The movie starts with the hero reading a book in prison titled “My Father Balaiah”. It is a book by Professor Satyanarayana which talks about the discrimination his grandfather and father faced as Dalit. The book also delves into the conflict between landowners and labor in the backdrop of untouchability. As the camera zooms in on the book cover, the political tone of the movie is set.
Kabali is a Malaysian gangster movie with theme circling around the effects of casteism on Malaysian Indians in particular Tamils. The lead role as Kabali, played by the adored idolized star Rajinikanth, is from a low caste working background, who rises to the status of a leader by fighting for the rights of Indians who have been living in Malaysia for generations. The director has tried to portray the past and present of the Malaysian Tamils in a realistic manner.
This movie is more of a director’s movie rather than a Rajinikanth’s movie. Pa Ranjith, the writer and director who himself has experienced the problems of caste first hand, has tried to showcase the issues faced by the unheard. In fact, the production crew of Kabali is predominantly Dalit — from director Pa Ranjith to cinematographer G Murali, art and costume director Tha Ramalingam to lyricists Uma Devi, Arun Raja Kamaraj and M Balamurugan. A little dive into the movie tells us how focused the director was on the story rather than the USP Rajinikanth which is manifested in the movie, as the screenplay was a major setback for the hyped up fans.
“Many people ask me why I talk about caste. They even taunted me about my caste. But, that’s not a problem for me. I am used to this from a young age. I stick to the thoughts and ideas which Ambedkar has taught me. My aim is to get back the dignity of the marginalised through my films. Because, only art and literature can bring some change to this society.” – Pa. Ranjith
Rajinikanth’s role has been moved up the ladder from a quixotic hero to a matured don character which in a way justifies the sloppy screenplay. As a matter of fact, this portrayal of the character even makes it more subtle given his age. A matured love for his wife who was unseen for 25 years was more romanticized by the beautiful music of Santhosh Naryanan. Adding to the synergy, the words of all the budding lyricist gave the moments a lasting impact.
In spite of having a massive fan magnet on frame, other characters were given importance ,or may be said, given better idiosyncrasies which can only add to Pa Ranjith’s unbiasedness as a writer. The female assassin character played by Dhansika was an unexpected twist and it could become a trendsetter. Dinesh Ravi who has played the character of Jeeva can be found throwing in some comedy elements, which he has done justice to.
Kabali should be seen as an achievement in bringing the talents out of everyone from cast to the crew including the new face of Rajinikanth perhaps. It has shown the world and Indians the problems Tamils in Malaysia face. Not only that, it has also given a very good insight into their lifestyle in Malaysia and Singapore regions.
Look away from the technical aspects as a movie and the product is a block buster. It has created records on various fronts be in first day collection or box office collection. Due to Rajinikanth’s massive fandom worldwide, the marketing was done on international level which has definitely paid off.
However a movie is supposed to be a movie and Kabali is not for the superficial Rajinkanth’s fan. This needs a mature audience who can look beyond the obvious and expects something more than mere commercialism. A likeable story with realism, love and a pinch of heroism is what the movie is. One can only say this is a brave attempt by Pa. Ranjith with someone as big a superstar as Rajinikanth and it has not failed. For a diehard Rajini fan who follows him not only for his madness as a superstar but for the actor he really is, this movie is a gift in disguise.
