Santhaprakash S

This is a detailed review after watching the movie on a weekday(15th Day after release) without any Fan crowd to bias me. Sarkar is a socio-political drama which runs on the fulcrum of most of the current events in Tamil Nadu(Probably why audience in Kerala could not relate to the same). It is not a usual Kollywood Utopian Political Movie(Mainly made famous by Director Shankar's Mudhalvan) which promises the moon, has great theatre moments, has a sincere hero and a scintillating antagonist. Neither will it match your expectations if you went in thinking of Vijay-ARM's previous Block-Busters-Thuppakki and Kathi which were cinematic delights with some social messages thrown on them. The movie is more on the lines of Director Mohan Raja's Social Drama Velaikkaran, if you definitely need a comparison although I would not want to bias you. Contrary to most Online Reviewers and English Newspapers's Verdict, I never found the movie to be dull and in fact was quite surprised when the movie got over, with a run time of 2 Hours 43 Minutes. Regarding Technicalities, AR Rahman's Music and BGM is a huge Plus(Again Under-quoted in most of social media reviews), Girish's Cinematography is okayish(Simtaangaran could have been better). Ram-Laxman's Stunts slightly over on top. Choreography is a big let down(Does not match to the tunes for the most part- Shobi and Sridhar wasted good songs with Vijay's magical steps at their disposal). Coming to Director ARM and Writer Jeyamohan(Whose contribution again under-quoted in most reviews), I would say Dialogues are razor-sharp and if you are someone connected to the ground realities of TN(That is Big If!),you will definitely feel as if they reflect your mind in most of the scenes. Regarding Screenplay, definitely the expectations of Thuppakki and Kathi play spoilsport as the 12-Terrorist Shoot-Out and Coin Fight are huge benchmarks for even the original director to match with. Again,here ARM has directed the movie as a common man rather than a director and probably the reason for the slackness here, if you go in only as a Cinema Lover. Regarding Production Values, Sun Pictures have pulled no stops with good Artwork in Songs and Fight Scenes only to be spoilt by insipid choreography as mentioned before. Appreciate them for having the spine and guts to take criticism of their own related political party in a movie produced by them. Coming to Actor Vijay, Hatsoff to him for openly taking on Politicians including the Party connected to the Production Company. He has carried the movie on his shoulders and lived out the role. No other contemporary actor has dared to take up issues affecting TN and its people as Vijay has in most of his movies in the last 4 years and Sarkar is the pinnacle among them all. If there was one reason you should watch the movie, it is for Vijay. Considering it is a One-Man show due to Charismatic Vijay, having 3 antagonists makes it even more harder for any of them to match up to him. Lesson here for Atlee and future directors of Vijay Movie- Have that one strong Raguvaran-type villain to stand the might of Vijay rather than a multitude of them and end up them looking lesser. In short,if you are a cool dude/dudette, take-a-chill-pill types, only alive in virtual world, sees movies to hang-out with boy/girl friends, better avoid Sarkar and do whatever you keep doing. On the other hand, if you are someone who is connected to what are the chronic problems which are ailing TN and felt disgruntled, frustrated and angered at any point in the last 2 years and want to bring about a positive change for the better, you will definitely connect with the movie! Just dump the so-called mixed reviews and go for it!! And most importantly, wherever you are in this world, spare that one day every 3-5 years to vote in the elections. That is the only democratic tool we have and do not waste the same and keep mocking, memeing about Government when you see something bad and do nothing about it. That is the crux of this movie. Enna Nanba, Nanbi- Will you vote this time?

Average movie with story of 1980's salvaged to an extent by Santosh Narayanan's Music and BGM. One time watch at max. For a socio-political drama, the episode of Rajinikanth and Huma Qureshi's yesteryear love story is a complete drag. This is no vintage Rajni Film as is being propagated by some sources. At best, Director Ranjith has used the star to propogate his ideology in a much bigger way which he had touched in Kabali. The even more irking fact is the difference of how Reel Rajni is so different from Real Rajni with reg to what he has said in the last 2 weeks in the media reg many issues.

Detailing, Cinematography, Casting, Depth of Story, Subtle Emotions and Drama, Historical Underpinning, Scintillating Music and Background Music- What more do you need? This is a gem in the annals of movies of all languages and would say did not get its due fame among the mania for Hitchcock and James Bond atleast in our part of the world! "Awrence, Awrence"- The Arabian Tribes shout after a splendid scene in the movie- Still gives you goosebumps! Are you still reading the review?!!!

For any history and war enthusiast, this film is a must watch! Concentration on the subtler elements of leadership, emotions, strategy, this goes against the usual notion of warplanes, bombs and gore as the template for a period war movie. Most importantly, the movie does not sag at any point and you will not raise until the end!!