A hit and a miss
"Hey, we didn't get tickets for 'Chandramukhi'. All shows, houseful. We'd better go to 'Mumbai Express' or 'Sachien'. I guess Rajini's the only decent actor around!" - (heard outside Sathyam
cineplex)
When three films released on the same day (April 14) and one of them goes on to become a hit, it just doesn't mean that the actor in that hit is the 'only decent one around'.
First Rajini's 'Baba' was a perfect example of a poorly-made movie. Ruining a good concept with some shoddy screenplay and careless characterisation was what 'Baba' achieved. Maybe Rajini should have used one of those wishes granted to him in 'Baba' to help him make a good movie! This was one movie that reflected the true colours and intellect of the Tamil audience - even a Superstar cannot make a bad story sell.
'Baba' was a mistake, for sure, but then everybody makes mistakes and the Superstar is no exception. But now, he is back with a bang in 'Chandramukhi'. Heavily reducing his stylish mannerisms, curbing his instinct for punch dialogues, Rajinikant scores as psychiatrist Saravana in 'Chandramukhi'. Some solid story content seems to satisfy the audience. Rajini has director Vasu to thank for this.
A solid story does exist in 'Chandramukhi' but what else could be the reason for it being a hit? Definitely, the gap between Rajinikant movies. Just ponder over this for a moment - a Rajini movie is released once in, let's say, a year. So, surely, it will be a hit if it has a bare minimum storyline, considering the actor's star status.
But, just think about actors like Kamal and Vijay. They release almost three movies in a year, so if one movie fails in the eyes of the audience, it isn't wrong.
Superstar Rajinikant is getting older and older (it shows in his face and
hair), but he still possesses a certain charisma that makes you spring from your seat, clench your fists and thrash some imaginary goondas. That's what he does to you, this man. And, he's a good man because he understands the importance of the masses. If the garbage cleaner doesn't show up for four days, your place will smell awful, he says. If there is no barber, then where is beauty, he asks. Style, along with some sense - that's Rajinikant for you.
Celebrate the 'isthyle' of Rajnikanth, as he is the Superstar. As Vikram once said, "One sun. One moon. One Superstar". Cheer his fight sequences, whistle and roar when he utters a punch dialogue. Dance. Sing loudly. Celebrate the Superstar, but at the same time don't belittle other creative and talented men.
Srinivasa Ramanujam
