Endhiran, Rajnikanth, Shankar, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Rahman have been all over the news & the net, for all the right reasons.
Rajeev Masand and Anupama Chopra have given magnanimous 3 and 3.5 stars respectively, for the dubbed hindi version, Robot (people who follow their reviews would know why I am saying this). Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan endorse it.
Every article written has its own estimate of the moolah Endhiran/Robot has garnered in the opening weekend and predictions are galore of how much it will end up raking in (reports say, in the US box office alone, it has collected $200,000 in the first week) . Talks of this going on to become the biggest blockbuster of all time in Indian films are also in the air.
A few friends who have seen it also feel that its actually not worth all the pre release hype and hoopla. Complaints of a dragging second half and Rahman's music not being upto the mark are also doing the rounds.
In the past, we have heard producers and directors and actors claiming that they have a product which is better than a hollywood film waiting in the wings and on release they have flattered to deceive.
Having said all this, here is why I strongly recommend a trip to the theatre playing Endhiran/Robot.
Endhiran is probably one film that can atleast stand up to a hollywood flick in terms of production values and execution of visual effects. Watch it in a theatre to experience the last 30 minutes when Shankar weaves magic with his imagination.
The best part of this film is Shankar's vision of casting Rajnikanth in the lead and the Superstar delivers big time in his own inimitable style. I don't think anyone else would have taken this film to the heights its going to touch in the days to come. He handles the 2 diverse roles brilliantly and his interpretation of 'Chitti Version 2.0' is absolutely delightful. His antics in the first half as Chitti are hilarious. Mind you, there are no trademarks flicks and swishes that you are used to as a Rajni fan as neither of the characters warrant them. But there is no dearth of entertainment.
No doubt the screenplay has a few weak moments in the second half, but if one knows the worth of Rajni in a negative role, nothing else matters. The Superstar and his magical screen presence ensure that you are glued to your seats. Endhiran is worth a watch or two just to experience the Superstar's magic. On top of all this, he looks jaw droppingly good, especially in the Kaadhal ANukkaL and KiLimaanjaaro songs.
Casting Aishwarya Rai is another point of strength and she looks like a million bucks throughout, probably the best since 'Jeans' and "Kandukonden Kandukonden'. Though she doesn't have much to do, she holds her own in front of Rajnikanth and Rajnikanth.The other characters including Danny Denzongpa, Santhanam and Karunas pass muster.
Rahman's background score is good and elevates the film (except for the jarring version 2.0 theme). The songs, like I had mentioned in my music review earlier, manages to strike a balance between Rajni and Shankar. The instrumental version of Pudhiya Manidha that plays during the end credits (rolls for about 5 minutes) is brilliant.
Apart from Rajni and Shankar, if this film belongs to anyone else, it is Sabu Cyril (Art Director/Production Design) and Rathnavelu (Cinematography) who deserve a standing ovation for their effort. Each and every frame spells hardwork. Magnificent sets and camera work.
Of course there are some logical loop holes (like how the Robot charges himself after being drained out), but I believe any Rajni film is incomplete without a few of them!
Endhiran without doubt entertains and is a landmark film in the history of Indian cinema. Do not forget to take the kids along. Rajni uncle is waiting to enthrall and cast a spell on them.
"இவன் பேர் சொன்னதும் பெருமை சொன்னதும் கடலும் கை தட்டும்,
இவன் உலகம் தாண்டிய உயரம் கொண்டதில் நிலவு தலை முட்டும்"
"இந்த எந்திரன் என்பவன் படைப்பின் உச்சம்!"
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