Kabali – The Thalaiva

21

I had the option of seeing the movie in Hindi or Tamil (of course with English sub-titles) and I am so delighted I chose the latter. Watching a Rajni movie amidst Rajni fans is something one must experience at least once. Right from the time the movie starts and announces ‘Super Star Rajni’ in and as Kabali, the shouting, whistling, clapping, screaming starts and reaches a crescendo at the time of his arrival on screen. And the entry scene is shot in slow motion, to allow the fans to soak in as much as they want of their super hero. And you just can’t stop but join the party and clap and whistle, welcoming Rajni Sir.

Kabali lives in Malaysia, as his ancestors had come to Malaysia years ago and had settled there, working in the plantations. Kabali is fighting for equal rights for Tamilian workers in Malaysia. Fighting with the system and other gangs. But Kabali is not the only one fighting for the rights of Tamilians in Malaysia there are other gangs too, which results in inter gang rivalries. But Kabali is different, he and his gang does not indulge in drugs, human trafficking, prostitution and other illegal activities. And Kabali restricts other gangs too from indulging in these activities. In one gang war, Kabali loses his family and is jailed for rioting and murder for 25 years. 25 years later Kabali is out of jail and hunting down every goon involved in the killing of his wife. And in the process unearths some secrets about his family.

 Alls well that ends well, Kabali has avenged the killing of his friends and family and made the streets of KL free of other gangs. The end does leave a door open for a sequel to the movie.

 The movie is mostly shot in Malaysia.  Of course there are some glaring loop holes, but it needs to be overlooked, after all it’s a Rajni film. The basic plot is weak; the suspense becomes evident after a few reels. The writer lets Rajni fill in the gaps and does not try to make the story a super star. The first half of the movie is fast, the second half slower. The action scenes are great. The background score is good too. The whistles, claps and cheers in between shots, by the fans makes it quite fun.

Radhika Apte as Kabali’s wife has done well. Some of her scenes are awesome, wish she had more to do. Other supporting cast is good too.

Of course Rajnikant has this massive larger than life image to live up to. Does well mostly and having a fan base like his, after a while his acting and other skills are no longer critical. Just gestures, nods and few finger movements elicit whistles and claps. Someone asks him why does he wear a jacket all the while and he says, there is a reason why Gandhiji was shirtless and Ambedkarji wore a suit in the same freedom fight – wow.

 Should you watch it? No. unless you are huge Rajni fan (in which case you would have all ready seen it) or want to experience, what all the furor about a Rajni movie is? (then please see it in Tamil) Else just enjoy the extravaganza as a by-stander…!!!

 Magizhchi….!!!