Tamil cinema has many stalwarts, old and new. But none has had the popularity which Rajni has. He probably has the biggest fan base all over the world and fans who can be really crazy over him. Prayers are offered in temples for his movie to do well. Gigantic posters of the star throng whole of Southern India and Abhishekams are done on his posters giving Rajni a demigod status. On the day of the release, the reel of the movie before the first show is kept in a temple and poojas are done. Then the reel is taken to the theater in a procession with great pomp and fanfare.
This is hardly one-tenth percent of the activities surrounding a Rajni movie release. But then one can go on and on. A few years ago, when Sivaji (Rajni's previous blockbuster) had released, I had the opportunity to watch a Tamil movie in Mumbai as it was released. A friend of mine had come over from Chennai for a wedding and we watched the movie in Tamil in Kandivli. Had a great experience with an amazing crowd. My friend called someone in Chennai and told him that he's watching Sivaji in theater and the reply he got was the other guy cursing him for this good luck as he was unable to get any tickets. That was my second Rajni movie which I had seen in a theater. This year, when talks about the release date of Rajni's latest movie started I was sure that I am gonna catch it in a theater.
Warning: Further in the post, there might be some spoilers for ones hoping to catch the movie.
Endhiran, the Robot released on 1st October, 2010. Somehow I was really excited to watch this movie and was desperately waiting for the online bookings to start. On the day of bookings, in the morning we saw that the movie was getting released in very select cinema screens and none near to our office. Then somehow one of just checked in the afternoon and got to know that it's released in many screens. We immediately called up all interested in watching the movie and booked for the first show. Tickets selling like hot buns would be an understatement as within a matter of 3-4 minutes we could see chunks of seats getting booked. Somehow the booking went through and finally we were gonna catch Endhiran on the first day itself, albeit the last show of the day.
So there we were, with the door to the screen almost about to open. After Sivaji, I had an inkling of what was gonna happen. But it just happened in an even more fantastic manner. As the door to the screen opened, everyone started shouting "Yehhhhhhhhhhhh", "Thalaivaaaa", "Super Star". Never before have I seen a grander opening, not to a movie but even to the opening of the door to the screen. Then the impatient wait till the National Anthem and then till the movie. Rajni's movies usually start with "SUPER STAR RAJNI" starring in whichever movie. As soon as the "S" of Super came up, absolutely shrill whistles rocked the auditorium which just continued till "I" of Rajni.. The credits showed up and believe me a huge star status is also held by A R Rahman. When his name showed up for Music, a loud cheer went through the hall. But nothing is comparable to the decibel levels in the theater when Rajni appeared on the screen for the first time. An amazing atmosphere never seen before in any other movie. Every scene had whistles, cheering, claps from the audience. Even guys from my group were thoroughly involved. Scenes in a song where in one of the costumes, Rajni walked in his regular style got huge applause. It was not unlike a rock concert minus the headbanging of course.The movie in itself was good. It had a strong concept which was very well executed in the first half but stretched a bit too much in the second half. Action scenes were amazing and personally I think the special effects used were probably the best used in any Indian movie. The movie had comic moments throughout. The music, songs and background scores were amazing although there were one or two songs which were not required at that point in the movie. Climax scene was too stretched out. Aishwarya looks absolutely breathtaking throughout the movie and Rajni looks much much younger than his age. Another disappointing factor was there was no punchline by Rajni which can go on and be famous like his numerous dialogues in other movies. Seemed a bit less like his solo movie and more like the director's movie. But the most awesome part was Rajni as the villain robot. Few might not know that Rajni had started his career as a villain and was very good at that. Even here, a person known more for style than acting was superb in a villainous role.
Overall it was a great and unforgettable experience. An almost all Tamilian crowd made Vashi in New Mumbai seem like some area in Chennai. I can't imagine the scenes at Aurora theater in Matunga in Mumbai, That place as it is mostly South India and playing a Rajni movie would take the whole area to a completely new level.
"Thalaivaa" you ROCK and we wish you keep on rocking..
