The premiere of ‘Jailer’ saw theaters reverberating with applause and cheers. Many IT companies India declared a holiday for their staff to go watch the movie in theatre! With a unique mix of dark humor and intense action, Rajinikanth, the Tamil cinema legend and self-proclaimed “Super Star”, stole the show. Indeed, every individual in that hall seemed to be caught up in the magic spun by Rajinikanth.
Now at 72, Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Muthu “Tiger” Pandian, a former police officer and prison chief, is nothing short of spectacular. Muthu, with his playful grandson by his side, demonstrates a distinct talent for dealing with antagonists, with beheadings being his signature move.
In addition, the film introduces us to Muthu’s intricate circle of old acquaintances, a collection of character-rich Indian actors, who stand beside Muthu as he confronts those threatening his family.
In this film, the nemesis is Varman, portrayed by Vinayakan, a frenzied criminal mastermind. Varman’s sinister plan involves capturing Muthu’s son Arjun and holding his grandson Rithvik hostage.
As tensions escalate, we witness Varman’s gang mockingly challenge Muthu, who retaliates in his signature style. Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence ensures that he remains the film’s epicenter, with other elements orbiting around him.
The narrative of “Jailer” both fits and defies the traditional Rajinikanth mold. While the film’s oscillation between varied emotional depths is noteworthy, it’s the seamless transitions between these emotions that set it apart.
One moment, Muthu is assisting Rithvik with his YouTube gardening show, and in the next, he’s fiercely battling Varman. There’s an artfully crafted musical sequence where Muthu and Rithvik bond, but the narrative swiftly pivots to intense scenes of confrontation and strategy.
Varman’s relentless wickedness offers Rajinikanth’s character the license to unleash his fury. In certain moments, there’s a genuine warmth in seeing him face off against Varman.
And unlike some Hollywood action stars, Rajinikanth still draws young, ambitious filmmakers eager to portray him as timeless and larger-than-life. His grandiose entries in each scene, often in slow motion, elicited ecstatic reactions from audiences globally.
The film’s director, Nelson Dilipkumar, sometimes leaves us pondering about his vision. His earlier work “Beast” hinted at his affinity for high-octane action, and in “Jailer”, we see an aging Muthu, reflective and torn. Whether it’s Muthu’s anguish over Arjun’s destiny or his bouts of uncontrollable laughter, Rajinikanth delves deep into the psyche of his character.
In one poignant scene, before the intermission, Muthu speaks of shedding his many masks and embracing a singular identity, primarily as a protective patriarch ready to tackle adversity. The plot then takes an unexpected turn, introducing fresh characters and subplots, but it’s Rajinikanth’s unwavering presence that binds the story together.
Seeing Rajinikanth, even at 72, bring such vigor to the screen in films like “Jailer” is genuinely heartening. As I exited the cinema, I overheard a touching exchange between two viewers of different generations, a testament to Rajinikanth’s timeless appeal.
Jailer Movie Review Rating – 3/5
“Jailer”, starring the legendary Rajinikanth, is undeniably an ambitious film that combines dark humor with an intense action-packed narrative. Here are the reasons for giving it a solid three-star rating:
- Rajinikanth’s Performance: There’s no denying that Rajinikanth, even at 72, brings an energy to the screen that few can match. His portrayal of Muthu “Tiger” Pandian is commendable, successfully blending moments of humor, vulnerability, and sheer power.
- Engaging Narrative: The plot has its fair share of twists and turns, keeping the audience on their toes. The face-offs between Muthu and Varman add to the thrilling suspense, which is sure to engage fans of action cinema.
- Character Development: Muthu’s circle of old acquaintances, played by a rich ensemble of actors, lends depth to the story. The complex relationships, friendships, and rivalries between them add layers to the narrative.
However, while “Jailer” has its strengths, it also comes with its share of drawbacks:
- Tonal Inconsistencies: The movie struggles at times with its tone. Oscillating between emotional moments, comedic intervals, and raw action, it doesn’t always successfully navigate these shifts. This can leave the audience grappling with emotional whiplash.
- Overemphasis on the Protagonist: While Rajinikanth’s presence is undeniably magnetic, there’s an overt focus on his character, often overshadowing other crucial characters and their developments. This results in some characters feeling underdeveloped or sidelined.
- Predictability: Despite its engaging narrative, certain plot points come off as predictable, particularly for those familiar with the tropes of action cinema. Some scenes, while executed with flair, feel reminiscent of countless other action films.
In conclusion, while “Jailer” is a noteworthy addition to Rajinikanth’s illustrious filmography, it falls short of being a masterpiece. Nevertheless, it offers enough for fans of the superstar and the genre, making it worth a watch.
