The release of Coolie coincided with 50 years of Rajinikanth in cinema. As the title credits roll, an animated sequence showcasing some of Rajini’s best roles flashes before us. This segment, which lasts about a minute, is very well made and takes us on a nostalgic journey through Rajinikanth’s iconic work, which has made him... Continue Reading →
50 Years of Rajinikanth: Seven Pivotal Films in Superstar’s career
(This piece was written for the news website thenewsminute.com and was first published on August 13, 2025, and can be read here: https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/mullum-malarum-to-kabali-seven-pivotal-films-in-rajinikanths-50-year-career ) For film buffs, August 15 this year marks an important milestone. It will be 50 years since Rajinikanth literally ‘gatecrashed’ the world of cinema in K Balachander’s Apoorva Raagangal. 50 years – let that... Continue Reading →
Vettaiyan – My Flash Review!
As the film’s title card appears, there is an animation of a speeding bullet. The film’s credits further roll where we are shown the mechanics of a bullet leaving the gun when triggered—enough to raise our suspicion that this is another Tamil film with guns, bombs and gore galore. Thankfully a set of montage shots... Continue Reading →
Jailer – My Flash Review!
Any Rajinikanth movie comes with loads of expectations and associated hype and Jailer is no exception. The film, coming at the back of a few average outings like 2.0, Durbar and Annatthe for the actor and an underwhelming Beast for Director Nelson obviously arrived with additional pressure for these two. First up, I must say... Continue Reading →
30 Years of Mala da… Annamala…!
This piece was originally written for the news portal “The News Minute” and was carried on the 27th June, 2022. The link to the piece is here: https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/mala-da-annamalai-30-years-rajinikanth-s-super-duper-hit-165330 In the last many years post Sivaji – The Boss, if directors and writers have been struggling to make a “Super Star” film that is universally appealing... Continue Reading →
Annaatthe – My (late) Flash Review!
Annaatthe showed up on Netflix this week and finally caught up with the film yesterday and here’s my take. One word catchy title – Check High to Low to High – story line (similar to Riches to Rags to Riches template) – Check Nayanthara in the cast – Check Multi star cast with too many... Continue Reading →
Darbar – My Flash Review
In a piece (read here) I wrote 2 weeks ago on the pre- release buzz around Darbar, I asked “Is Darrbar going to be a trademark Murugadoss film or once again a fan boy tribute to the Superstar? “ In this review, I will attempt to answer this question. It was important to shut the... Continue Reading →
Moving beyond Rajini-isms!
(This piece was written for the news website thenewsminute.com and was first published on the 26th Dec, 2019 and can be read here: https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/moving-beyond-rajini-isms-can-filmmakers-still-give-fans-endearing-superstar-films-114807 A few days ago, the trailer of Superstar Rajinikanth’s upcoming film Darbar hit our personal screens. It quickly garnered a few million hits. The 105-second clip had the usual Rajinikanth’s swag walk, fleeting glimpses of... Continue Reading →
Kabali and the teaser da!
(This post was first published on the satire website theunrealtimes.com on 22nd June, 2016 as a satirical piece when the Kabali teaser became a smashing hit!) http://www.theunrealtimes.com/2016/06/22/kabali-producers-decide-to-cancel-the-release-of-the-film-and-release-the-same-as-many-teasers/ Kabali producers decide to cancel the release of the film and release the same as many “teasers” In a first for the entire film industry, V. Creations, the producers of... Continue Reading →
Can Rajini???
(This post was first published on my personal blog http://anandkumarrs.com on 14th Dec, 2014) The feeling is almost the same. That feeling when India fails to win inspite of Sachin (or for that matter Kohli now) scoring a masterly century under trying circumstances in a second inning of a test match. Because others fail to... Continue Reading →
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