‘Sivaji’ – Hats Off To ‘The Boss’

While the 'boss' was hosting a private screening of 'Sivaji' for the Big B in the suburbs, we finally succumbed to the aggressive marketing of Rajni-mania via news-starved channels, incessant footage of over-eager clones, press photos of giant cut-outs bathed in buckets of wholesome milk and the curiosity to see the Southern superstar in his new bleached avatar. Of course, watching 'Sivaji' in a haughty South Bombay multiplex couldn’t possible match the authentic 'pilgrimage' experience of Aurora cinema in Matunga. But our snooty sensibilities prevailed and we found ourselves in the midst of a very 'propah' gathering of a largely non-Tamil variety (and therefore as clueless as we were!).

Not that you need to understand any language to connect with Rajnikant. You either laugh with him or at him, but either reaction is inevitably laced with admiration. For, here’s a man who obviously takes his image and following very seriously. As far as the story goes, we were guessing along, but I read somewhere that director Shankar has basically made a career out of recycling the same story over and over again – about a heroic figure who tries to rid society of its ills by vanquishing various evil monsters. And ‘Sivaji’ is no different. It’s a no-brainer even for outsiders uninitiated in the grammar of Tamil cinema. Everything from the demi-god’s grand entrance (built up to the hilt) to the smirking, Ray-Ban sporting political fixer antagonist who must suffer the most humiliating end possible, the absurdly garish song picturisations and the ‘Matrix’ inspired stunts are all too familiar.

Just in case you’re wondering about 58-year-old Rajnikant’s love interest, she exists, quite like Bollywood heroines of the ‘70s and ‘80s, as a distraction – for him to woo aggressively (is most unfunny ways), gyrate with him in often skimpy, always outlandish costumes and of course weep and play the ever-sacrificing goat. At 24, Shriya Saran also happens to be less than half his age – quite appropriate one presumes, for the evergreen superstar.

But hey, just look at the audacity of the director-actor duo. They’ve just pulled off the most hackneyed story on earth with a man pushing 60 at it centre by banking entirely on his charisma, over-the-top, formulaic stunts and dazzling special effects tailor-made to boost his iconic status. If you weren’t a fanatical devotee, you’d perhaps tire of watching those gratuitous mid-air shenanigans – kicking an army of goons with just a flick of his mighty boots and then stylishly tossing on his sunglasses, grinning cheerfully straight into the camera and reminding the audience just how ‘cool’ he is! Or even doze off (like yours truly) under the weight of its three-hour plus length.

For unwavering Rajni fans, ‘Sivaji’ must be a seven-course meal since they obviously can’t get enough of him -- their god isn’t in brand endorsement overdrive, or doling out bytes to every mike in sight. In fact, the only in-film advertisements you spot are selling the superstar himself! There’s an obvious plug for his daughter’s forthcoming animation film ‘Sultan - The Prince’ and even background dancers sporting painted Rajni faces on their bare torsos! Then you get to see a fair-and-lovely version of the star and multiple ‘avataars’ sporting several outlandish wigs in another song. By the way, Bollywood’s balding heroes (Sunny Deol, Salman Khan, Akshaye Khanna and even Mr. B) should quickly seek consultation from Rajni’s hairstylist to address their woes.

‘Sivaji’ is also a good lesson for Bollywood’s self-styled powerhouse filmmakers. For all it’s banality, there’s no denying the polish and panache with which the film is packaged. At no point do you get the impression that either the director or the star is taking his audience for granted and short-changing them with a substandard product.

Deepa Gumaste