Disclaimer - I am a Rajini fanatic and hence may be biased. Read at your own discretion.
Am blogging this after watching Jailer 3 times. I'm thrilled to accord "Jailer" a solid 4 out of 5 stars, a cinematic experience that truly merits a trip to the theatre. It's more than just a film; it's a testament to the grandeur of mass entertainment, finely interwoven with technical support that epitomizes a Rajinikanth spectacle. It remarkably checks off virtually every item on my preconceived list, which you can revisit in my previous blog post (you can find it here). Let's delve into the elements that contribute to the film's resounding success:
Formidable Antagonist: The villainous character (played by Vinayagan) is crafted to almost stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Superstar himself. However, it's regrettable that some of the steam dissipates as the story races toward its climax.
Dark Comedy: The first half of the movie masterfully balances dark humor, adding an extra layer of engagement to the narrative.
Engaging Flashback: A well-crafted flashback segment with younger and dashing Tiger Muthuvel Pandian tantalizes the audience, leaving us yearning for more insight into the story's past.
Action Sequences: The action sequences are a visual feast, particularly noteworthy because Rajinikanth refrains from simply bashing his opponents into oblivion. It's a refreshing departure from the norm.
Stellar Cameos: The inclusion of Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar in cameo roles adds a brilliant dimension to the movie. These appearances were nothing short of genius, propelling the film's success, particularly in regions like Kerala and Karnataka where it shattered regional language records. In fact Nelson can spin off two movies with Mohanlal and Shivrajkumar respectively. With the right finesse, these could bloom into compelling narratives of their own, potentially even accommodating a Rajinikanth cameo.
Technical Brilliance: The movie shines from a technical perspective. The cinematography captures stunning visuals, and the background music is out of the world. Anirudh is GOAT here.
Signature Rajini Elements: The film seamlessly integrates trademark Rajinikanth characteristics and style sequences. An interesting note is that he's even seen smoking a cigar, a throwback to his iconic screen presence in Annamalai (recall that he had refrained from on-screen smoking after "Baba").
Does the movie have some negatives? Yes in fact. Let's unpack some facets that, while are not deal-breakers, could have enhanced the cinematic experience:
Yearning for Tiger Muthuvel Pandian: The character of Tiger tantalizes us with just a glimpse of his past. The director could have delved more into this character.
Tamannah Episode: While the film gracefully navigates dark humor in its first half, the particular interaction between Sunil, Tamannah and Kingsley spills over into slapstick territory, slightly missing the director's Nelson's strength. At times, it even ventures into cringe-worthy terrain due to Kingsley's portrayal. Some trimming here will help a lot. Nevertheless, this humor might strike a chord with specific audience segments.
Logic Gaps:
The portrayal of the police force in the film raises an eyebrow. Given the protagonist's role as a jailer, the storyline could have embraced more scenes to showcase the multifaceted activities of the police. While the film takes a decidedly dim view of the police, it could have ventured into greater nuance to better substantiate their actions, even if tinged with corruption.
What transpired with Yogi Babu after he was pulled into the truck during the first half? Was he injured when the truck overturned? The story doesn't provide any information on this incident afterward.
In the narrative, Muthuvel Pandian doesn't offer comfort to the family upon learning about their son's passing. Notably, he keeps his involvement hidden from his family throughout the latter part of the story. The family don't seem to be grieving about the loss as well.
The gunfight scene in the second half is impeccably crafted, yet they somewhat diverge from the storyline, prompting one to ponder why such elaborate actions are necessary for faking a crown.
When I watched the film for the third time, I felt there was scope for some better inclusions in the narrative. The disposal of the second and third bodies through Yogi Babu could have introduced an element of humor, but regrettably, it was entirely overlooked. Given Varman's (Vinayagan's) penchant for dance, injecting a scene in the climax where Rajinikanth requests entertainment from Varman could have enriched the experience. The placement of Hukum dialogue could have been better at the interval. It would have been meaningful to see a concluding scene in which he informs the family about the tragedy and then takes on the responsibility of caring for his grandson.
These gaps, while evident, are often eclipsed by the sheer magnitude of Rajinikanth's on-screen presence. In the grand presentation of "Jailer," these observations stand as gentle suggestions rather than harsh criticisms. In sum, "Jailer" stands as an unmissable Rajinikanth extravaganza that demands to be experienced on the big screen. So, get ready to be captivated, entertained, and thoroughly immersed in the world of "Jailer" and the world of Rajinikanth. It's a film that not only lives up to its hype but also sets a new benchmark for a Rajinikanth film and will set the standard for his upcoming films as well.
Now coming to some negative reviews on the social media platform. It's noted that certain influential critics on social media have expressed negative opinions about "Jailer." It's a recurring observation that many high-profile reviewers and media don't wholeheartedly endorse Rajini's films. While they aren't obligated to actively promote any film, a balanced perspective would be appreciated. Watching a Rajini film is an emotional experience that's meant to be felt, not overanalyzed or dissected. The essence lies in going to the theatre, immersing oneself in the experience, and enjoying a great time. It's important to recognize that Rajini movies cater to a different kind of cinematic enjoyment. However, some individuals fail to grasp this concept and approach it with expectations akin to a Christopher Nolan or a Martin Scorsese film. Constructive criticism can be valuable, but if the criticism is entirely negative without offering any insights, it may not be representative of the broader audience's experience.
(Am excluding the reviews by Vijay fanatics, which I think should be ignored for any film)
Blue Sattai Maran
While I've found myself agreeing with some of his reviews in the past, it's hard to ignore a consistent inclination toward exaggeration and negativity. Rather than adhering to the conventional reviewing approach, this critic frequently indulges in a thread of trolling and sarcasm. The intention might be to bring a touch of humor or to gather some publicity, but it leaves a distinct lack of professionalism. The same pattern emerged with his assessment of "Jailer." Even before the film's release, he took to social media with a flurry of tweets and derogatory remarks directed at the movie and its stars.
Starting off the review in a familiar manner, the critic transitions into a recounting of Rajinikanth's political journey—a somewhat puzzling divergence. This raises the question: why would one choose to watch a film starring an individual they dislike so strongly? The simplest solution, it seems, would be to avoid it altogether. The critic's perspective on the narration of "Jailer" takes another turn. He claims that the story lacks a straightforward trajectory, weaving through multiple plots and culminating in confusion.
He had specific expectations for the film's narrative direction, possibly envisaging a storyline revolving around YouTube videos featuring Muthuvel Pandian and his grandson. To further illustrate, maybe an alternate scenario with a YouTube competitor entangled in competition and Rajinikanth riding his grandson to victory, potentially climaxing in a YouTube “Likes” contest.
Interestingly, the critic boldly asserts insider knowledge of the discussions between the actor and the production team before filming. This claim stands in contrast to Rajinikanth's own account of the situation (during the audit launch event), and it's a reminder of how speculation can intertwine with factual information. The review concludes with a striking statement that predicts viewers will be on the brink of a coma by the film's end. This proclamation starkly contrasts the reactions observed in the audience. Reports of jubilation, ecstasy, and standing ovations for Director Nelson appear to paint a vastly different picture.
Bharadwaj Rangan
I acknowledging this guy’s knowledge of cinema, largely gained through extensive interviews. Infact his recent engagements have centered around scriptwriting and staging, a subtle implication that he might eventually step into the directorial role himself. In his review, he indicates that those who seek a consistent rhythm in filmmaking, coherent character development, and a brisk pace should stay away from "Jailer." His assumption that Nelson originally intended a more intense and violent film but diluted it for Rajinikanth raises questions about his intentions. He perceives "Jailer" as warm and gentle in contrast to its potentially gory alternative. It probably seems that his dissatisfaction stems from the lack of interviews with Rajinikanth and Nelson before the film's release (Yes I can also assume right?). His reviews tend to be lengthy and intricately worded, often requiring a deep understanding of English to fully grasp his intended message. While he extensively lauded "Subramaniapuram" shot by shot, he curiously deems the cinematography in "Jailer" as merely average. This particular aspect might appear trivial to most viewers.
His final verdict on "Jailer" paints it as a letdown, accompanied by the assertion that Rajinikanth deserves a more substantial movie. The audacity of suggesting that he knows what Rajinikanth should pursue in his film choices is hard to overlook. Yet, the figures tell a different story. It's quite evident that his approach to reviewing such films is fundamentally predetermined, and it's a common understanding that he might not be the intended audience for movies like "Jailer."
As audiences, we can appreciate the spectrum of viewpoints while ultimately forming our own judgments based on our personal preferences and experiences. Let's consider a medley of perspectives to gain a more well-rounded view of such cinematic experiences. It's completely valid for people to have differing opinions, and it's also essential for viewers to approach entertainment with an open mind, allowing themselves to relish the distinct cinematic offerings that different actors and genres bring to the table.
If you are still confused about whether to watch it or not, let me make it easier for you:
If you're a dedicated Rajini fan, your expectations will be more than satisfied. This is what's commonly referred to as “Thalaivar Dharisanam”.
For those who simply enjoy movies, the experience will be thoroughly enjoyable, especially when shared with family. Prepare to get Rajinified.
Even if you are a Rajini hater, this film might intensify your sentiments due to the astonishing quality and screen presence he delivers at the age of 73. Nevertheless, you might find yourself compelled to watch it alongside your family.
For those inclined towards more "meaningful" cinema, consider opting for "Por Thozhil" on OTT platform instead. You don’t have to watch a Rajini film.
Rating – 4/5
