| Vignettes
of the making of Sivaji!! |
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If
there is one fever, which has gripped
Tamilnadu other than the obvious election
fever, it is that of Superstar’s
next film, Sivaji. Coming on the heels
of the massive success of Chandramukhi,
every move about the film, every nuance
about its making is closely watched.
Fans are eager to know the minutae
of the film. While the producer AVM
Saravanan revealed that Shankar had
narrated a story to Rajini long ago,
Superstar did not show a keen interest.
Following the flop of Baba, Rajini
wanted to make his comeback on his
own and felt that Shankar would also
be under undue pressure to deliver.
On now to the vignettes of the making
of Sivaji. |
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The man behind Sivaji
It was M.S. Guhan, AVM Saravanan’s
son, who had this idea of making a
film with Rajini. They had wanted
to start even before Chandramukhi,
but Rajini did not make up his mind.
Although he had great regard for AVM
and Shankar, he did not quite jump
on to the suggestion that there should
be such a high-profile combination
to bring his career back on the rails.
He felt relaxed and confident after
Chandramukhi and Shankar was free
after Anniyan around the same time
and the deal fell through. |
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The
entry of Suman
There has been tremendous expectation
around who would be the villain in
the film. After several names like
Sathyaraj, Prakashraj and even Amitabh
Bachan did the rounds, it was announced
that it would be Suman, the dashing
hero of yesteryears. Both Rajini and
Suman share an excellent rapport since
the days of Thee and this new element
in their screen partnership is eagerly
awaited. |
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Rajini’s
reverence towards security guards
Rajini’s demeanor during the
shooting is just extraordinary. Unalloyed
humility, enthusiasm and encouragement
for co-stars are the hallmark of Rajini.
He always wishes AVM Saravanan as
‘Mudhalali’ since their
association dates back to the Murattukkalai
days. He always stands up to wish
him with a warm handshake.
Whenever Rajini enters or leaves the
hallowed studios, he downs the windows
and wishes the security guards who
are no wonder thrilled. Rajini states
that many would just dream to work
under AVM banner and he is indeed
lucky to have got the chance. What
humble words from a great star. |
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Similarly
at any site where the shooting is on, whether
ICF, Airport, Binny Mills, Lady Andal School,
the throng of fans and onlookers just grows
by the day and Rajini always wishes everyone
with a smile and wave. |
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Tripped Rajini
The on-the-set camaraderie is excellent
and thanks mainly due to the sporting
nature of Rajini. On one occasion,
in a scene in which he alights from
a car dropping his jaws watching the
ravishing Sreya, he tripped and the
whole unit converged on him. He straightened
himself and refused pack up immediately.
He also urged the shooting to be completed
soon because of the right shade of
light. That’s why he is our
superstar. |
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Even
the unit members clap and whistle…
The comedy track by Vivek and Rajini
should be mentioned without fail.
Vivek is so excited that he often
says that off camera, Rajini is calm
but when the camera rolls he roars
like a tsunami. His vim and vigor
belie his age and the agility with
which he performs the scenes make
even the unit members clap and whistle
when the director shouts “cut”!
For example, consider this dialogue
at the airport scene: Rajini swoops
down the escalator, pops up a chiclet
into his mouth in his trademark style
and walks briskly to meet Vivek, Manivannan
and Vadivukkarasi. |
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Vivekh
says, “Vanga mama”. Rajini retorts,
“Dai, enna paatha mama madhiriya irukku.
Eanda en imagea ippadi ellar munnalyum spoil
panrae. Maappilainnnu koopidira”.
Then, Rajini guffaws haha in his trademark. |
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Rajini
in Spain and Japan
For several scenes attractive sets
have been raised and several stills
with Rajini standing in his stylish
poses have been canned. As for songs,
a couple have been shot in Spain.
There are also rumors that at least
one song would be shot in Japan, where
Rajini has a big legion of fans. For
one song, the director has asked Rahman
to rework the tune. All the songs
would be chart toppers, it is sure. |
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The
unique thing about Sivaji is that all the
people involved in the film are the creamiest
talent in the industry. Rajini always has
a soft corner for talented directors, irrespective
of the age. Shankar is an established director
and has a unique style of screenplay. Nevertheless,
he has been constantly discussing the script
with Rajini so as to ensure that it matches
the expectations of the fans. Sujatha is
a talented writer and we expect sparks to
fly. Vivek’s own brand of comedy is
sure to tickle the funny bones. Shreya the
young heroine has already shown that she
is capable of good performance. Opposite
the superstar, her acting should definitely
be par excellence.
As we wait like millions of other fans across
the globe, we are sure thalaivar would come
up with another bull’s eye offering.
Good luck, man! |
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