The silver screen comes alive with the presence of the one and only Superstar Rajinikanth in “Jailer,” a movie that treads the path of vengeance and revelations. Penned by Nelson, the film intricately intertwines action and suspense, with Rajinikanth at the helm of affairs. While it boasts strengths that make it a captivating watch, certain shortcomings hinder its potential to be a resounding success.
The Plot:
The tale follows the life of Muthuvel Pandian, lovingly known as Muthu (Rajinikanth), a retired jailer leading a quiet life with his family. His son, Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), is a principled police officer, embroiled in a clash with the cunning Varma (Vinakayan), a smuggler of antiquities and divine artifacts. The story takes an unexpected turn when Arjun mysteriously disappears, sending ripples of unease through the police department.
Muthu’s relentless pursuit to find his missing son uncovers a grim truth – Arjun has been murdered. Consumed by grief and driven by a thirst for retribution, Muthu unleashes a spree of violence. However, his quest for justice takes an unforeseen twist, changing the course of his mission entirely.
Strengths:
At the forefront is Rajinikanth, whose presence brings a dynamic vitality to the film. Under Nelson’s direction, Rajinikanth delivers a multifaceted performance, seamlessly transitioning from subtlety in the first half to a commanding presence as the plot unfolds. The interval block is an electrifying crescendo, showcasing Rajinikanth’s prowess.
Rajinikanth’s impeccable comedy timing is evident in his interactions with Yogi Babu, eliciting genuine laughter. The first half thrives on dark comedy, especially during action sequences, delivering a unique blend of entertainment.
Anirudh Ravichander’s background score emerges as the film’s sonic heartbeat, elevating Rajinikanth’s character with fervor. The Hukum song and the interval sequence gain heightened intensity, thanks to Anirudh’s masterful compositions.
Critiques:
However, the movie encounters turbulence due to its sparse plot, leading to a lackluster second half. While the initial engagement is driven by Rajinikanth’s charisma and humor, the momentum falters in the latter half. The director grapples with maintaining the same energy, resorting to scattered comedy tracks that struggle to captivate.
The film’s pacing waivers in the second hour, hampering the emotional impact. The action sequences, despite their potential, fail to evoke the desired thrill. The emotional quotient also falls short, and the concluding twist lacks the anticipated impact.
The film’s length and extended sequences make the second hour a challenge to endure. Furthermore, the much-anticipated cameos by Shiv Rajkumar and Mohanlal, while hyped, lack the expected wow factor.
Conclusion:
“Jailer” walks the tightrope between riveting dynamism and narrative drifts. Rajinikanth’s magnetic presence, coupled with Nelson’s direction and Anirudh’s score, makes the film an engaging experience. However, the film stumbles in its storytelling in the second half, failing to sustain the momentum set in the first. Despite its shortcomings, “Jailer” shines as a vehicle for Rajinikanth’s talent, reaffirming his status as a cinematic legend.
