Rajinikanth is an industry in himself, agreed, but is it really humanly possible to carry the burden of supreme stardom for this long? Now, Rajini fans may bash me for saying that but I think, Darbar is just an old plot wrapped in a new fancy wrapper- yet again dominated by Rajinikanth and his antics, however giving due credit to a strong and entertaining background score, courtesy young musician, Anirudh Ravichander.
Darbar, directed by AR Murugadoss, is overloaded with typical Rajinikanth stunts, his famous smirk, the goggle antics and the walk! So, if you're a Rajini fan, you're in for some super entertainment and truck loads of Thalaiva-giri.
The plot of the film is based on vengeance. Rajinikanth plays Mumbai's police commissioner, Aaditya Arunasalam, chasing a drug lord, Hari Chopra, played by Suniel Shetty. In the process of fulfilling his cop duties, Aaditya loses his daughter, Valli (character played good enough by young Nivetha Thomas). A broken father cannot bear the pain and goes on a mad hunt, more of a killing spree, to pin down Hari Chopra. The film introduces Rajinikanth as a bad cop but within a few minutes slips into the back story of how he became one.
The female lead, Lilly played by Nayanthara, is ornamental and has nothing to do in the film, besides giving Rajini situations to flaunt his dance skills. There is also a bit of Prateik Babbar in the film, playing a drug addict, supplying drugs in Mumbai and that's about it.
Suniel Shetty comes in the later part of the film, primarily for a brutal fighting sequence in the climax. For me, an actor of his calibre was wasted with what was offered to him. Nonetheless, performers like Shetty always bring a smile on your face with their charismatic aura. He sure did take me back to my growing up years and the 'Aye Veerapan' phase.
Overall, Murugadoss has attempted to serve the audience with a masala entertainer, putting the burden totally on the (still) strong shoulders of superstar Rajinikanth. The man has entertained us for 4 decades, non-stop, let's give him a little break and share the load!
I'd go with 2 stars and .5 extra for Rajinikanth's still undying spirit of doing the impossible!
Image Source:- youtube/lycaproductions