Dr Khusi Pattanayak
Jailer (Tamil, 2023) is the quintessential larger-than-life Super Star Rajinikanth offering; a perfect masala entertainer meant to be enjoyed only on big screen.
Nelson Dilipkumar (writer–director) is back with his opulent and extravagant style, entertaining his audience with the right mix of action, drama, comedy, and songs. Nelson gets his act together from the first shot itself. There is not a single dull moment. There are eccentric characters, memorable cameos, interesting twists, crisp dialogues, and dark humor – something for everyone.
As an action thriller, Jailer relies largely on the ability of action director Stun Shiva’s ability to deliver. And he does so with great finesse. The actions complement the narrative and Rajinikanth’s personality.
Cinematography by Vijay Kartik Kannan is both esthetically pleasing and visually appealing. The way he captures the rugged topography, hero’s magnificence and villain’s menace is enticing. And so is the music. Music, song and dance, play a great role in making a popular movie successful especially in Indian context; and Jailer is a winner in this department.
The makeup and costume work are impressive. Especially the way they have provided an authentic flavor to each character through their appearance. Case in point, the 4 snipers who barely uttered anything but managed to steal the scenes with their captivating presence in each scene.
When it is a Rajinikanth movie, everything has to be done right. And casting department has done a great job here. The actors are commendable. Yogi Babu and his comic timing are legendary. He is in full form here. Jaffer Sadiq and the sun-glass lover friend of Varman are awesome; the child actor was born to face the camera.
A round of applause to Vinayakan, the antagonist Varman. He is ruthless and “100% professional”. He never misses a single moment to express why is the best in his field. A blend of Mugambo (Mr. India) and Hathoda Tyagi (Patal Lok) Varman is devoid of a conscience and remains unapologetic till the end.
Rajinikanth proves once again, why he is loved by millions across the globe. From shooting YouTube videos with his grandson to bashing up the goons to laughing maniacally on knowing the truth about his son – Rajinikanth is unstoppable. His Midas touch is distinctive. His star power is mesmerizing.
The cameos deserve a special mention. It is not every day that one gets to see Mohanlal, Shivarajkumar and Jackie Shroff in the same movie. Their presence elevates the entertainment quotient and cinematic moments. Sunil, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Makrand Deshpande add to the pan-Indian appeal.
Not just actors, but situations remain universal. Mohanlal rules Mumbai. Rajnikanth torments criminals in Tihar jail. Vinayakan loves listens to songs from Taal and arranges manpower from Haryana and Rajnikanth’s family is attacked by Hindi speaking henchmen!
Despite the wholesome production, the film should have been mercilessly truncated by 20 minutes and deserved an A certificate, not UA. Jailer is a celebration of blood, macabre, and cruelty. Being a Rajnikanth movie it is supposed to be a family entertainer.
The number of underage kids in the hall made in flinch with concern if we have appropriated too much violence in our lives, to not feel anything when we see so much of it on screen.
By the way, please do not underestimate your intelligence by unnecessarily intellectualizing a movie like Jailer or looking for story and logic.
Jailer is a thorough entertainer, that deserves one watch, especially if you are Rajnikanth and masala movie fan.
(The author is an internationally published writer & corporate communication specialist. Views are personal)
