DesiDabba - Boss, Thoda Sa Roomani Ho Jaye

While all the media hype focuses on Sivaji, the Thalaivar has made sure that he will not go off the loop completely once the buzz over Sivaji dies down. This is surprising, given there is usually a big lull and uncertainty about the next Rajni movie until it, in fact, gets announced. People speculate if he is actually going to act in another movie and such. This time when we went to watch Sivaji, the Sultan trailer greeted us prior to the opening credits. Something that is sure to ensure a good buzz, once the excitement over Shankar’s latest offering dies down.

It was both surprising as well as refreshing to see an actor feature in an animated movie. Well, we know Shahrukh Khan, did some voice overs in the Hindi dubbing of The Incredibles, but this one is an entirely novel concept - where the animated character is modeled on the actor. One that gives yet another endorsement of his demi-God status.

Sultan is directed by Rajni’s daughter Soundarya and the animation looked pretty good from the promos. If this succeeds - while it may or may not imply a break through for the Indian animation industry - one might sure expect more Rajni animation movies. (Which also means, animated movies of other copy-cat actors in the south.)

The trailer portrays Rajni as some sort of a warrior. He might be a super hero with powers, or might be plain brave and strong. But as animators, one has the power to draw an even larger than life image of the much painted star, that might either give the writers more creative freedom to work with, or enough scope to wander into the ridiculous. That said, this kind of a movie is perfect for a kid that grows up idolizing the Super Star. In a country where we don’t have super heroes of our own (other than mythological characters like Hanuman), an animated Rajni might just be the fuel to open up an entirely new money spinning franchise.

Of course, a mention of the word franchise might evoke scorns from the purists, but if it is a market for summertime wide-eyed fanboys, who is going to complain? A successful animation franchise in the Indian market has the potential to be an absolute killer, and the draw that Rajnikanth can create for a movie (be it real life or animated) could just make this the biggest grossing home-grown animated movie ever.

And I am sure it’s not just the kids that will be drawn to aura of The Sultan!

Check out the Trailor.