Blockbuster sci-fi action thriller will leave you in awe :Times Live Sunday Article

Background: The Indian film industry is again celebrating a runaway blockbuster - the expensive and ambitious Tamal movie Endhiran, directed by brilliant south-Indian filmmaker Shankar, and now the Hindi-dubbed version, Robot.

According to colleague Devan Nair, the success of Endhiran has been so astronomical that it has shattered records in the UK and US and is currently running to almost 60 shows a day at certain cinema complexes in India. This is magnificent news for a movie that has been in the news for many years and brings together two of the greatest talents India has ever witnessed. While superstar Rajnikanth can be described as an institution across the world, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan ranks as one of the greatest names associated with Indian cinema. Besides being in the making for almost a decade, the movie has also undergone some casting changes after Shahrukh Khan was once signed to play the lead role and produce it. However, Khan and Shankar had a fallout when the superstar claimed he was not impressed with the script. Incidentally, Shankar is the director that catapulted the former Miss World to stardom very early in her career with the highly acclaimed Jeans .

STORY:

The science-fiction action thriller revolves around scientist Dr Vaseegaran (Rajnikanth) who, after 10 years, completes his dream project of creating a robot modelled around human behaviour and emotions. Thus marks the arrival of Chitti (also played by Rajnikanth), the super-intelligent android robot who becomes part of the doctor's life. However, with the arrival of Dr Bora (Danny Dengonzpa), a wicked plan is hatch- ed and Chitti begins to develop some strong emotions for the beautiful Sana ( Bachchan).

DIRECTION:

Shankar has to be placed on a pedestal for making perhaps one of the most difficult and costly Indian movies ever. He takes a simple story of a robot, adds some glamour and packs a powerful punch with some great dialogue and witty humour. The special effects are world-class and can easily outshine the best of Hollywood. While the climax is breathtaking and fast-paced, the movie is let down by the unnecessary length and the continuous changes in Rajnikanth's appearance in his dual roles.

PERFORMANCES:

When you bring together two powerful performers, the results are nothing short of mind-blowing. While Robot is a Rajnikanth vehicle from start to finish, the actor wastes no opportunity to showcase how brilliant he is, as he takes on the dual role with ease. He takes you on a joyful ride and gives you a hangover with a performance that is simply superb. Leading lady Bachchan has not looked so gorgeous in a long time. Putting the debacle of Raavan behind her, Bachchan bounces back with a fine performance that cements her reputation as one of the best.

MUSIC:

Sadly, AR Rahman's music in the Hindi version does not have the appeal to become a success.

WHAT I LIKED:

The special effects and extra attention paid to ensure that every detail of the Robot is carefully incorporated in the story. The climax is also a fast roller-coaster journey that will leave you in awe.

OVERALL:

A movie like Robot defies the traditional norms that Indian cinema can dish out only song-and-dance routines. It's taken courage and determination to make a movie as spectacular as this, and one must salute the effort to show how talented Indian filmmakers have become. It's stylish, lavish and entertaining - don't miss it.