Athisaya Piravi

Athisaya Piravi is an enchanting Tamil-language Indian movie from 1990 with a unique twist of comedy, drama, and fantasy. Directed by the seasoned S.P. Muthuraman, the movie famously stars the superstar of Tamil cinema Rajinikanth with Sheeba Agarwal and Chinnijayanth in the main roles.

The storyline opens as a rich and uneducated rustic, Kanthavelu Kathiresan (significantly portrayed by Rajinikanth) who lives a life of indulgence. Rajinikanth brilliantly portrays the role of Kathiresan who is illiterate and lives lavishly, generously spending his money on a spectacle of feast and dance. His carefree and easy-going character provides several humorous moments in the early stages of the film, demonstrating Rajinikanth's versatility as an actor.

Their quaint rustic life takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with Jayanthi (essayed by Sheeba Agarwal), a visual artist. She is the daughter of a millionaire named Viswanathan who disowns her due to her rebellious nature. Jayanthi's personality is in complete contrast to Kathiresan's, with a strong emphasis on knowledge, culture, and attaching significant importance to sophistication.

Their unique and complex relationship brings about a change in Kathiresan's life as Jayanthi plays a vital role in transforming him from a rustic village lord to a cultured, sophisticated man. The story is filled with highly emotional tugs, designed to keep the audience rooting for the underdog as he takes on life's struggles and learning.

Alongside this narrative, the film spins a tale of divine intervention. The divine element in the story adds an extra layer of complexity and hilarity to the plot, making it a unique blend of comedy and fantasy in a rural backdrop. Rajinikanth adds another feather to his cap by playing a dual role in the film – not only as Kanthavelu Kathiresan but also as Lord Raja Raja Cholan. This character is the incarnation of the iconic king he idolizes and is brought back to life by his loyal dog.

This reincarnation happens in comedic turns and serves to further humanize and endear the protagonist to the audience. The divine intervention and comedy of errors are elegantly encapsulated within elements of the storyline, delivering more depth to the characters, and providing a delightful comedy-fantasy experience to the audience.

In compliance with Rajinikanth's image, the movie is not just about comedy and divine miracles, but also features intense action sequences that the actor handles impressively. Despite playing a simpleton, Kanthavelu Kathiresan is no pushover and stands up to goons, delivering an appealing and effective dose of action sequences.

The sub-plot involving Jayanthi's past and her strained relationship with her millionaire father, adds dramatic tension to the story. This plot development offers a grounded touch to an otherwise fantastical storyline.

Ilaiyaraaja, known for his exceptional compositions in Tamil cinema, is the music director for this film. His melodies are harmonious and add to the narrative of the movie, embellishing emotional scenes with his soulful music.

The cinematography of Athisaya Piravi captures the simplistic beauty of rural Tamil Nadu, making the film visually pleasing. The vibrant costumes and set designs also contribute to the charm and color of the movie.

Every nuance of this movie is steeped in the culture and lifestyle of rural Tamil Nadu - the rituals, customs, lifestyle, and even the dialect. It also tackles the contrast between the educated and uneducated, the rich and the 'seemingly happy' poor. Athisaya Piravi is a film that captures both the comic and the profound elements of life in a rural setting, with a dash of fantasy and drama.

Athisaya Piravi remains an integral film in Rajinikanth's career, showcasing his dynamic range as an actor. Whether it's comedy, action, drama, or fantasy, Rajinikanth stands as a shining example of versatility and the film is a testament to his acting prowess. The unique storyline and unforgettable performances make Athisaya Piravi a must-watch for all Rajinikanth fans and cinema lovers.