You Cant review Rajni’s Robot, Rajni’s Robotkant reviews you, your perception, your expectations !
As I sat in the theater , ready to laugh my guts out at the sheer stupidity of the film that was about to be unleashed, Rajni was calmly evaluating my demeanor. He knew what I was expecting was the “BAAP of Dabangg”. He simply smiled at my cynicism. There in the confines of a Multiplex theater, in the midst of an “Audience” with little enthusiasm for hooliganism – I could only manage a hoot loud enough to be heard by Dogs when Rajni appeared on screen!
The first few scenes went as expected -crass humour, sheer stupidity in the proceedings, senseless songs. Aishwarya irritated like hell and I was smiling in the seat, loving that my expectations were going to be fulfilled. And then something surprising happened, the movie started making sense, the jokes started becoming funny, the special effects grabbed attention. Rajni smiled as I started losing my plot.
And then sequence after sequence, the visualization and the execution of the CG shots started knocking the bricks off my cynicism. And slowly and surely I was being converted into a true believer. Rajni beamed. By the end of it, I was taking a bow, as what conspired on screen went beyond even my wildest imagination. The climax was nothing short of Mind Blowing! No movie, not even “Inception or Avatar” has astounded me as much as Robot has …. This is truly groundbreaking stuff for Indian movie industry.
The plotline is simple – Man makes robot for a purpose, Villian proves that Robot is useless without emotions, Man teaches Robot Emotions, Robot falls in love with Man’s lover, love corrupts Robot, Villian takes advantage and this sets up a mammoth MAN vs Robot battle in the end.
A few sequences, especially the comedy bits with the side actors and the love track between Man and his lover are lame. The music by Rehman is forgettable, though the background score is engrossing. Aishwarya is thoroughly irritating throughout. But everything can be excused when the director gives you not just 1 or 2 Rajnikant’s – but a whole army of Rajnikants . There is nothing that Rajni can’t do in this film - literally.
Superstar / Superobot / Superhero / SuperVillian – 62 year young Rajni pulls off everything with panache. All air brushed and virtually enhanced, Rajni maintains his trademark style – just makes it larger – bigger – infact gargantuan! Be it his villainous laughter, or his trademark walk or his patriotic speeches, Rajni exudes class.
And beyond everything it’s the VISUALISATION of this project that astounds you the most. Indian Cinema has seen many attempts at super hero films, action extravaganzas and have burnt crores of rupees, but never has been the visualization and execution been this strong.
When you know 180 crores went into the project, it shows. Shankar surely has a wild imagination. Some of the sequences are World Class in execution, yet inherently INDIAN in visualization. James Cameron, Steven Spielberg might do a double take if they watch a Robot performing Kathak and singing Classical raga. But then that is what makes the movie truly Indian. Even the action sequences have a clear Indian Masala tadka to them. Arnold’s terminator might just faint looking at Rajni’s robotic avatar’s pelvic thrusts!
This movie has several weaknesses, but still I am converted into a true believer. Do not watch it for its lame comedy bits or absurd songs or “thanda” lengthy love track; but for the visual effects, the sheer madness of the action sequences and for one man who can knock the cynic out off you – Superstar Rajni. Watch it. Today. This is one hell of a ride and thoroughbred Indian Masala film, full of madness, with truly International effects!
Rating : 7 / 10