I was all ears when I walked out of the theatre after watching Rajinikanth's 'Lingaa' to find out what the others thought about the movie. A Tamil-speaking group was not happy with the film in whole, but they loved the climax. It was just the opposite for me.
I was engrossed in the narrative of director K.S. Ravikumar untill the final acts of the 174 minute-long flick. Those 15-20 minutes, where the Superstar gets into a super hero mode to settle scores with the villains with his over-the-top stunts, made me smile wild and even laugh. But it was only later you realise that there was no other way to end it. Rajinikanth is revered for such acts; how can one not take that into consideration and give it for his fans to howl and scream to see their idol finishing off the business in style. The director did just that.
'Lingaa' is an example that tells you how to make a good commercial entertainer calling all the required ingredients in and keeping the unwanted ones out. The screenplay by Ravikumar based on the storyline by Pon Kumaran is what keeps you glued onto your seats. It is glad to see that the Rajini effect does not rise above the flow of the story (oh yeah, except those 15-20 minutes). The actor should be applauded for giving that upperhand to Ravikumar, who is known for his storytelling skills, and respecting the common sense of moviegoers.
The movie, revovling around a dam in Solaiyur in Tamil Nadu, starts in the present without divulging much details, thus keeping us curious enough. We have Nagabooshan (Jagapati Babu) as the baddie MP, who wants to establish that the structure made in 1939 was weak, so that he can earn big bucks from constructing a new dam. A murder takes place and the villagers, who are incognizant of the MP's intentions, are caught up in a situation where they have to find the heir of Raja Lingeswaran (Rajinikanth), the engineer who built the dam.
Sings in Lingaa (Rajinikanth again) in S. P. Balasubrahmanyam's voice, the grandson of Lingeswaran, who hates his ancestor and is a thief. Soon follows the flashback and we're taken into the pre-Independence era to learn what went into making of the dam.
The screenplay is tightly and cleverly woven by Ravikumar in 'Lingaa'. It is not a racy script and travels on a single track. But it gives the audience a platter - of action, wit, songs and emotional sequences. On the downside, we will feel the déjà vu, when traces of Rajini's earlier films – 'Muthu', 'Padayappa' - appear in this one.
When the debate is over the strength of the dam, we are reminded of the Mullaperiyar dam over which Kerala and Tamil Nadu have their horns locked witch each other. But the makers wisely avoid any reference to it, a sensible decision there.
Events take their time to unfold in the tale of water and that is where the craftsmanship of the director comes into play in not boring the viewer. The first half shapes us for the second half, which is stronger and hence, more engaging.
At the age of 64, Rajinikanth is still very stylish, we gotta give it to him. 'Lingaa' has his charming screen presence, his famous laugh, the awe-inspiring walk, his acting talent and not to forget, that much celebrated throwing of his jacket/suit towards the sides throughout the length of it. He manages the duets with Sonakshi Sinha and Anushka Shetty. The star in him shines when he is given the task of leading a crowd, pumping them up with his defined talks.
Sonakshi as Bharathi, the village belle, has done a fabulous job. The sincere look she infused into the character is commendable. Anushka as Lakshmi, a TV reporter, on the other hand, heats up the screen with her flirtatious character. Jagapati Babu is a big disappoitment in his villain role. Santhanam and Karunakaran are Lingaa's sidekicks and they have done what they're supposed to do. It was pitiful to see actor Jayaprakash wasted in a minute role.
A.R. Rahman's songs are well-suited for the movie with 'Mona Gasolina' being the pick. His background music does not thrill much. Cinematography by R. Rathnavelu and art direction by Sabu Cyril are appreciable, especially the work they've done in scenes that show off the grandeur of the palace (Mysore Palace) and the steps of dam construction. Graphics work in the climax is in your face and yeah, it is a turnoff.
'Lingaa' is not an only-for-Thalaivar-fans treat. The strong content and wise film-making that went hand in hand worked good for it. Ravikumar used the brand that the Superstar is, but did make sure that the star gets good backing from the film. And the end product is a no no-brainer, with Rajinikanth as its stylish attraction.
Rating: 3/5