Rajni's triumphant return to Tamil screen

Chennai, June 15 (IANS) Rajnikanth returned to the southern silver screen after two years at 5 a.m. Friday to a tumultuous reception from millions of fans in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu.

Huge crowds thronged 30 theatres in and around Chennai right from the wee hours of the morning, with every 'rasikar' (aficianado) of Rajni determined not to miss a 'first day first show' of the long awaited "Sivaji: the Boss".

Inside the packed theatres, audiences watched the film in rapt silence, in contrast to the wild cheering, dancing and sloganeering witnessed outside earlier.

"Simply Paisa Vasool, Machhi! And get out of the way. I have to buy the next show's ticket at whatever black market rates that are prevailing", said Rajavelu, an auto-rickshaw driver from north Chennai, at Albert Hall, Egmore.

The staunchly loyal fans of the superstar seemed every bit as anxious as the film's makers about the impact of every single scene, every single song or fight sequence.

"I have only two words to describe 'Sivaji'- success, spectacular", said Vishwanathan, a driver who spent nearly 30 percent of his monthly salary to watch the preview Thursday night.

"But seeing it along with the film technicians was a let down. The wolf whistles, bits of confetti floating in the air, applause and finally the roars of approval were missing. For a Rajnikant movie - all this stuff is as essential as the background score. I will see it again - at least 10 times. Now I have to begin networking odd jobs to pay for the shows," Vishwanathan added.

"I am a diehard Rajnikant fan and the movie is worth every single paisa of the Rs.1,000 I spent to see the first show. Rajnikant has shown great guts to appear with a shaved head in the climax but it thrilled me," said Dayalan, who owns a travel business.

"So far, my friends have booked four more tickets on different days including one more show today. I'm not going to miss any of them. 'Thalaivar' (as the superstar is popularly known) knows what sells and he kept us all happy," he added.

Pundits say it is impossible to predict the film's fate at the box office from the premiere show. More so for a Rajni film - his numerous fan clubs ensure that every film of his runs to full houses for at least two weeks.

Trade circles still remember the shocking manner in which Rajni's "Baba" bombed after what appeared a terrific opening. "Chandramukhi", however, a record-breaking blockbuster, belied fears of a "Baba" repeat.

To the ordinary and uncommitted viewer who had managed to wangle a first day ticket, it seemed that "Sivaji: The Boss" might not go the "Baba" way.

Rajni, the hero who sports perhaps a record number of hairdos in the much-hyped film, would seem to have met every expectation from every section of his wide ranging audience.

There is no immediate word on the possible first day collections in Chennai and Tamil Nadu. But collections here form a major part of the estimated Rs.17 million shelled out by eager viewers across the country.

Rajni's massive following in the state had marked the run-up to the film's release with esoteric welcome-back shows. These included ceremonies of fervour like 'pal avishekam' (milk bath) on Rajni carboard cutouts.

A conspicuous feature of the first day shows was the meagre attendance by women, caused perhaps by fears of stampede and unruly fan behaviour. The female audiences of the film are expected to increase over the coming weeks.

"Those who say women shun Rajnikant's films because of his fans' rowdy behaviour during the shows ought to see this movie at least once. It is wholesome entertainment and the fans have shown exemplary behaviour. Shivaji Rao Gaekwad lives the role and is truly the boss!" Kanaka, a woman vegetable vendor from south Chennai, had the last word.

She was one of the few women at Albert Hall who saw the film on the first day.

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Sivaji - The Boss