‘Baasha’ to ‘Darbar': How Rajinikanth proves age is just a number

Remember the opening minutes of Karthik Subbaraj’s Petta, where, after a wonderfully shot fight sequence, a seemingly wounded Rajinikanth looks up to his hostel wards, grins, and utters, “Naan vizhuvenenu ninaithaiyo’ (You thought I’d fall?) and laughs in the trademark Rajini style. Well, what better assertion for the star of the fact that his days in the industry are far from being numbered.

Something similar is shown in A.R Murugadoss’s latest flick, Darbar, where Aditya Arunasalam, the cop character played by Rajini, asks a superior who questions his efficiency due to his age, with the words, “Isn’t age just a number?”

Petta and Darbar are two movies that celebrate this gem of an artist, whose larger-than-life persona has managed to capture the admiration of millions of fans, who have grown up watching the star’s evergreen hits. True, his actions defy logic, laws of physics, and sometimes the law of the land. Yet, those acts are cheered by the audience. Why, even the cheers that erupt during the trademark ‘Superstar Rajini’ title card are exhilarating. For the two hours you watch the movie, you end up burying all determination about your logic. You can’t help but succumb to the adrenaline rushing sequence which plays out in the screen, coupled with some of Tamil cinema’s memorable BGMs (Annamalai and Baasha).

The past decade was not very redeeming for the superstar. It began with one of Rajinikanth’s biggest hits—Shankar’s Enthiran (2010), which emerged as one of the top grossing movies in the country. His later films—Kochadaiiyaan, Lingaa and Kabali—were not the expected successes. Kaala became the star’s (and the director’s) political statement. 2.0 was a Shankar movie with a bit of Rajini in it. Then came Petta. For a self-confessed fan of the star, Karthik Subbaraj delivered the ultimate fanboy film. Petta was filled with Rajinisms- from the foot-tapping BGM and the dance steps to the unforgettable dialogues and wicked laughs. Harnessing the entire charisma of the energetic actor was why the film, despite its exhaustive runtime and sluggish script, struck a chord with die-hard fans. And showed us why classic Rajini was something directors could still bank upon.

Murugadoss’s intention through making Darbar is very clear- to bank on the charismatic Rajini, who obviously doesn’t disappoint. It hugely works to the director’s favor, despite being one of the few things that work in this disappointing affair. Darbar is a movie with many faults of its own. And definitely not Murugadoss’s best creation, considering his 2012’s Thupakki and 2014’s Kaththi were a treat for audiences, with its engaging script and a comparatively challenging villain (of which Darbar is a disappointment). A movie that could have made its viewer lose all interest is rescued due to its charming hero, who with his occasional hair-flip, finger-flick, stylish walk (a trademark, indeed) and a ‘mass’ entry makes the audience cheer and whistle.

Rajinikanth has given his best in Darbar—he establishes a heart-touching chemistry with Nivetha Thomas who plays his daughter, he times his comical pieces well, and does not let fans down with his action sequences. He delivers his dialogues in style, in the same way fans have seen him through the years.

No other actor in Tamil cinema has been able to emulate the kind of admiration Rajinikanth has drawn to himself through his on-screen persona. Many have come close, with them evolving their own trademark mannerisms and swagger. However, Rajinikanth plays his mannerisms out as something that comes quite natural to him, and therefore, makes it quite believable. Maybe this is why Rajini fans, despite repeated viewings, never get tired of watching the star’s movies.

It is surprising that the actor, who has turned 70, has not lost his charm. The same charm that captivated audiences when they watched Baasha, Muthu, Padayappa, Arunachalam and Sivaji. Undoubtedly, Petta and Darbar are two watches that could reinvigorate one’s fascination towards the actor.

When many actors who turn Rajini’s age decide to look back and call it a day, the actor’s last two flicks assert and reassert that Rajinikanth and Rajinism are here to stay, at least for a while.