Movie Review: Sivaji - the boss (2007) [TAMIL]

The much awaited movie directed by S.Shankar, who gave us hit movies since the early 90s [Gentlemen, Kadhalan, Indian, Muthalvan, Nayak, Boys and Anniyan]. With a mammoth star cast like Superstar Rajni Kanth, Vivek and telugu heroine, Shriya Saran, you would expect the producers [AVM Saravanan, M.S Guhan] to give the audience a winner or rather another "Chandramukhi" [Currently celebrating it's 804 day and whatnot.]

Unfortunately, Sivaji is purely for the masala goers. There's no story or plot that's "Shankar" that is rather told in an interesting way like his last Blockbuster, "Anniyan". When you rope in a star who's identity is known to his fans by his mannerisims, you then conclude that the story itself took a backseat and instead, Shankar whipped up something from the archives which in the end, ended up becoming a Varalaaru, or rather a poorly-told masala. Heck, even Chandramukhi [which I disliked] was probably a latter better of Rajni film than this one.

The story: Sivaji is an NRI, who returns from the states to open up a hospital and whatnot. With a comic sidekick, [Vivek], they encounter financers, including the villian [Telugu star, Suman]. Along the way, he falls form tamizhselvi [Shriya] who intially doesn't fall for the hero but later marries him despite the astrologic predictions of his death. The rest of the film deals with him acquiring black money and turning it into white money and the usual "bad guys finish last" formula.

Let's talk about what worked and what didn't work. The story dervives from several films, A.R Murgadoss's STALIN, K.V Anand's KANA KANDEIN, Shankar's own GENTLEMAN, INDIAN, MUTHALVAN, Shahrukh's ONE 2 KA FOUR, and K.S Ravikumar's PADIYAPPA. You would think that after delays of releasing the film and keeping the film's premise under secrecy would've paid off right? To say that Anniyan did the copying from Gentleman, Indian and Muthalvan is an understatement. Anniyan was unique in screenplay because it was about society's reform. Sivaji's just rehashing the done-to-death plot in a cliched fashion. Same goes for the revenge theme.

Another problem with Sivaji was the amateurish treatment. Namely the following:

I) The romance between Tamizhselvi and Sivaji
II) The emphasizing of the Jadagam of Sivaji's presumed future
III) The stunt scene at the movie theater.
IV) The songs improper placement.
V) While Vivek's in form again after a long time, he tended to get irritating later on. Some of his unwanted jokes could've been cut.
VI) Shriya's costumes. Ironically enough, Sivaji wants a tamizh like bride that's all normal and dresses normally, yet the songs seem to show a different side...
VII) The "bald" treatment.
VIII) Rajni's parents.

Some of the sequences work well:

I)Some Rajni references in a comical style was a good tribute to the star.
II)MMS Sivaji receives in jail.
III)The mimicry scene. Bringing in Mayilsamy, Chinni Jayanth and Dhamu was a nice touch.
IV) Suman's scenes.

Technically, Sivaji is brilliant. Camera by K.V Anand is superb. The graphics team deserves accolades for the overally look. The editing though [Anthony], could've been a bit more tighter. Art by Thotta Tharani gives a methaphoric design to the film. Choreography by Lawerance and Prabhu Deva could use some more work.

Music by A.R Rahman disappoints. Barring Sahara and Baleilakka, the rest of the numbers pass muster. The background score is a tad better than the soundtrack itself.

Rajni isn't an Morgan Freeman or Amrish Puri, but he just does what he does best that's about it. Shriya Saran is wasted and gets limited scope. Moreover, she needs a crash-course in acting. Suman excells and is a revelation. Vivek is in form again but his comic-timing is unwanted in some places. Manivannan and the supporting cast make their prescence felt. Nayantara [sp. appearance in Baleilakka] needs to lose the flab.

Overall, Sivaji is gloss and glitter minus the screenplay. Commerically and from a fan's perspective, the film will prosper because it's a Rajni film.

Rating: **1/2