Kabali Movie Review – A Weak Script Fails Rajinikanth Who Tries Hard

Here is Kabali Movie Review. First and foremost, Kabali is not a regular Rajinikanth fare at all. It is not a mass masala entertainer. That is one of the biggest problems with the movie as the movie had been promoted as one. Well, it is not a bad film at all.

Kabali Movie Review

There are several good moments in the film, which will entertain you. But when it comes to an overall impression, many would be disappointed. The kind of momentum built around the release of the film seems to be all for nothing.

The movie is packaged like a class film and that is the strength as well as weakness. Rajinikanth has done a wonderful job in playing the ageing don in the film. Rajini has definitely done a good job in doing a more realistic character which suits his age.

For the first time in his career, we don’t get an introductory song in a Rajinikanth film. Also, the usual romantic scenes are missing – so are the regular dream songs that are part of Rajini potboilers. Well, that is both good and bad.

As for the action scenes, we mostly get fierce gunfights – Rajini fans might feel cheated here! When it comes to Rajinikanth movies, his punch lines become the talking point. Here, much to the disappointment of the viewers, Rajini hasn’t delivered a single punch line. Well, he keeps repeating the word Magizhchi, and that is the only thing you will get! Also, it has to be the first Rajinikanth movie to have an open ending!

First and foremost, Rajini doesn’t have sophisticated, intelligent audience – well, that is not completely true. But the point here is that he is the hero of the masses. And they expect mass dialogues and larger-than-life plot and settings from a Rajini movie. With all the sophistication, the movie could have stuck to the basics. Unfortunately, the director has a clear vision, where he wants to keep a safe distance from mass entertainment elements.

Pa Ranjith has directed the film. He has also written the film. He had made meaningful movies like Madras and Attakathi before. His movies give significance to emotions and family ties. There is a family reunion scene in the post interval segment. This loud lost-and-found scene will definitely move you emotionally.

We must mention Radhika Apte, who plays his wife in the film. She has crackling chemistry with Rajinikanth’s character in the film. As we can see, the director has tried to bring out the actor in Rajinikanth rather than present himself as this larger than life hero. Or we can say that, acting wise, it has to be one of the most memorable Rajinikanth movies.

The biggest problem lies with the movie is that there is no cohesive script in the film. We somehow feel that it is a routine revenge drama with so much bloodshed. But the introduction scene is really good. We have to applaud the director for providing a mass introduction scene.

But the pace of the movie gets affected when the movie tries to unfold the long flashback. Rajinikanth plays a don in the film who has been imprisoned for last 25 years. The don is left free and he is on a revenge spree to get rid of his old enemies who were behind his downfall. Also, the plot revolves around his long search for his missing wife.

Of course, Kabali has its moments. But the weak script and presentation has really affected the film. The director is a champion of realistic story telling – so we wonder why there are so many loopholes in the film. Also, you will feel that there is a lack of logic in the narration throughout. The movie has two villains – Kishore and Chinese actor Winston Chao. The problem with them is that they are not powerful enough.

Yes, the movie scores technically. One has to appreciate the director for the slick presentation. The cinematography is really worth a mention. You will love the scenery of Malaysia in the film. The background score of the movie deserves a special mention. As we all know, the Neruppu Da song is a huge hit. We also loved the costumes. The suits worn by Rajinikanth deserve a special mention.

The first half is better than the second half as they have managed to maintain a good pace in the first half.

I would give 2.5 stars out of 5 stars for the movie.