Saturday, November 22, 2008

The Vibe Maker

Like countless of human beings all over the world, I have been influenced by Rajinikant. This article is a tribute to him and also to my friend Ashvin. Reasons you'd figure out as you read along.

It was the summer of 1996. I stepped out from my uncle's apartment in the plush Besant Nagar in 'Madras'. I got into a bus that'd take me back to my dad's defence quarters at Fort St George. On the way I peeped through the window, only to chance upon a behemoth poster. This poster comprehensively captured the filmy flavor and more importantly it conveyed what the actor means to South!

All the other passengers tried to get a better glimpse. The next moment resulted in a conversation where they (including the bus conductor) yakked away to glory. With my limited understanding of Tamil, I realized that they were raving about the film and the actor. That moment in the bus gave me an impulse. And that's when Brand Rajini was born!

I was aware of his presence as an actor (Thanks to those 3 Hindi films: Geraftar, Chaalbaaz and Hum) As a kid, I never wanted him to die in the film Geraftar. I saw him struggle while beating the goons, yet manage to puff the cigarette. I had prayed god to help him drop his cigarette and counter the goons. Because I then knew he was capable!

My innocence made me stay away from his films for sometime but return with a greater respect and adoration during the year Dalapati A.D


Albeit, I have very few Rajini films in my kitty, it was only after watching Dalapathi, I understood why Rajini behaves the way he is. Coincidently, Dalapathi was the work of Mani Ratnam, who I consider my greatest inspiration besides RGV and Kukunoor. The character Surya -true to his name, always made his appearance on the screen from East direction, during the course of the film. That's again the greatness of the director who ensured this subdue reality!

During my Rajini Quest I met a number of extremely intelligent people who spoke about Rajinikant and his great personality, not just as an actor. This became one more reason (however absurd it may sound to you) to push me among the people of Rajini League. And I like intelligent people with full of energy! The more I talked and discussed about the actor's stardom, my vibes went high, my thoughts sailed like Sindbad's voyage and needless to say, my perspective towards Rajini's films changed. I wanted to experience the thrill of watching his film in the theater, sitting the midst of the devotees of Rajnikant!

My prayers were answered when my friend Ashvin managed to get the tickets of Sivaji on the very first day- I consider this as an achievement and equivalent to Sunita William's trip to moon! I was excited about my debut. Watching the movie in the theater, of the superstar who I spoke so much, learned so much and raved so much! I was also gearing up to understand behavioral science of this Demi God's devotees, who succeeded in getting the tickets to witness an epic called Sivaji. However, I'd like to describe my experience in one line- It's a well deserving Glorified Filmy Kumbh Mela. I was goddam impressed! And I do not want to write about what happened on that day! You better get in that groove, or get out of the way!

I have never been impetuous about films. However, I care a damn if people talk about Rajini's impossible stunts or gimmicks. I give a shit if anyone regards him as a ham! I'd give two hoots to those who compare Rajini with any other actor. I'd never even worry about the story line, plot or the production values. I have realized what Rajnikant is for me.

He is my Vibe Maker!

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

7 Comentários:

Anonymous said...

if you remember I bunked my office just for the heck of buying those tickets :)

Abraham Zachariah said...

Rajnikanth rocks for the following
1. He just doesnt give up...hes becoming better
2. Uses technology like no one else... He rocks...now he is a robot
3. Older he gets, sexier his heroines ..wow
4. Balder he gets, his hairdo is that much more creative ..Blond to beat it all.

Overall.. What an inspiration for me...

Unknown said...

>> during the year Dalapati A.D <<
Woww! Nice style of writing :-)

The name itself is a misnomer ... It should be Rajni-Can!!

Unknown said...

Rajini...first time i saw the movie "Basha" in the theater.Wow!He can carry anything with ease specially those black unique shades he wore in that movie.No one can beat his walk, dance, specialised dialogues n stunts.Let it be his style of wearing specs or throwing chewing gum in his mouth in a reverse effect or simply resting his hands on his hips everything is done with his own style and expression. The background score adds the required effect.
He is a Super star and the craze is not just for his onscreen stunts but off screen too. I heard he lives a simple life. That makes him more adorable.

Anonymous said...

Reading this makes me wanna watch Sivaji....m 'GUILTY' of not watching it... :P

Pavan T said...

Hey Abhishek, I couldn't agree with you more...Rajni is unique and beyond comparison. A well written 'tribute to Rajnikant'. I have always had the advantage of watching his movies in Tamil, the original version of all his movies. His 'Punch Dialogues' do carry a punch and can only be delivered by him, Rajnikant!!

For me, 2 artists have always been great, Pink Floyd, the god in Music and Rajnikant the god in movies...they are simple, true, sincere, realistic and POWERFUL!!

Vrijilesh Rai said...

Wonderful !

All jokes and the nonsensical actions apart.. he's such a down to earth person.