Director Shankar has proved again that he is a magician, who could create wonders on the celluloid. One has to admit this after watching the film Robo featuring South Indian Superstar Rajinikanth and former Miss World Aishwarya Bachchan in the lead. Shankar has done wonders behind the screen, where as Rajini-Ash on the silver-screen. Rajini has played dual roles as a scientist and Robot and his hard work could be noticed on-screen.

Story:
Vaseekaran (Rajinikanth), a scientist creates a humanoid robot by struggling around for five years. He even ignores his ladylove Sana (Aishwarya Rai) at times. His creation has several qualities and names it as Chitti (Rajinikanth). That robot could understand the commands orally and could act accordingly like any other human being. It could dance, fight, understand several languages and has good memory. In fact, Vasee wants to handover the robot to Indian Army as it could destroy the enemies and at the same time it can’t be destroyed, because it is fire and water resistant.

When he takes to a panel of scientists, one among them, who was the professor of Vaseekaran (Danny Denzongpa) refuses permission, as the robot doesn’t have judgment and says that it could even kill our own army officers.  Incidentally, Chitti saves several live in a fire accident and in this process, it saves a girl who was taking bath undressed. Unable to bear the humiliation, she commits suicide. The professor tells Vasee to destroy the Robot as it doesn’t have any emotions and it is dangerous. At the same time, he offers millions of dollars to Vasee, if he could hand it over to him.

But, Vasee upgrades Chitti by incorporating the emotions like anger, sorrow, love, kiss what not… Once Sana kisses Chitti and this ignites love in Chitti. When Vasee expresses his love to Sana, Chitti too says he too loves her. After the upgradation, Vasee takes Chitti to the Army officers but, Chitti behaves differently. This irks Vasee and destroys Chitti and dumps in the dust bin. However, Chitti resurrects from garbage and goes to Vasee’s professor to give him a rebirth as he loves Sana. What happens next should be see on-screen.

PERFORMANCE:
Rajinikanth’s performance in both the roles is excellent and his role as a robot is extra-ordinary. No one could do such a character. His stylish actions are very impressive and could be admired not only by his fans but by the common audience. Especially, in the second half, he plays the role with negative shade and has portrayed excellently. Aish has given a wonderful performance. Other artistes like Danny Denzongpa and others have done justice to their roles.

TECHNICAL:
The production values of Sun Pictures could be visualised on the screen and standards are not less than any Hollywood film. Especially the last half-an-hour graphics the film mesmerises the audience. Cinematography by Ratnavelu is ultimate. The train episode and several others were excellently picturised and its a treat to watch. Editing by Anthony is equally good. but the film could have shortened by some 10 to 15 minutes. Action scenes by Peter Haynes are worth watching.

However, the audiences would not feel bored at any given point of time. Dialogues by Sri Ramakrishna are adequate. After a disaster like Puli, AR Rahman has done good work. The re-recording of the film is exceptional and almost all the songs are foot-tapping. The visual effects are spectacular and the graphics are unimaginable.

The screenplay by Shankar is exceptional. It appears each and every inch of the film was visualised before by the director and penned every moment of the film on paper. One can’t find any loophole either in the script (story) or in his directorial ability. However, the only minus point in the film is the poor characterisation of the villain, Danny Denzongpa. While elevating Rajini, the director has completly ignored to etch that character. Kalanidhi Maran should be complimented for taking such an extraordinary project and bringing it on the Indian screen.

REMARKS:
With all the hype created about the film, which took almost two years to complete the project and with a whooping budget of Rs 180 crores, doubts were raised whether the film could withstand the pressure of hype. However,It has all the qualities of science, fiction, love and emotions, which could make the film a blockbuster.

Cast: Rajnikant, Aishwarya Rai, Danny Denzongpa, Santhanam, Karunas, Devadarsini, Kalabhavan Mani.

Credits: Story assistance – Sujata, Cinematography – Ratnavelu, Editing – Anthony, Art – Sabu Syril, Action – Peter Haynes, Visual effects – U. Srinivas M Mohan, Frankie Chang and Eddy Wong, Costumes – Mary E Vogt, Lyricists – Vanamali, Suddala Ashok Teja, Bhuvana Chandra, Dialogues – Sree Ramakishna, Music – AR Rehman, Sound – Rasool Pokutty, Producer – Kalanithi Maran, Story, screenplay, direction – Shankar.

Released on: October 1, 2010

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Tags: Movie, Review, Robo