'Jailer' was not in the making for a long time. After the release of its trailer, the film started nursing the dream of registering blockbuster openings in Tamil. In Telugu, too, the Rajinikanth-starrer has enjoyed considerable buzz. In fact, there are opinions that it might pip 'Bholaa Shankar' if the Chiranjeevi-starrer proves to be a misfire. How is 'Jailer'? Is it worth a watch? We tell you in this review...
Plot:
A syndicate is operating an international idol-smuggling network. Nobody in the police department dares to touch even a minion belonging to the mafia. All hell breaks loose when ACP Arjun (Vasanth Ravi), the son of a retired cop named Tiger Muthuvel Pandian aka Muthu (Rajinikanth), is suspected to be killed by the mafia for mustering the courage to nab the mafia's kingpin.
Muthu himself takes the plunge to avenge his son's rumoured murder. In the course of his clash with kingping Varma (Vinayakan) Muthu has to use his elaborate network and intelligence if he has to defeat the villains.
Performances:
Rajinikanth sets aside his past disappointments and strives to captivate an entirely new generation of moviegoers with his latest film. He comes into his own right from the first scene. He is not under any pressure to look glamorous. Even his jailer look in the Tihar Jail (in a brief flashback set in 2007) episode gives the fanboys out there whistle-worthy moments. The family portions where he shares screen space with his talkative, YouTube-crazy grandson are fun to watch. Vasanth Ravi of the recent 'Asvins' fame plays his son.
Rajini relies on two characters (played by superstars Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar) in his crusade against the smugglers. The characters and their tracks seem to be inspired somewhat by last year's 'Vikram'. The main villain, played by Vinayakan, is adequate. Between Yogi Babu and Sunil, the former is effortless in delivering laughs. Tamannaah Bhatia is seen in a couple of comedy scenes after her special song.
Technical Departments:
Sun Pictures mounts the film in such a way that grandeur is over-the-top. Even the climax fight (Stun Siva shows talent) is not a grand-scale one. There are no foreign locations just because the idol-smuggling racket is global in nature.
Anirudh Ravichander's stunning score is mind-blowing. In fact, he gets credit (read 'An Anirudh Musical') right before the film's title appears on the big screen. The cinematography department does a decent job. Some complaints about the editing department are due. The second half is over-long.
Plus Points:
The casting. Right from Rajini to other cast members, all primary artists are remarkable.
The interval bang.
The last 15 minutes.
The father-son scenes in the second half.
Yogi Babu's scenes with the hero.
Striking work by Anirudh.
Minus Points:
Too much reliance on the BGM to do the magic.
The second half falters to a good extent. The influence of Srinu Vaitla's style of comedy (as seen in 'Dookudu' and 'Aagadu') doesn't help.
Making the antagonist look like a clown with feeble political backing.
Vox Verdict:
'Jailer' is an enjoyable movie, overall. Watch it for its two heroes - Rajinikanth and composer Anirudh. You won't be disappointed with the fights. And you will find the dark comedy engaging enough.
Rating: 3/5
