Actor Ramya Krishnan, when asked about the Rajni-Ash combo said ‘I’m here to watch Rajni and that’s enough for me’. It looks like she’s right. Because in ‘Enthiran – The Robot’, it’s the superstar all the way. For hardcore Rajni fans like me, the 2 year fasting is over and we are hungry for a Rajni feast. Ask and you shall be given seems to be Shankar’s motto & he has given a movie that not only stamps his authority, but also weaves Rajni magic throughout.
Dr. Vaseegaran (Rajni), a scientist introduces us to Chitti - The Robot, his look alike and a friendly robot. Dr. Vasi has ambitions to induct number of Chitti’s in the Indian army and hence teaches Chitti, human emotions which backfire when Chitti starts to develop romantic interest towards Sana (Ash), Vasi’s girlfriend. This creates a singularly unique love triangle. When Chitti was rejected by the army and banished by Vasi, he is rechristened Chitti 2.0 by Vasi’s enemy & former mentor Dr. Bohra who induces destructive programs into Chitti 2.0. Chitti kidnaps Sana and what follows next is an experience of the 1st order in Indian Cinema. See it to believe it.
I have to applaud Mr. Shankar. I’ve been a critic of his seemingly unwanted expenditure of his films. But Enthiran was different. When you look at the movie, you know that the money that was spent is justified. The graphics and locations were perfect and every micro meter has been carefully handled. The CG work, especially the final 20 minutes is the best India has seen in its films. But I must admit that I felt that some of it were too much and could have been slicker. The final sequence was, in my opinion, one for kids and families and the mosquito mode scenes were unwanted.
Super Star Rajnikanth. He carries the movie on his shoulders and does it well. I liked the way he let Shankar realize his dream and not impose himself. If one was surprised by the simple introduction to Rajni in the movie, they would be even more taken back when Dr. Vasi resorts to fleeing with his girlfriend when she was attacked by a rogue in a beach. It’s in the role of Chitti that he shows his full powers. Be his comic timing, style or action he lives it up. But where he excels is when he transforms into Chitti 2.0. He’s always comfortable doing negative roles and in this, he brings all his villainous variety into play. His black sheep mimic was the cherry on top. As a critic you must say that in a movie scripted for Kamal Hassan, Rajni has certainly not let his best friend down. He has incepted his own style to it without affecting the soul of the movie. Well done Thalaiva.
Ash looks gorgeous and shares more space than any other Shankar movie heroines. Danny is adequate though I expected more from him. Rest of the cast is hardly noticeable and insignificant. A.R. Rahman’s music is not up his standards. May be he was too busy but this is just not his best. Technical crew of Enthiran has lived up to their billing and the result is a near perfect technical presentation that we see on screen.
The movie has be to seen and applauded for the effort that has been put to create it. You have to admire Shankar for this. He also drives home the message about now pathetic humans can be with all their so called emotions. Most importantly, you have to admire for the fact that without Rajni, this movie would not go so far revenue wise. A producer, no matter what kind of background he has, has to get his money back and Rajni has proved that he’s the safest bet yet again. In the business of cinema, not one can guarantee a profit for 160cr investment except him. That’s why he is the best. I liked the fact that he has underplayed his role to allow more space for Shankar. If Shivaji was a Rajni film directed by Shankar, Enthiran is vice versa.
Enthiran is a complete package, an experience that needs to be cherished. This one is for every Indian to see what they can do. Mr Shankar has just realized his dream, when are you going to???
