So what makes Jailer magical?
Jailer is an Out and Out Rajinikanth film rather being anything else. But, Nelson brings in his brilliance by making him an Old saintly person, who does not hesitate much to tackle his opponents in a fitting way. It was refreshing to see Rajnikanth in a calm demeanor but still getting menacing as and when required. His gradual ascent to mass elevation happens in a very measured way, combined with Nelson’s intelligent scripting of bringing out the best out of grim situations. But still I would rate Doctor as his best film , which fired from all cylinders from the start till the end.There were lot of positive reviews and equally hateful reviews too, but the film dusts off everything in a flick by making it a watchable and even enjoyable treat. I especially liked the way Rajnikanth admirably making himself a adorable grandpa dancing on the sideline compared to his sacrilege with Sonakshi Sinha. But he never disappoints audience with his massy and blessed screen connect, be it teary eyed Rajini or the gaiety one in the Climax or flashback. I could not see any negatives with the first half and second half, may be I am inherently biased towards his screen persona.
Now what could have been better?
The first 15 minutes worked out like Veedu movie, where Rajini plays out like stylized version of Chokkalinga Bhagavathar, without any high moments. The mass moment of his kidnapping could have been far better, with few more intelligent moves from him, maybe like showcasing it as accident to avoid displaying his other persona. Ramya Krishnan could have been a lot more engaging, compelling and competing character, unknowing of his persona, shining back on their legacy, which could have elevated her impactful Dialogue, blaming the Hero on his son’s death. She could have even elevated the pre-interval scene, like how Kamal Hassan surprised his spouse in Vishwaroopam.
The Father-son bonding is the core of this film. But except for a beautiful song and easy to miss shots on their bonding, the movie fast forwards to his death. The climax twist is even more indigestible as there are no scenes earlier to underscore his chameleonic character. Vikram again handled it quite well at the appropriate segments to stress on the weight of emotions. Nelson could have done better with impactful Dialogues and making compelling shots which required to be registered on audience minds. For example, Rajinikanth opens all windows in the pre-interval scene does not register well or convey any meaning, unless you watch it second time or in trailers. Maybe Ramya Krishnan could have questioned on such mad behaviour. Such buildups adds up well later with Snipers.
Anirudh has played a large catalyst on this film. He does not hesitate amping up the BGM, where even ARR shies away. Kudos to him, though he could have done a lot better replacing Jujubee song.
Shiva Rajkumar gets a better massy intro than Rajnikanth. Both of his scenes were quite enjoyable. I have endured an unbearable Kannada movie in KSRTC bus, but it’s quite awesome how the industry have turned tables in an admirable way. He made me an instant fan with his climax shot carrying a box of tissues. Mohanlal gets a stylish scene just like Lucifer. Few more scenes could have amped up the excitement. Maybe Nelson thought of bringing in Balayya in the place of brilliant Kishore on the Heist scene. Well it could have been pretty massy rather prolonging Sunil’s portion though I enjoyed it and nothing to complain there. Maybe Balayya could have been that CBI officer who gives his best on Sunil and his triangular sob story and the educating the goon who asks for his ID but could not read. He could have handled the heist better with an equally massy fight between the two veterans. Just plain wishful thinking, but Nelson has certainly opened the gates for multi-starrers with interesting cameos. Audience love such Limited editions be it Rolex or Shiva Rajkumar.
I don’t know what honesty Ramya Krishnan was speaking about Jailer. How can a honest cop could throw a bomb using another goon and take pride in the next scene of reforming the same goon. Doctor had a better character build up rather Jailer, But Rajini being Rajini defies all the logic and science involved and lifts the film with his emotional connect. It’s no wonder this movie become a blockbuster as it manages to touch the right nostalgic moments in a very new backdrop. I especially liked Rajini playing a chess master like character, delegating to others, rather doing unbelievable action scenes.
Honesty is the worst policy
Just like the film’s honesty, we could see Rajini touching the feet of Bulldozer Baba in UP for real. It just reminded me of the eagle you see in the Karumegangal Kalaigindrana trailer, where GV Menon is that legal eagle who flies high but feasts on its hapless prey for its own survival. I always felt Rajini is different as an actor or as part-time politician. Hopefully this eagle does something good for the society or atleast dont hurt the society, becoming an irrelevant “Blue Shirt” in Politics, just like that youtube comedian. Let’s pray Rajini as an eternal Superstar keeps on winning people’s Hearts, rather aspiring for meaningless political chair.
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