Revisiting Baasha for
the… oops lost the count of it!
A film released in 1995 has been digital re-mastered and released
after 22 years. Is it worth to spend time and money for a movie that has been
telecasted numerous time on television? Before answering to that, I would like
to put forward my perspective why people eulogize this film 22 years hence it’s
release.
A film with revenge story is very common in Indian films.
Any action film will have a small portion of revenge in it. Even Baasha is not
an exception, it’s revenge for the hero’s friend’s death. But what makes it unique
is it’s narration. Rajni is portrayed as a tranquil auto driver (Manikam) who
has a past life, which is revealed later. The interval sequence where Manikam
loses his patience and fights back, which is now popularly known as transformation
scene, is first of its kind back in 1995 and even now many scenes could not create
the moment that this film created. As Sivaji Ganesan said in Devar magan, “Seed
is sown by me” , this film is the seed for many transformation scenes.
The selection of names is one reason for this film to be
remembered. In many movies either the protagonist’ name or the antagonist’s
name will be forgetting in the due time. But this is one rare film where both,
Manik Baasha and Mark Antony, is remembered.
Before mentioning about Rajinikath, its Raghuvaran who
nailed his performance as a don. To be precise , towards the climax when he
talks to the hostages, his voice and eyes just gives goosebumps. After
Nambiyar, Raghuvaran is the undoubtedly the best antagonist of Tamil cinema.
This film proves the point. Rajnikanth is just a energy bundle, highly
infectious. From the first scene where he breaks the pumpkin with his head till
the last minute, he is sparkling. Even Rajnikath’s Silhouette is enough for
goosebumps. This film proves you why.
The other details that keeps this film so fresh is it’s
dialogues and song lyrics. Most of the dialogues are philosophical and when its
from the super star with his own touch of theism, its commendable. Every songs
are fresh even though the lyrics are written two decades ago. Especially Ra Ra
Ramaiya song is relevant to any aged people for its lyrical content.
As mentioned earlier, the songs are fresh even today. Deva
has proved that the foot steps is enough to enthral the audience. The music
that follows, theme song, brings madness to everyone who watch the film.
Not just now, even after a few decades this movie will
be worth your time and money.
Baasha = “Goosebumps”
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