Even at 75, Rajinikanth’s commanding screen presence, signature swag, and effortless “Thalaivar dharisanam” deliver pure fan service, fans feel. Nelson’s direction amplifies this. He knows how to blend trademark dark humour with a roaring first half and an explosive interval block that fans call “mad” and critics hail as perfectly calibrated. Anirudh Ravichander’s electrifying background score elevates mass moments, while surprise cameos and the return of Tiger Muthuvel Pandian provide franchise continuity and nostalgia.
Though some note a weaker second half and formulaic stretches, buffs agree the film succeeds as unabashed commercial entertainment tailored for packed halls. On Sunday (Day four), the film is expected to perform extraordinarily and enter the Rs 400 crore club by evening.
