Why Enthiran is a milestone, yet disappointing for fans!!!

I have been seeing lots of hardcore super star fans tight lipped about the experience they had with Enthiran. Firstly, they are disappointed. Secondly, they don’t want to spoil the success of the man who they have admired and worshiped for the past twenty years. And moreover, Rajini’s movies have been always formulative and superlative. If you ask me, Enthiran tries not to be a Rajini Movie which makes any of Rajini’s fan to get furious and barmy. It isn’t their mistake. It is to be noted and understood that Rajini had always given them that packed food and the fan’s expectation and experience have learnt that Rajini Movie should be Rajini’s and not some others.

Even with Manirathnam’s Thalapathi, Rajini didn’t offer a typical ‘Rajini’ stylish movie, but it was masked with the nerve and blaze of the character Surya. It had lots to offer for a fan of Rajini rather than enjoying only the magic of Rajini style. Shivaji would be the best example where Rajini wanted to break free. I wouldn’t accept or have faith that it’s Rajini’s decision to change his image in Enthiran. It would be his thought that he had handed over his brand management to the director.

As a Rajini fan anybody would expect an introduction scene, introduction Philosophical song, Motherly sentiments, Friend sentiments, Lots and Lots of Punch dialogues, a letdown scene by his well wishers and he would come back with bursting energy. If any of the things are not there then it isn’t a Rajini movie. Over the years he has been colossal entertainer who had assorted with their emotions and lifestyle with that formula. Being said that a fan would obviously expect the same in a much bigger way with Enthiran. Enthiran doesn’t endow with any of these things. It’s obvious Rajini fans would be disappointed. If anyone who knows the pulse of the fans it should be Rajinikanth, he wouldn’t have done it very intentionally to disappoint his fans. For his fans he is a Demigod who appears to the external world only in silver screen, though his personal way of life has been much admired and esteemed by everyone, his one frame would make them go contended. But they want it in the style as they know Rajinikanth.

People say Rajini’s fans are non critical about his movies. The fans have never celebrated any of his which doesn’t worth. Be it Kuselan or Pandian. Though Pandian had a great music and directed by a veteran director the movie wasn’t a blockbuster as his earlier movies. Rajini works on the emotional part of his fan’s conjures when the directors work for the success of the movie. Given any movie Rajini always communicates with his fans on screen. At least for a single frame. This has built the relationship which goes beyond criticism and cinematic experience. Rajini is a part of any house hold name during Diwali or Tamil newyear. Even now a guy who has seen Rajini movie first day first show is considered and viewed as a hero among his friends .This all made any of ordinary fan to expect beyond their experience with Enthiran.

This is kind of different scenario but a much delayed thing which accepts brand superstar to the northern part of India. Though Sivaji was a big hit in north, but the critics were sharp to make fun of it. But southern India was celebrating its success. The acceptance of Rajinikanth beyond life wasn’t happening till these days. It was because of void of emotional connectivity with Hindi fans.

Rajini had acted in a movie which wasn’t created for him.It was actually meant for Kamal and then to SRK. We have to accept it. We have to strongly accept it. This is one fact which answers lots of disappointment. His tailor made roles or the remade movies were modulated for Rajini fan’s expectation. I remember Kamal giving an interview about Robot four years ago “Me, Shankar and Sujatha discussed about making a movie after Indian. We discussed a movie called Robot which would cost 50crores (in 2004 roughly I believe ) but it would run for 50 weeks”. Kamal was sure about its success given the depth and skill of the team.

In 2004 the estimated budget was 50crores, in 2010 it sums upto 165crores (as per the media). Do you think it is possible to get the Return of Investment with SRK or Kamalhassan. It needed a star who is already a brand who gains lots of equity more than films and above all there should be a strong power which should connect to their emotions. Its absolute Economics and Marketing definitely not for the Superstar that this movie is on Rajinikanth.

If you ask me I am not sure whether the CG is to be compared with Hollywood flicks, the quality of any work comes with the budget. Spend $200 million you make Matrix, spend $35 million you will be able to deliver only this quality. Its absolute nonsense to compare this with Hollywood flicks because this movie has its own vision and own literary brilliance to support its plot.

Finally it’s time for Rajini to spread boundries. For twenty five years he had been entertaining Tamil Nadu. Now Shankar has elevated the brand to the next level of international viewership, where people believe that with Rajini some magic is possible though they don’t accept as we worship him. The second part of Robot may be on its way. But sure Rajini would team with Shankar again for the brand visibility to a market which was totally sarcastic about his screen presence. For it to happen, Rajini has sacrificed lots of formulative stuff and the satisfaction factor of his fans.

The Enthiran product can’t reap its benefit it doesn’t get in to the merchandise of Rajinikanth. Toys or Tees or Conceptual factors which would definitely sell just for the Rajinikanth and nothing else.

But as many said My mind still wants the gutsy and unwaged Rajinikanth who hails from village with lots of sentiments and humour who had been entertaining the six crore people ! I am going with the success of Enthiran but I don’t want the sophisticated Rajinikanth anymore because I connect with Rajini emotionally and not through entertainment. That’s what people of Tamil Nadu do and that’s why people are tight lipped.