AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

        It is a bit of a surprise that Rajnikanth and Shankar have taken so long to come together for a movie. For, their world view of movies is dramatically simple and similar: A social idea or theme garnished and given in a larger- than-life format. Mostly the underdog is pitted against the gargantuan and venal system. This elementary strand allows for an elaboration into a grand tapestry of a fight involving good, evil and the indifferent.

        Sivaji- The Boss, coming on the back of a hype and expectation that Tamil cinema has not seen before, sticks to these basic reference points. Rajnikanth's, looking very refreshed, plays to his gallery unabashedly. Why should he be abashed? After all, that is what his fans lap up. Shankar too weaves his dreams in splendour-sealed and technology-tipped frames.

        Backed by some of the best technical team available in Kollywood today, and A R Rahman's razmataz rhythms, Sivaji is a treat for the fans who come looking this kind of fantasy-filled entertainment. Rajni and Shankar have avoided being pretentious and gone for the commercial jugular with a vengeance. Sivaji also works because of the easy and stylish glamour of Shriya and Vivek's smart oneliners, which borrow from contemporary realities. Sivaji has been packaged in a slick manner with Rajni looking very fresh and young. Rajni comes up with his usual caboodle of humour, action and punch dialogues. In trendy costumes, Rajni has been made over as a yuppie in the hands of Manish Malhotra.

        The story - a grand dream would be more like it - is about totally rooting out the black money in the society. Sivaji (Rajnikanth), an NRI returns to India with a dream to start a deemed university and a super speciality hospital to serve the poor and needy. His dream to set up 'Sivaji University' is dashed thanks to selfish politicians and the corrupt political system. Sivaji and his uncle (Vivek), who is a kind of a handy factotum to him, hit hurdles at every corner. The main opposition comes from Adhiseshan (Suman), an influential entrepreneur and an educationist. He uses his clout and wreaks havoc on Sivaji's ambitions. He succeeds in driving Sivaji to the streets.

        It's now time for Sivaji to hit back. Vowing to retaliate, Sivaji goes on the revenge mode to teach Adhi, and several other corrupt and black-money-hoarding individuals, a lesson. There is more than an attempt to stretch the viewers' incredulity in how he achieves his purpose. But when Sivaji 'comes back 'as MGR (the surprise is not given out as we don't to play the spoiler), the fans are almost in a state of delirium. Stitched into this drama is the light-hearted romantic interludes of Sivaji with Tamizharasi (Shriya). The scenes involving the two families are a laughathon.

        As an actor, Rajni has nothing new to prove. Here he looks willing and enthusiastic. Though he has considerably slowed down, he still is a livewire in action sequences. But a surfeit of graphics gimmickry (blame it on the Matrix syndrome) in the action scenes takes the novelty factor away.

        Shriya, the blissful beauty, playing Rajnikanth's ladylove bubbles with energy. With a hourglass figure, her glamour is easy on the eye. Suman as the baddie Adhiseshan spits venom in his eyes. He seems to have been an adroit choice for the role. Vivek playing Rajnikanth's uncle, occupies enough screen space. His one-liners and witty asides keeps the narrative engrossing.

        The breathtaking visuals by K V Anand and the costly but artistic sets put up by Thotta Tharani adds to the charm of the movie. Style song featuring Rajnikanth as a 'white man' deserves a special mention.

        Sujatha's dialogues are realistic with his own brand of wry humour coated on it. Rahman's tunes are already a raving hit. Backed by Shankar's carefully constructed visuals, the songs have the fans asking for an encore.

        Produced by AVM in its diamond jubilee year, Sivaji has richness and grandeur written all over it.

        Shankar, as a director, has used his long-running theme and given the Rajni brand of coating to it.

        Will it work? You won't bother with this question, if you are a fan.