the pre-release fever engulfed the whole nation. This time the media played even bigger role. Unaware of Rajinikanth's true stature, folks at media engaged in comparing Rajini with none other than Amitabh. It may be surprising news for those who do not know the 'Power of Rajini,' but not for the cinema going Tamil audience. Though modestly, Rajini refused to compare himself with Maharaj Amitabh, instead he preferred to take the title of 'King.' But the post-release economics and its success in non-Tamil speaking regions as well as across the globe, unswervingly asserted Rajini preeminence over other actors, including Amitabh.
Since the mid 90's, Rajini has always been the highest paid star in India. After the release of his earlier film, 'Chandramukhi,' he emerged as the second highest paid star in the Asia continent after Jackie Chan. Unlike his counterpart Amitabh, Rajini never endorses any commercial brands, akin to Hollywood actors. Unlike Amitabh and others, he never accepts too many assignments in a year. His current frequency rate is one film in 2-years! He never works beyond 6 p.m. except in case of emergency. So, equating Rajini with Amitabh is an absurd idea. He is certainly a bigger star and completely a better actor than his arch-rival Amitabh.
Coming back to Sivaji, the film expectedly lived up to its pre-release hype. In fact, on several scenes, it surpassed our expectations. Fans standing in mile-long serpentine queues gleefully watched this movie. Whether Detroit in US or Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, the movie broke almost all the records in its release. Capturing the UK Top 10 chart to getting released in an unknown places like Argentina, Sivaji marched successfully.
Sets created for this film by the legendary Thottathrani is 'unseen or unheard' in Indian cinema before. Unlike the earlier Shankar's film, the computer-graphics has been used wisely. A scene, where, Rajini's changing skin tone is one such example. K.V. Anand, on his part, used 4K-resolution digital camera to compete the Hollywood. In terms of music, songs, sets, stunt and comedy, Shankar's effort is highly visible. He desperately made an attempt to give 'Shankar's touch' in almost every scene. Everything worked well for the director except its climax scene. Appearing in a totally 'peculiar' makeup, Rajini stole the show. Here, the wafer-thin story is unimportant. Upon his return to motherland, an honest NRI is decides to fight against the black money cartel, who are ruining the nation. That is the storyline. More than its story, the 'chic and sleek' elements, witty marketing plan and the 'Brand Rajini' made all the difference. Not only it did well for Rajini, Shankar and AVM but the success of this movie certainly gave a thrust to the entire Tamil as well as Indian film industry. In terms of technical excellence, the film, frame by frame rivaled the world's pre-eminent movie factory Hollywood. After finishing this grand show, Rajini should not think of quitting from cinema. Pointed out by his respectful arch-rival Kamalhassan, Rajini should get ready to conquer a few more peaks!!!
Ever since its first day shoot, the movie generated enormous amount of euphoria in the media. Culminating all these, the pre-release fever engulfed the whole nation. This time the media played even bigger role. Unaware of Rajinikanth's true stature, folks at media engaged in comparing Rajini with none other than Amitabh. It may be surprising news for those who do not know the 'Power of Rajini,' but not for the cinema going Tamil audience. Though modestly, Rajini refused to compare himself with Maharaj Amitabh, instead he preferred to take the title of 'King.' But the post-release economics and its success in non-Tamil speaking regions as well as across the globe, unswervingly asserted Rajini preeminence over other actors, including Amitabh.
Since the mid 90's, Rajini has always been the highest paid star in India. After the release of his earlier film, 'Chandramukhi,' he emerged as the second highest paid star in the Asia continent after Jackie Chan. Unlike his counterpart Amitabh, Rajini never endorses any commercial brands, akin to Hollywood actors. Unlike Amitabh and others, he never accepts too many assignments in a year. His current frequency rate is one film in 2-years! He never works beyond 6 p.m. except in case of emergency. So, equating Rajini with Amitabh is an absurd idea. He is certainly a bigger star and completely a better actor than his arch-rival Amitabh.
Coming back to Sivaji, the film expectedly lived up to its pre-release hype. In fact, on several scenes, it surpassed our expectations. Fans standing in mile-long serpentine queues gleefully watched this movie. Whether Detroit in US or Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, the movie broke almost all the records in its release. Capturing the UK Top 10 chart to getting released in an unknown places like Argentina, Sivaji marched successfully.
Sets created for this film by the legendary Thottathrani is 'unseen or unheard' in Indian cinema before. Unlike the earlier Shankar's film, the computer-graphics has been used wisely. A scene, where, Rajini's changing skin tone is one such example. K.V. Anand, on his part, used 4K-resolution digital camera to compete the Hollywood. In terms of music, songs, sets, stunt and comedy, Shankar's effort is highly visible. He desperately made an attempt to give 'Shankar's touch' in almost every scene. Everything worked well for the director except its climax scene. Appearing in a totally 'peculiar' makeup, Rajini stole the show. Here, the wafer-thin story is unimportant. Upon his return to motherland, an honest NRI is decides to fight against the black money cartel, who are ruining the nation. That is the storyline. More than its story, the 'chic and sleek' elements, witty marketing plan and the 'Brand Rajini' made all the difference. Not only it did well for Rajini, Shankar and AVM but the success of this movie certainly gave a thrust to the entire Tamil as well as Indian film industry. In terms of technical excellence, the film, frame by frame rivaled the world's pre-eminent movie factory Hollywood. After finishing this grand show, Rajini should not think of quitting from cinema. Pointed out by his respectful arch-rival Kamalhassan, Rajini should get ready to conquer a few more peaks!!!