Rajni's show all the way

There is no logic, only Superstar's magic,' was a cryptic comment that came out from a Kannada industry veteran who watched Rajnikanth's much-hyped film Sivaji - The Boss. 

This should sum up the review of the film itself because the movie is all about Rajni's style and punch dialogues (like Pere Ketta Adhiradhille).

Director Shankar, who has made it a point to highlight social issues in his films like Gentleman, Modhalvan, Indian and Anniyan, has done it again with Sivaji. 

This time, he highlights the perils of black money and corruption. Unfortunately, this message is lost in the maze of illogical and sometimes absurd sequences in the film. Sample this: When Sivaji barges into a minister's cabin, he makes sure he stabs him in a part of his body that enables him to survive!

It is difficult to believe that a star writer like Sujatha has conceived such illogical sequences.

Only Rajni's star presence gives them credibility. He overpowers with his sheer acting style and you may come back from the theatre singing the Vaji Vaji song or utter words like 'cool'.  

Other than Rajni, others who deserve special mention is Vivek and his hilarious one-liners, Nayantara's presence in the Bellalaika song and Shriya's beauty. She proves that she can act too.

Director Shankar has taken a big risk in casting actor Suman in the role of villain and except for the climax, Suman does not carry other sequences in the film with the ease that is required of the role.  

Hats off to the technical team. The film looks glossy and K V Anand's photography is awesome. Peter Heines proves that he is the best in the job as far as action sequences are concerned (particularly the climax where Sivaji, bald head et al takes on the villains). 

A R Rahman's musical score is certainly not the main stay of the film, though the songs have been shot with exquisite care. 
 
All in all, Sivaji is Rajni's film all the way.

Rediff Rating: