⚠️ SPOILER ALERT! ⚠️
If you haven't watched "Jailer" yet and intend to, please stop reading this review to avoid spoilers.
Review of the Movie "Jailer"
Rajinism Unleashed: A Glimpse into a Different Rajini
The legendary superstar Rajinikanth is back on screen, this time, not as the invincible larger-than-life hero but as a retired jailer, a grandfather, in Nelson's "Jailer". The film brilliantly displays what can be aptly termed as 'pure Rajinism', catering to the fans while also attempting a narrative that defies the actor's typical mold.
In "Jailer", Rajinikanth portrays a man in the twilight of his life, one who believes his retirement is a time for domesticity, caring for his grandson, and supporting his son, the honest police officer. The character is devoid of the flamboyance that the audience expects; instead, Nelson introduces us to a Rajini who, despite being at the receiving end of harassment and abuse, humbly seeks peace. But there's a silent roar, a dormant lion within him, waiting for a trigger. And when the lion awakens, it's vintage Rajinikanth all the way - brutal, wicked, and powerfully intimidating.
However, every film comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Some of the dark comedy elements that director Nelson successfully incorporated in "Kolamavu Kokila" and "Doctor" seemed out of place here. Scenes with Yogi Babu and VTV Ganesh felt forced. The introduction of Vinayakan as the antagonist is commendable, though. He breaks the mold of Rajini's previous adversaries with his crude, remorseless, psychopathic nature, offering a fresh dynamic.
The inclusion of cinematic bigwigs like Mohanlal, Shivrajkumar, and Jackie Shroff, albeit in cameos, enhanced the movie's appeal. Yet, the film falters slightly post-interval. The heist segment, intended to be the film's pivotal turn, lacked the expected excitement and was predictable.
The female leads, including the stellar Ramya Krishnan and Tamannah, were underutilized. It's disappointing to see Ramya, who shared remarkable chemistry with Rajinikanth in the iconic "Padayappa", relegated to a domesticated, sidelined role.
However, it's undeniably Rajinikanth's show through and through. His charisma remains untouched by time, and he single-handedly elevates the film. Special mention goes to Vasanth Bala, who plays Rajini's son. He proves his mettle as an actor and hopefully will see more prominent roles in the future.
In conclusion, "Jailer" may challenge die-hard Rajini fans' expectations, but it still offers many mass moments they yearn for. It's a film that tries to strike a balance between typical Rajinism and a fresh narrative. While it succeeds in parts, it leaves you yearning for a little more coherence and depth in certain areas.