Maaveeran (’86) Tamil Movie Review
You are probably thinking – why is this guy not only watching movies released 17 years back, but is also reviewing it in the blog? In my quest to become a story-teller, I have decided to watch movies with a new-found enthusiasm for story analysis! You’ll have to put up with me for sometime 🙂
Maaveeran is a Tamil movie set in British India. It’s the first film to be released in 70mm widescreen format, it seems. It opens with Rajnikanth’s first father stopping a (mini) aircraft, you know how – by following it with a horse and tying the tail of the running plane to a pole using a rope!! He is a MahaRaja and whips everyone single-handedly, but gets arrested due to an intrigue by his doctor (Jai Shankar – Main villain), who gets his palace & luxuries in return from the British.
In the meanwhile, Rajnikanth grows up with another set of parents (Nagesh) and the film opens with a grand intro song. Even in this song, he saves a falling baby! He picks up a feud with Ambika (yes, the arrogant daughter of the main villain) and over a few scenes and two quick songs, they fall for each other. Needless to say, suddenly she becomes a good girl 🙂
After a few unnecessary (but interesting) scenes (IMO), Rajnikanth’s foster parents die in the hands of the villain and while dying his mother tells him the secret – He was adopted. He then swears to avenge the death and to find his real parents. Rajnikanth finds his real mother easily through the only one who knows – his horse! He also has an intelligent and brave dog that saves him during many combat situations.
Then we slowly go to the climax that involves a gladiator-style fight between father and son, and then their eventual victory against the bad guys (what else?).
First of all, this film – in spite of failing in box office back then – successfully held my attention (except a few scenes in the middle – esp. the ‘comedy’ and ‘songs’). The British actors (save one) look hopelessly Indian! Especially ‘Lady’ Helena. Of course, when a film involves Rajnikanth, at least 100 bad guys must be eliminated by him, and he does all that with ease, style and punch. The Tanks shown in this movie are rather unique and there’s a huge palace – wonder where they found it.
The movie doesn’t bother about realism – ah, the charm of old movies that make us believe and live in a fantasy-world! There is a lot of sentiment, action, punch dialogues, etc. sufficient to keep people glued to the screen for 2.5 hours! It moves rather quickly. Wonder why this movie failed in box office, in spite of being a remake of super-hit Bollywood movie ‘Mard’ starring Amithab Bachhan?
My verdict: Paisa-Vasool. If this movie is released now, it will become a super hit 🙂 I bought three old Rajnikanth movies for Rs. 45 (Official Moserbaer DVD) and hence my investment for this movie is, Rs. 15!! For that price, this 2.5 hour entertainment is a no-brainer. I just can’t appreciate my own resourcefulness enough 😛
Destination Infinity
Glad you like old Tamil movie. Us too.
I like old movies much more than most of the trash that is being produced in the name of movies, in recent times. Relatively viewing, they add a lot of value and of course, entertainment 🙂
Destination Infinity
The plot in old movies was similar. This brought back old memories. Enjoyed reading this.
That is the only issue with old movies – the action plots were quite similar. But they still manage to hold our attention!
Destination Infinity
The other two movies in the combo-disc???
Don’t remember now. Actually, SUSPENSE – wait with bated breath 🙂 You can expect the reviews in the blog, shortly.
Destination Infinity
I do watch south-indian movies from time to time, but with subtitle. In there natural voice. Atleast I learn some words reading the subtitles. 🙂
This is an action movie – subtitles may not be required. But yes, it helps.
Destination Infinity
I enjoy old movies though I haven’t watched many Tamil movies yet. Look forward to some interesting story analysis and stories following your new venture 🙂
I will also try to get some Moserbaer DVDs of old Amitab Bachchan movies – I wanted to see his earlier movies from a long time and this maybe the perfect opportunity 🙂
Destination Infinity
Yeah. This concept of Moserbaer is so cool! 🙂
The last line is the punch line here: I just can’t appreciate my own resourcefulness enough 😛
I too have reviewed old movies, very old movies like ‘Ganashatru’ (1989), Karnan (1964). If you don’t criticise in your mind while watching these movies, they are all quite entertaining…’tension nahin lene ka’ , they seem to say!
No, I haven’t watched this movie. I like Rajni’s ‘Basha’, ‘Annamalai’, ‘Thalapathi’ etc. They are pure entertainers.
I liked your review, Rajesh!
Actually, I didn’t have any special liking towards old movies, but the current crappy movies made me like it ~ relative effect!
I too haven’t watched this movie, I am not even familiar with any of the scenes. Surprising, because most movies were played either in DD or in Cable TV afterwards.
Destination Infinity
I love those Moserbaer DVDs. I stock them whenever I am in India.
Sounds like a good movie but I doubt I will like it. Will try to watch it someday.
I knew about Moserbaer DVDs earlier, but didn’t bother to buy them. Better late than never 🙂
Destination Infinity