Title: Darbar
CBFC Rating : UA
Run-Time: 2 Hrs 49 Min
Release Date: 09-01-2020
Banner: Lyca Productions
Cast: Rajinikanth, Nayanthara, Suniel Shetty, Nivetha Thomas, Yogi Babu, Prateik Babbar, and Others
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematography: Santosh Sivan
Editing: Sreekar Prasad
Producer: A Subaskaran
Written and Directed by AR Murugadoss
Story:
Aditya Arunachalam (Rajinikanth) is brought to the city of Mumbai to clean up the city from the drug menace. He goes about his work in a swashbuckling and care-a-damn attitude. It eventually leads to a powerful drug mafia syndicate. How Aadhithya Arunachalam (Rajinikanth) takes care of them without losing his swag and sleep?
Performances:
Superstar too goes beyond the usual and showcases his wide variety of expressions and unique body language without only relying on his style factor alone. The scenes in the second half with Nivetha highlight the range he possesses as an actor. Darbar, is, therefore, a treat to the fans of Superstar.
Nayanthara plays the female lead with a difference. It is not the usual falling after the guy kind of role. It is short but brings a lot to the table. Nivetha Thomas is a lively and lovely actress. She puts her acting skills to great use in Darbar in the biggest stage of all, a Superstar Rajinikanth movie. To give an example of how good she is, Nivetha registers even when she is in the background in a scene. She has that presence to mind to stay in the character and do the related.
Suniel Shetty is the perfect villain for a larger than life star Rajinikanth. He is given a stylish maneuver and presented in a deadly way. The confrontation works due to that powerful establishment. Yogi Babu brings his unique comedy touch to the proceedings and is a welcome presence throughout. Prateik Babbar has very little screentime but his roguish aura can’t be missed in a few instances. The rest of the artists too are well cast and add weight to the proceedings.
Highlights:
Rajinikanth
Background Score
Lavish Production Values
Pre-Interval Episode
Railway Station Fight
Drawbacks:
Drags a little bit in the second half
Analysis:
AR Murugadoss is a top director and big brand. It is with films like Darbar that showcases why he is so. Handling a star like Rajinikanth requires a unique skill that AR Murugadoss possesses in abundance. Murugadoss picks a simple but powerful subject for Rajinikanth. The way he has designed the character of Aadhithya Arunachalam is a treat for fans. Every moment will be cherished by them. The look of Superstar too has been designed with great care.
The movie opens on an alright note, but it picks up the pace as soon as Aadhitya Arunachalam takes charge as Commissioner of Police, Mumbai. The screenplay moves in a racy manner with several elevation scenes. In between comedy and romance have been blended into the narrative without any digression. The fun aspect is family-friendly along with maintaining the treat factor for fans. The Murugadoss mark is visible at the interval point with the proxy track. It is thrilling to watch on the big screen. The expectations raise big time for the second half.
The momentum is continued in the second half as well, but with a few speed-breakers in between. They are nothing worrisome though, as they help in adding depth to the character and proceedings. The climax ends the movie with a big bang, and an emotional high.
The music sensation Anirudh has once again come up with amazing songs and background score for Superstar. The theme song is sure to generate whistles whenever it arrives. Even the antagonist has been given a remarkable sound. The cinematography by legend Santosh Sivan is excellent. The editing by Sreekar Prasad is razor-sharp. The action by Ram Lakshman and Peter Heins is fantastic. All the action scenes are a treat to watch on screen.
The producer A. Subaskaran needs to be appreciated for backing challenging content with a Superstar like Rajinikanth in the lead. It is also made at a lavish budget without any compromise on quality.
Bottom-Line: Vintage Rajinikanth Treat
Rating: 3/5
