Petta — Get Rajinified

Petta is an action drama directed by Karthik Subbaraj, featuring Rajinikanth, Vijay Sethupathi, Trisha, Simran, Nawazuddin Siddique, Sashikumar. Music is by Anirudh Ravichander. Cinematography is by Thiru.

When Karthik Subbaraj officially earmarked Petta as Get Rajinified, I brushed it off and treated it as a whacky promotional strategy to sell off his favourite star’s movie, because every other director who directs Rajinikanth believes that they have Rajinified the movie,although they do not blatantly proclaim that.

Having watched distasteful Sankranthi movies in Telugu, I was apprehensive of watching the movie in the theatre and pushed it behind for a random digital viewing or a festival TV viewing sometime, but my inability to keep my nerves under my control finally drove me to watch it on the big screen before it vanished. The only reason being the curiosity to watch Karthik Subbaraj idiocracy in showing Rajinikanth on screen.

With the report of mixed reviews lingering in my mind that I could not shed off, I walked into the theatre and with an expression ‘Am I going to watch yet another disappointing movie ?. As I stepped into the movie hall, to my surprise, there was a good turn out of the crowd even on the 25th day. However, after a little pondering, I rerouted this reason for the renovation of the theatre and not the movie’s impact.

The screen was ready for viewing and whistles blew from all the corners to cheer superstar, as one would expect. While I was expecting a trope forming a crux leading to Rajini’s intro, I was surprised to see the story kickstarting with Rajini’s intro bashing thugs from the very first scene in a college hostel complemented by Thiru’ splendid cinematography. I could realize that I am on the seat of Rajinification and yet to be offered with many such glimpses of Rajini-ism.

When the director himself emphasizes through the phrase ‘Get Rajinified’, it felt it is wise to pay less attention to the story plot and get soaked in the idea of Rajini-fication. I followed Karthik’s advice and got prepared to get Rajinified. To my excitement, I enjoyed the movie with oodles of Rajinism.

The charm Rajinikanth exudes onscreen at this age will remind you of the saying ‘Age is just a number’. He is at the same ease in dance & fights that he was in the prime phase of his career. He looks charming as a hostel warden and terrific as Petta with a handle bar moustache , sporting a veshti and playing his signature antics.

Petta is a by-product of a fan boy’s tryst with his matinee idol. I could feel the director’s reverence for the superstar that reminded me about his fan-boy anecdotes he shared during the movie’s audio launch, I was sceptical about the movie, not because of Karthik’s directorial ability but his Rajinification rendezvous but he maintained a perfect balance in eccentric storytelling and elevation of his idol.

He is pretty clear about three things -

• What does the audience want from Rajinikanth at this stage of his career?
• How do I want to watch my favourite star on screen in my creation?
• What does Rajinikanth enjoy doing on screen?

For some or other reason, Rajinikanth’ previous set of movies failed to show him in the light where he glows the best. Karthik Subbaraj fills in the void and preps the stage for the much-needed celebration of his favourite star.

Bottomline: Petta brings back the 90s Rajini on screen.