Darbar

Getting 'Rajinified' can have collateral damage as a Cinema Lover

Having invested in Rajini for the last 40-45 years, I guess I have earned my right  to express my disappointment, resentment, sadness and anger, as a fan.

The biggest regret when one watches Darbar, is the extraordinary hard work, exuberance, energy, swagger and the ever increasing charm of this super talented super star could have been leveraged to serve us a wholesome , satisfying cinema. Rajini, you shall forever be enshrined in our hearts, Sir. Sadly, Sir, for the first time in these last 40-45 years, I did not experience the goosebumps, especially reserved for you.

When the trailer was released, the expectation skydived to a new low, probably one of the most unimaginative trailers, that has ever been released. As a fan I was truly concerned.

Many a times, I used to think, that processing of cinema happens  in the mind. The realization has been, for me,  that it begins chemically. The body has to be warmed up to the idea and then the juices start to flow.

Lo and behold! without my knowledge, I slept twice, during the film, once during the first half and once during the second half. I really did not care to understand where I had dozed off, Probably never mattered.  

I switched off, from the word Go.

Arguably AR Murugadoss's worst movie of his career, one is enraged at such attempts, as Murugadoss is very capable, knowledgeable and understands all areas of cinema.

If Tamil audiences, can endorse 'Uthiripookal'  in 1979-80 and make it a silver jubilee hit,, they can certainly endorse a well made Masala film in 2020.

As an audience, I think we deserve better.

A request to Rajini:

With de ageing technique in place, I  think you can, like Robet De Niro, 76, says,  act for another 30 years. Can you kindly work on a variety of scripts? We would like to savour the actor in you? That way you can also get a break from the boredom you may be experiencing as a star.

PS:

Whoever designed Rajini's Police Uniform, it was one hell of a shoddy job. The fold on the shirt sleeves was a bad choice. Having Rajini wear, the pant above the navel, would have help hide the small paunch and enabled an more erect stance. A better shade of Khakhi, slightly darker, slightly richer could have also helped.