ROBOT reviews - rajeev masand positive - Page 3

Real-time or cyber-time, the rajinikanth mania in the run up to Endhiran's release, has reached a feverish pitch and social networking sites are rife with discussion forums dedicated to Rajinikanth and his latest flick. That Rajini is a phenomenon worldwide is common fact ('first day first show' (FDFS) tickets for the film are going at $ 40 in the USA!), and both the masses and the elite are making no bones about admitting that the sole reason they are clamouring to watch endhiran is because their Superstar is in it. No other actor in Indian cinema enjoys this kind of frenzied fan following and there are reasons aplenty why.

In keeping with tradition, the suburbs are where it all begins. In a theatre in one such suburb in Chennai, at as early as 3.30 am this morning, fans of the actor performed a paal abhishekam on the huge cut-outs of the actor. Soon after, the lucky few who reportedly paid Rs 1000 for a ticket, had the privilege of watching the film at 4 am and being among the first in India to watch their thalaivar in action. Singer Chinmayi, who has sung the hit number Kilimanjaro... in the film tweeted, "Overheard my mom saying 'Endhiran FDFS paakardhukkaaga en ponnu paithayam pidicha maadiri irukka." The singer told CT, "I'm going to catch the FDFS at an upmarket multiplex at around 7.30 am. I am extremely excited — I will probably shout when I see Rajini's face on screen!"

Actor Dhanush, Rajinikanth's son-in-law, said, "We always watch the FDFS of Rajini sir's films at a popular theatre in Egmore, where we can feel the pulse of the masses." So, what is it that makes Rajinikanth click with both the classes and the masses? Says N Thirugnanasambandham, professor of sociology, "Watching a Rajinikanth film is like a social obligation. It is on par with celebrating Deepavali or Pongal! Everyone talks about his movies and no one wants to be left out. The fear of not being able to participate in the discussions drives people to watch his movies at any time or cost."

With Endhiran, for the first time in the history of Tamil cinema, a movie is releasing in 45 screens in the city — almost three times more than what the last superstar film Sivaji enjoyed. Says Tamil film trade historian Film News Anandan, "It's the Rajinikanth magic that is attracting viewers. It is almost unbelievable that 15 screens in the Mount Road area itself are screening the film." It is all too obvious then that the Superstar has a thoroughly firm grip on his fans. Concludes psychologist Saras Baskar, "Rajini is an actor who has come up the hard way and thus inspires very strong mob behaviour. Whether they know anything about him or not, people want to be part of all the action. With each movie of his, the expectations get bigger and more complex, as does the loyalty. That is the kind of grip this star has on the psyche of people".

The numbers Game
No of screens worldwide (approx) — 2000
No of screens Tamil Nadu (approx) — 555
Highest price for any Indian film in the US — $ 40 (first day first show)
Highest price in India (official) at a Mumbai multiplex — Rs 280
Highest price (unofficial) in Tamil Nadu — Rs 1000 (first day first show)

Screen sheen
With Endhiran, for the first time in the history of Tamil cinema, a movie is releasing in 45 screens in the city. This is almost three times than what Sivaji (Rajini's previous movie, again with the superhit combination of Shankar and Rahman) enjoyed!

(With inputs from Team CT)