Lingaa

Released in 2014, Lingaa is a scintillating blend of action, drama, and adventure meticulously crafted by the renowned South Indian filmmaker, K. S. Ravikumar. The movie shines under the luminance of Rajinikanth as the protagonist, Lingaa. Rajinikanthalong with Anushka Shetty, and Sonakshi Sinha who act alongside, elevates the cinematic experience to new heights.

The eponymous character, Lingaa, played by Rajinikanth, is seen as the invincible hero who commands respect and awe due to his charismatic personality and enduring good nature. The climax of Lingaa's appeal comes when he pulls off a dual role, that of the present day thief and his grandfather, a benevolent king who constructed a dam for his people. Looking past the action sequences and dramatic dialogues, Lingaa, the film, essentially paints a clear picture of a man burdened with his grandfather's legacy, striving to uphold his name and rectify his perceived shortcomings.

Anushka Shetty, a prominent South Indian actress, adorns the role of the persistent and earnest journalist, Lakshmi. She pushes Lingaa to come to terms with his background and accept his responsibility. Contrariwise, Sonakshi Sinha, casted as the charming Bharathi, romanticizes Lingaa's past while offering a broad canvas for Rajinikanth to portray the depth of his character.

The plot of Lingaa unfolds in two timelines, the pre-independence era and the current day. The narrative seamlessly oscillates between these two periods and tactfully juxtaposes the struggles and triumphs of both the characters. The characters, compounded by an omnipotent yet empathetic narrative voice, sketch a vivid image of their predicaments.

In the historical timeline, the audience witnesses the struggles of Raja Lingeshwaran, accomplished by a grand depiction of the British Raj. This part of the story revolves around the king's attempt to build a dam for the betterment of his subjects while combating the adversities posed by the colonial government. The epic scale, larger-than-life sets, resplendent costumes, and intricate choreography coupled with A.R Rahman's tantalizing music, augment the grandeur of the narrative.

The contemporary timeline sets the stage for the present-day Lingaa, who now has to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps, uphold his legacy, and revive the glory of his ancestral land. Dishonoured by the villagers for decades of perceived negligence, he is coerced to turn the tide of ill-fate towards redemption and re-establish the lost dignity of his lineage.

The grandeur of Ravikumar’s filmmaking style draws the audience into its realm through its immaculate cinematography, accompanied by a rich set of supporting characters who perpetuate the intensity of the narrative. The screenplay is finely balanced with moments of comedy, high-octane action sequences, and elements of romance that essentially provide a wholesome cinematic experience for the audience.

Lingaa’s music, scored by Oscar-winning composer A.R Rahman, gloriously weaves the visual tapestry, enhancing the narrative's evocativeness. Tracks like 'Mona Gasolina' and 'Indiane Vaa' highlights the maestro’s brilliant fusion of reinventing traditional beats into contemporary rhythm. Rahman's background score complements the narrative perfectly and amplifies the emotions of the scenes manifold.

An important theme that Lingaa highlights is the social aspect related to administration and governance. It draws attention to issues like appropriation, mismanagement, power dynamics and the dire need of good governance. By using the dam as the vital link within the story, Ravikumar has smartly intertwined social issues with the narrative, thus building a fitting social commentary.

The film Lingaa succeeds in presenting a larger-than-life image while accurately retaining the essential traditions that the Southern Indian film industry cherishes. It is a festive film that captivates the audience with its elaborate detailing and charming performance. Seamlessly intertwining past and present, presenting drama and action in equal measures, Lingaa delivers an electrifying cinematic experience that captivates and impresses its audience. A must-watch for any film enthusiast, Lingaa underlines the star power of Rajinikanth and his inherent natural charisma.