"Jailer", the angry Rajinikanth [Enokido Ichiro's Movies Akasatana Vol.72]

A friend who loves Indian movies told me over and over again to go see "Jailer" (23). It was amazing. There are certain story patterns in movies, like rewarding good and punishing evil. This one "punishes evil," but I'm not sure if it "promotes good." It makes me want to make a new four-character phrase, "evil punishes evil." But what is clear is that this movie was made for Rajnikanth. This is a "Rajinikanth movie" that affirms Rajnikanth's entire existence, sympathizes with his anger, and cheers on his fight.

Rajinikanth is an actor and film producer born in 1950. He is a superstar who has won every major Indian film award (the word "SUPERSTAR" is written in large letters at the beginning of the film). His hit film released in Japan was " Muthu " (1995). With "Jailer", we will experience a "star film" that has long since disappeared from Japanese cinema.

I think movies were originally made to be watched to see stars. That was the case with period dramas and chivalry films, international action films, teenage school stories, and idol films. Simple and clear, the plot and acting serve to make the star shine even more. If the star shines, the audience is happy. That was how it was. Before we knew it, movies have become "something to watch for the gimmicks" that make use of CG and AI, "something to watch for artistry," or even something even more simple, "something to watch to cry."

The destructive power of "Jailer" is to smash all that to pieces. The story goes like this. Muthu Pandiyan (Rajinikanth), a retired prison officer, is blessed with grandchildren and lives a carefree life. However, his son Arjun is kidnapped by the mafia, which steals art, and he decides to fight back. Arjun becomes a police officer and goes missing while pursuing the crime organization. Well, normally, I imagine it would be a drama about two generations of clumsy but honest men who have served in the police force, like "Police Blood". Or maybe it would be a Matsumoto Seicho-esque development where a retired, skilled old man investigates with fervor and finds a clue to solving the case. I imagine something like a sense of urgency. I have the image of him living in the lower ranks of society and living his life to the fullest. But he is angry because his son has been taken away.

It's not like that at all. Rajnikanth is always relaxed. Always cool. I don't want to portray the foundations of society or the human heart. It's a movie that wants to show off Rajnikanth's best moments. In that sense, it's thorough. I don't think about the consistency of the story. If you think about it carefully, Rajnikanth was a really bad guy when he was the prison warden. He uses his power to threaten the prisoners. And even after he finished his sentence, he holds the weaknesses of the former prisoners and makes them listen to him. He borrows a group of snipers to fight against the mafia that is stealing art. He is already full of confidence. An image of earnestness and confrontation. Rajnikanth never doubts Rajnikanth's victory. In other words, the main character of this movie is not conflicted or upset during the play. Because in Rajnikanth movies, Rajnikanth wins.

"Jailer" ©SUN Pictures

The brutality of the fight is quite impressive. Those who are not good with violent depictions may want to be careful. This is not a "public" but a private fight. The idea that the rules are not "law" but in Rajnikanth's heart. Not the rule of law, but the rule of man. Everything is decided within the personal yardstick of Rajnikanth.

It's a masterpiece. That's why my friend who loves Indian movies recommended it to me. It's outstanding. There's no logic to it. It's so outstanding that you don't even notice the convenience. As the story progressed, I lost track of what I was being shown. This is a perspective that only a Japanese viewer who is not familiar with Indian movies can have. It's the fun of "unknown old men always acting cool" and "unknown old men always looking cool". The overwhelming charm of "unknown old men running wild all over the screen". It's addictive. Maybe you, the reader, will be knocked out by Rajnikanth too.

And I think the fascinating world of Indian movies begins from the moment he is knocked out. In the film, a dance scene unfolds at a "Bollywood" film studio (the nickname for the Indian film industry, named after the former name of the southern metropolis of Mumbai, "Bombay"). I was so excited. Personally, I was also excited by the setting in which a temple in Andhra Pradesh (the state capital is Hyderabad), which is the name of the South Indian restaurants "Andhra Dining" and "Andhra Kitchen" in Tokyo, is targeted by an art robbery organization. When I hear the word "Andhra", I reflexively want to eat curry. In fact, I had the lunch set at "Andhra Dining" to write this article.

Text: Ichiro Enoki

Born in 1959. Born in Akita Prefecture. Debuted in a commercial magazine with ``Takarajima'' in 1980 while studying at Chuo University. Since then, he has serialized columns and essays in various magazines, and continues to this day. Also active on radio and television. Twitter @ichiroenokido

Pre-order "Jailer" now:

"Jailer"

Released nationwide from February 21st (Friday) at Shinjuku Piccadilly and other theaters

Distribution: SPACEBOX

©SUN Pictures