Last week’s Times Square premiere of “Jailer,” an action-packed Indian thriller, had the entire venue electrified. The film stars Rajinikanth, the legendary Tamil-speaking septuagenarian often referred to as the “Super Star.” The audience’s enthusiastic cheers were a testament to Rajinikanth’s enduring popularity.
Rajinikanth: The Unstoppable Super Star
At 72 years old, Rajinikanth, renowned for his roles in movies like “Robot” and “Kaala,” continues to captivate audiences. In “Jailer,” he portrays Muthu “Tiger” Pandian, a retired cop and prison warden with a sassy young grandson and a unique skill for eliminating villains. His signature moves include beheadings and fatal stabbings, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Additionally, Muthu maintains a network of enigmatic old acquaintances, played by a talented ensemble of Indian character actors, who aid him in eliminating the adversaries threatening his family.
The Plot of “Jailer”
Varman (Vinayakan), a volatile crime boss who kidnaps Muthu’s adult son Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), a cop, leads the antagonists in “Jailer.” Varman’s sinister plan involves threatening to behead Arjun’s grandson Rithvik (Rithvik Jothi Raj), a budding YouTube sensation, while Rithvik and Muthu are out enjoying ice cream.
Adding insult to injury, Varman’s henchmen taunt Muthu through a grotesque celebratory dance on the streets. In response, Muthu takes out a massive blade and engages in combat, declaring, “After a point, I don’t talk, I slash.” It’s clear that “Jailer” is a showcase for Rajinikanth’s prowess; any viewer seeking something beyond his performance may find themselves disappointed.
A Complex Blend of Emotions and Action
“Jailer” stands as both a typical Rajinikanth film and something more. It delves deeper into its narrative and character tones than some of Rajinikanth’s recent works. The movie seamlessly navigates the emotional rollercoaster inherent in Indian cinema’s mass-audience-oriented masala style.
The filmmakers behind “Jailer” confidently transition between different emotional registers, juxtaposing moments like Muthu assisting Rithvik in filming a gardening segment for his YouTube channel with intense clashes against Varman.
A scene of Muthu and Rithvik bonding while playing an acoustic guitar depicts a father-son relationship. Simultaneously, Arjun inflicts pain on one of Varman’s men, highlighting the film’s tonal contrasts.
Varman and Rajinikanth: A Clash of Extremes
Varman’s unrelenting violence sets the stage for Rajinikanth’s merciless performance. The film allows Rajinikanth to mirror Varman’s brutality, which underscores the antagonist’s character. The juxtaposition is poignant, emphasizing Rajinikanth’s ability to control the narrative.
Unlike Sylvester Stallone or Steven Seagal, Rajinikanth attracts a new generation of filmmakers eager to capture his iconic essence. Rajinikanth’s dramatic entrances and action-packed sequences are met with cheers from the audience, solidifying his status as a beloved icon.
Rajinikanth’s “Jailer” Railer
Nelson Dilipkumar’s Directorial Style
Director Nelson Dilipkumar’s approach to “Jailer” raises questions about his choices. The film’s combination of tones and styles often feels uncertain, leaving viewers uncertain about Dilipkumar’s intentions. A comparison with “Beast,” Dilipkumar’s earlier work, provides context.
While “Beast” presents a younger star facing off against terrorists, “Jailer” centers on an older character, Muthu, dealing with his legacy. Rajinikanth occasionally encounters emotional limitations on-screen, evident in scenes where Muthu expresses grief over Arjun’s predicament. Despite this, Rajinikanth’s performances, even when portraying moments of madness, unify the film.
A Remarkable Display of Rajinikanth’s Charisma
Before the “INTERMISSION” title appears, Muthu reflects on shedding different personas now that he has nothing left to lose. This pivotal moment occurs as he instructs his family to remain still, allowing him and his allies to eliminate their adversaries.
After the intermission, a new subplot emerges, involving an extramarital affair, a questionable wig, comedian Sunil, and starlet Tamannaah Bhatia. Each actor portrays a version of themselves, but it’s Rajinikanth’s performance that ties everything together.
Rajinikanth’s Timeless Appeal
At 72 years old, Rajinikanth’s ability to lead a dynamic and exhausting film like “Jailer” remains awe-inspiring. Outside Theater 25, a conversation between two audience members highlighted Rajinikanth’s enduring appeal. Despite his age, his charisma continues to resonate, providing audiences with an eternal summer of entertainment.
In conclusion, “Jailer” is a testament to Rajinikanth’s enduring star power and the seamless manner in which he navigates a complex narrative. His performance, coupled with the film’s emotional depth and intense action sequences, ensures that audiences remain captivated from start to finish.
