Release Date: 22 July 2016
Starring: Rajinikanth, Radhika Apte and Winston Chao
Directed by: Pa. Ranjith
Produced by: Kalaipuli S. Thanu
Story: Pa. Ranjith
Music by: Santhosh Narayanan
Duration: 2 hr 33 min
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Censor Rating: U
About Movie Kabali
After having completed a spectacular 40 years in the film industry, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth is back with his next movie titled “Kabali”. While the worldwide fans of Rajinikanth are celebrating his 40 years in the industry via the Twitter hashtag: #40YearsOfSuperstarRajinikanth, it will be interesting to see how Kabali fares at the box office. In the film, Rajinikanth will be donning the role of a big-hearted gangster who, after serving a long-term imprisonment, acts as a protagonist and fights for the oppression faced by the indentured Tamil labourers in Malaysia. Expected to release in over 300+ screens in Indonesia, Kabali has most of its sequences shot in Malaysia itself.
Plot
Based on the real story of a mafia don, Kabali has the Kollywood superstar Rajinikanth playing the character of a mafia don named, Kabaleswaram. The movie dates back to the Pre-Independence era when Tamilians were ruled by Britishers and sent to Malaysia to work in a rubber factory. Just like other Tamilians, Kabaleswaram and his family was also relocated to Malaysia in order to work in this factory. It’s from here that Kabaleswaran starts his mission of saving Tamilians from British by turning into a Mafia don. Just like Nelson Mandela, Kabaleswaram also spends several years in prison for his efforts to oppose to racism and comes out to lead a simple life. What are the circumstances which force Kabali to become a gangster is what forms the crux of the film. As the leader of Tamilians/Dalits in Malaysia, Kabali does things that are surely going to give you goosebumps.
Performances
Rajinikanth in the role of Kabali has delivered a truly outstanding performance. The stylish entry of Kabali is worth-a-watch. Rajinikanth alias Kabali is a powerhouse and has done complete justice to all the song and dance sequences in the film. The perfectly done make up has made Rajini look about half his age, nevermind the salt-and-pepper hair and a thick mane.
Next is Radhika Apte, who in the role of Kabali’s wife, Kumudhavalli has been fantastic throughout the flick. Despite the noticeable age difference between Radhika and Rajinikanth, the former has been successful in making her role work in a beautiful way. As a typical Tamil vetti ponnu, Radhika has been brilliant in all her scenes.
Finally, Winston Chao ala the Chinese don, Tony Lee, who runs the drug and prostitution mafia in the film has also delivered a decent performance. His strong dialogues had made his character believable in the first go itself.
Kabali Music
The music album of Kabali starts off with “Ulagam Oruvanukka”, which is a typical Tamil number and glorifies the way a saviour (Kabala, in the movie) works for the upliftment of the underprivileged. Accompanied by simple music, the song includes some rap as well.
Next is “Maya Nadhi”, which has Spanish tango guitar mix in-between and has been beautifully sung by Ananthu, Pradeep Kumar & Shweta Mohan. As a romantic track, “Maya Nadhi” has a unique poetic beauty with perfectly rhyming Tamil words. Then there is “Veera Tharundhara”, which has a good mix of retrospective tunes in addition to a mind-blowing gangster-rap. Funky electro elements make the track an all-out fusion stuff.
Next in-line is “Vaanam Paarthen”, which is a soothing, romantic track that represents the depression resulting out of lost love. Loaded with excellent musical elements, the song is for all those who’re fond of enduring the pain of getting separated from a loved one. Finally, Kabali’s last song “Neruppu Da” is a power-packed song loaded with all Rajini ingredients and has lyrics which comprise some of the most-used words by Tamilians. The track highlights the larger-than-life, ‘Godly’ figure of Rajinikanth himself.
Details of songs in the movie
1. “Ulagam Oruvanukka”
Singer(s): Ananthu, Santhosh Narayanan, Gana Bala & Roshan Jamrock
Duration: 04:02
- “Maya Nadhi”
Singer(s): Ananthu, Pradeep Kumar & Shweta Mohan
Duration: 04:35
- “Veera Thurandhara”
Singer(s): Gana Bala, Lawrence R., Pradeep Kumar and Roshan Jamrock
Duration: 03:17
- “Vaanam Paarthen”
Singer(s): Pradeep Kumar
Duration: 04:52
- “ Neruppu Da”
Singer(s): Arunraja Kamaraj & Rajinikanth
Duration: 03:38
What’s Good?
The electrifying presence of superstar Rajinikanth is the major asset of Kabali. Great music, superb dialogues and perfect cinematography have worked in favour of the movie. The way in which the young director Pa. Ranjith has handled the story and emotions is worth several pats on the lad’s back.
What’s Bad?
The length of the film is its major downside. Plus, the undue complexity of some of the major sub-plots has made it difficult for the audiences to understand the technique of weaving the story with multiple characters.
Verdict
If you possess undying love for Thalaivar, Rajinikanth, then this already-a-blockbuster is a must-watch! If you’re a person who’s ruled by emotions, then booking tickets for Kabali is what you ought to do right now. Go, watch it and get thrilled!
Kabali Rating ****
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