Sivaji (film)

Infobox Film
name = Sivaji


caption = Sivaji film poster.
director = S. Shankar
producer = M. S. Guhan
M. Saravanan
writer = S. Shankar
Sujatha
starring = Rajinikanth
Shriya Saran
Suman
Vivek
Raghuvaran
Manivannan
Nayantara
Solomon Pappayya
music = A. R. Rahman
cinematography = K. V. Anand
editing = Anthony
visual effects =
production_company = AVM Productions
distributor = flagicon|India AVM
flagicon|Malaysia Pyramid
flagicon|World Ayngaran|
released = Soundtrack:
April 2, 2007
Film:
flagicon|India June 15, 2007
flagicon|World June 14, 2007
runtime = 185 min.
country = India
language = Tamil
budget = Rs. 60 crores
gross = Rs.100 crores [cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/04/20/stories/2008042050090200.htm|title=Never make a film to lose money|last=Pillaai|first=Swarupa|date=2008-04-20|accessdate=2008-06-25|work=The Hindu]
website = http://www.sivajitheboss.com/
amg_id = 1:393508
imdb_id = 0479751

"Sivaji" ( _ta. சிவாஜி) is a 2007 Tamil film, which was directed by S. Shankar and produced by AVM Productions. While Rajinikanth and Shriya Saran essayed the lead roles, Suman, Vivek and Raghuvaran play other significant roles in the film. A.R. Rahman composed the film's soundtrack and background music, while Thotta Tharani and K. V. Anand were the creative art director and cinematographer respectively.

The movie revolves around a well-established Software System Architect (Sivaji), who returns home to India after finishing work in America. On his return, he dreams of giving back to society with free medical treatment and education. However his plans face a roadblock in the form of the highly affluent and influential businessman, Adiseshan. When corruption also arises, Sivaji is left with no option but to fight the system in his own way.

After post-production delays,Cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/04/29/stories/2007042916700200.htm|title=`Sivaji' release likely to be delayed|accessdate=2007-04-29|publisher= [http://www.hindu.com The Hindu] |language=English] it was not only released world-wide on June 15, 2007 in Tamil language,cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/05/21/stories/2007052104560200.htm|title=`Sivaji' release will be on June 16|publisher=The Hindu|date=2007-05-21|accessdate=2007-07-10] but also in Telugu as a dubbing version on the same date. The film, which released in many theaters worldwide,cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/sivaji-sweeps-delhi/43024-8.html?xml|title=Sivaji takes Delhi by storm|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=2007-06-16|accessdate=2007-07-10] cite news| title=Fans give a thumbs up to Sivaji|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/fans-give-a-thumbs-up-to-sivaji/42982-8.html|accessdate=2007-06-15|date=2007-06-15] was set to be dubbed in Hindi and the release planned later that year.cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=982d01bc-198d-4faa-baca-0438af3e13d0&MatchID1=4617&TeamID1=3&TeamID2=4&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1163&PrimaryID=4617&Headline=EMSivaji%3a+The+Boss+%2fEMto+be+dubbed+in+Hindi |title=Sivaji: The Boss to be dubbed in Hindi|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=2007-08-28|accessdate=2007-12-29] The industry estimates for the movie, which was the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release,cite web|url=http://timesnow.tv/articleshow/2132948.cms|title='Sivaji' is the boss in Singapore|publisher=TimesNow (from Reuter report)|author=Jennifer Marostica|date=2007-06-19|accessdate=2007-07-10] ranged from Rs. 60 crores [cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/iceworld/storypage.php?leftnm=lmnu9&subLeft=&autono=288696&tab=r|title=Sivaji dances on Jhoom...|publisher=Business Standard|date=2007-06-22|accessdate=2007-07-10] cite web| title="King, Airbrushed"| work= [http://www.outlookindia.com Outlook India] |url=http://outlookindia.com/full.asp?fodname=20070625&fname=Rajnikant+%28F%29&sid=1|accessdate=18 June|accessyear=2007] inclusive of Rajinikanth's salary of Rs. 20 crores.cite web|title=Cult star steers India's priciest film| work= [http://www.bbc.com BBC] |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/6252108.stm|date=2007-06-29|accessdate=2008-01-10|last=Tilak|first=Sudha G|] cite web|title="Superstar: Rajinikanth highest paid actor in India"| work= [http://www.ndtv.com NDTV.com] |url=http://www.ndtv.com/features/showfeatures.asp?slug=Rajnikanth+highest+paid+actor+in+India&Id=1525|accessdate=25 October|accessyear=2006] The film, which was Rajinikanth's 100th Tamil film, [cite web|publisher=Rediff|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/22sivaji.htm|title=Sivaji gold rush sweeps the globe
date=2007-06-22|accessdate=2007-07-05] opened to a record breaking box-office reception across the globe despite a few controversies.cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Bollywood_faces_a_southern_challenge_/rssarticleshow/msid-2168536,curpg-1.cms|title=Bollywood faces a southern challenge|publisher=Times of India|date=2007-06-03|accessdate=2007-07-10]

Plot

), a highly influential businessman, sees "Sivaji Foundation" as competition to his own business empire. Using his political strings, he repeals the permits issued to the foundation by the government. Sivaji approaches a lawyer, using his own car to pay the lawyer's fee. However in court he is forced to admit he bribed numerous officials. This undermines his case and the judge reiterates the stay order on construction by the "Sivaji Foundation".

Meanwhile, Sivaji falls in love with a girl named Tamizhselvi (Shriya). Her family is initially scared and angered by the overbearing nature of Sivaji's family, though they eventually accede to Sivaji's request for Tamizhselvi's hand in marriage. However upon asking for his horoscope; the astrologer predicts impeding doom leading up to Sivaji's death if the two are united. When Tamizhselvi refuses the proposal due to her concern for "Sivaji", he calms her fears and manages to convince her to marry him.

. His adversaries seek to find out how he converted their illegal money to a usable form by threatening Tamizhselvi with danger to Sivaji's life. Fearing for him, she turns over his notebook PC with all the information regarding the various money transactions to the authorities. With presentable evidence, Sivaji is arrested and the scene returns to the beginning of the movie with Sivaji in central prison.

. After a few days when everyone wonders about the future of Sivaji Foundation, the revived Sivaji returns to take control over the foundation in a disguise of a friend, M.G. Ravichandran. Though Adhiseshan realizes that it is Sivaji himself, he is unable to prove this to the police due to the tangible evidence of Sivaji's death. Ravichandran promises to avenge Sivaji's death and eventually manages to corner Adhiseshan and challenge him. After their fight, Adiseshan is killed in a stampede. As a conclusion, the audience are informed of the foundation's success and fulfillment of Sivaji's dreams.

Cast & Crew

Cast

* Rajinikanth as Sivaji Arumugam. "Sivaji", a rich NRI, is a software system architect by profession in the United States. He returns to his native Tamil Nadu to improve the education system and to eradicate poverty. He is pitted against "Adiseshan", who refuses to let him continue his good work. Manivannan and Vadivvukarasi played the roles of "Sivaji's" parents while his love interest is "Tamizhselvi".

* Shriya Saran as Tamizhselvi Ramalingham. "Tamizhselvi" is the daughter of the characters played by Pattimandram Raja and small-screen actress and former news correspondent, Uma. During the course of the film, "Tamizhselvi" is approached by "Sivaji", who falls in love with her. She finally relents to his love and gets married to him.

* Suman as Adisheshan. "Adisheshan", a rich and an influential industrialist, financially exploits the society through his medical schools and charitable hospitals. Though ironically clad in white clothes throughout the film, he plays the villain, the main hindrance to the "Sivaji Foundation".

* Vivek as Arivu. Vivek plays the role of "Sivaji" 's maternal uncle. His character "Arivu" provides the comic relief in the film and also plays a role in assisting "Sivaji" to win over "Tamizhselvi".

* Raghuvaran as Dr. Chezhian. He plays a guest role of the dean of the hospital "Sivaji" sets up. He eventually becomes a factor for the revival of "Sivaji" against "Adiseshan".

* Nayantara in an item number. She appears in a cameo role for the introductory song, "Balleilakka". She dances alongside extras and Rajinikanth during the song.

Crew

* Sujatha for the Dialogues
* K. V. Anand as the Cinematographer
* Peter Hain for the Stunts
* Thotta Tharani as the Art direction
* Vairamuthu, Vaalee, N. Muthukumar, P. Vijay as the Lyricists
* Manish Malhotra for Costume designer
* Prabhu Deva, Raju Sundaram, Raghava Lawrence, Brinda for Choreography
* Anthony for Film Editing
* J. D. Jerry, Balaji Sakthivel, Hosimin, Gandhi Krishna, Vijay Anand as the Assistant directors
* A.R. Rahman as the Music director

Production

last=Warrier|first=Shobha|accessdate=2007-12-29]

Casting

For "Sivaji", S. Shankar, the director stepped out of his stereotype of selecting the lead actors only after the script was ready.fact|date=June 2008 In an interview, he said that the film's script was written keeping Rajinikanth in mind.fact|date=June 2008 About the leading lady for the film, there were initial speculations on who would essay the role. Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherji, Ayesha Takia, [cite web|url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/downsouth/tamil/20050913-0.html|title=Rajnikant's new heroine: Ayesha Takia|publisher=Apunkachoice.com|date=2005-09-13|accessdate=2008-01-08] Trisha, Nayantara and Jyothika were rumored to bag the role. [cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/13/stories/2005101308440200.htm|title=Shreya is Rajinikanth's heroine in "Sivaji"|publisher=The Hindu|date=2005-10-13|accessdate=2007-07-17] However, the air was cleared when Shankar and Rajinikanth announced that Shriya Saran would essay the role as Rajinikanth's love interest.cite news| title="Shriya to act in Sivaji"| work= [http://www.hindu.com The Hindu.com] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/10/14/stories/2005101403230200.htm|accessdate= 2007-04-03] The voice of Kanika, an actress, was used as a voice-over for Shriya. [cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm|title=The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji|publisher=Rediff|date=2007-05-25|accessdate=2007-07-13]

Names of Mohanlal,cite news|title="Malayalam star no to Sivaji!"|work= [http://www.bizhat.com Bizhat.com] |url=http://movies.bizhat.com/news/mohanlal_not_in_shivaji.php|accessdate=2008-01-08] Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Nana Patekarcite news|title="Sanjay Dutt in Sivaji!"| work= [http://www.indiaglitz.com Indiaglitz.com] |date=2006-10-03|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/25745.html|accessdate=2007-01-08] and Prakash Rajfact|date=June 2008 cropped up for the portrayal of the antagonist's role in the film. In March 2006, Suman was confirmed as the person selected to play the role of "Adiseshan".cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/mar/13suman.htm|title=Suman, the villain in Sivaji|publisher=Rediff|date=2006-03-13|accessdate=2007-07-13] The director, Shankar, realized that Suman lacked the wry smile needed for his character.fact|date=June 2008 This conspicuous smile of "Adiseshan" was made possible with a denture.fact|date=June 2008 It was Shankar's idea again to adorn the character with spotless dhoti, shirt, shoes, a Rolex watch and Ray Ban sunglasses.cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/11slide2.htm|title=Meet the villain of Sivaji|publisher=Rediff|date=2007-06-11|accessdate=2008-01-01] Prior to this, Suman had acted with Rajinikanth in "Thee" (1980).

In early 2006, a magazine came out with a cast list that included mimicry artists, Cochin Haneefa, Chinni Jayanth and Mayilsaamy.cite journal|title=Cast: Sivaji (2007)|publisher=Kumudam|month=February|year=2007|accessdate=2007-12-25] The names of support cast for the movie was released in a phased manner.fact|date=June 2008 By mid-2006, Manivannan, M. S. Baskar, Livingston, Vadivukarasi, "Pyramid" Natarajan, Uma Padmanabhan, "Pattimandram" Raja, "Vannakam Thamizhuzhagam" Revathi, Solomon Pappayya, Muthukaalai, "Nellai" Siva, Bose Venkat and "M'Sia" Prabhu were selected for the film.fact|date=June 2008

Development

accessdate=2007-12-25]

The art director, Thotta Tharani suggested the use of Ramoji Film City to the director. The "Vaaji Vaaji" song was picturized with an intention to showcase a Babylonian palace. The "Sahana" song was sort of a challenge to Tharani. After listening to the lyrics of the song which speaks of the four seasons, Tharani thought of using the idea he used in Japan. He made use of acrylic and glass with the former on the floor to allow dance movements. K. V. Anand, the cinematographer, seemed to have a tough time in lighting up these sets made of glass. Once he had the sketches and the idea ready, the technicians at the Film City created the sets. Tharani believed that the coordination with Anand was important. Tharani contributed to similar creations for the music shop where "Tamizhselvi" worked as a saleswoman, and the scene here being followed up with a fight sequence in an open-air theater.Tharani's sketches and ideas came out in the form of a set of paintings titled, "Unsung".cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/16slide4.htm|title=Sahana song in 'Sivaji'|publisher=Rediff.com|date=2007-06-30|last=Warrier|first=Shobha|accessdate=2008-01-01]

The fair look of Rajinikanth's character in the film was through a year's effort using computer-generated imagery which was performed by a Chennai-based firm. The color tone of one of the British dancers in the background of the "Style" song was used by these technicians.cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/17/stories/2007061755810200.htm|title= Secret of Sivaji’s ‘white’ tan|publisher=The Hindu|date=2007-06-17|last=Subramanian|first=Karthik|accessdate=2008-01-07] French hair-stylist Sandrin Veriar Seth designed two different and distinct hair-styles for the regular film and 13 hair-styles for one of the songs.cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=16353|title=The Sivaji wave continues...|publisher=Screen India|date=2007-07-06|last=|first=Naresh|accessdate=2008-01-07] Shankar had already completed filming one song when Manish Malhotra was approached for designing Rajinikanth's wardrobe. He was responsible for not just the regular costumes but also accessories such as shoes and jackets.cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-2065481,prtpage-1.cms|title='It can't get bigger or better than this'|publisher=The Times of India|date=2007-05-22|last=Dasgupta|first=Piali|accessdate=2008-01-09]

Brinda choreographed the "Balleilakka" song in Wai, a hill station near Pune with hundreds of people for eight days. Shooting problems due to Rajinikanth's following in his native Tamil Nadu prompted them to chose Wai for the song.cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/01brinda.htm|title='Rajni sir has excellent style'|publisher=Rediff.com|date=2007-06-01|last=Rajamani|first=Radhika|accessdate=2008-01-01]

Release and reception

Infobox movie certificates
Australia = M cite news|accessdate=2007-10-27|work=Office of Film and Literature Classification|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia|url=http://www.classification.gov.au/special.html?n=46&p=156&sTitle=sivaji&sMediaFilm=1&sMediaPublications=1&sMediaGames=1&sDateFromM=1&sDateFromY=1970&sDateToM=12&sDateToY=2007&record=221204
title=Office of Film and Literature Classification, Australia]
India = U
United_Kingdom = 12A cite web|title= "BBFC Sivaji: The Boss Rating"|url=http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/6B6190B9DA3DEE64802572F700492C67?OpenDocument|accessdate=2007-06-03]
Canada = 14A

Special screenings

Rajinikanth used his political affiliations to screen the film for several politicians. Rajinikanth flew to Hyderabad to showcase the film for the former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu, on June 14, 2007.cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/naidu-calls-rajini-to-join-third-front/42931-4.html|title=Naidu calls Rajini to join Third Front|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=2007-06-15|accessdate=2007-07-14] At the screening, Rajinikanth told the media that he would invite the Chief Minister, Rajasekhara Reddy, for a special viewing as well. Rajinikanth said that he had screened the movie to current and former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers, Dr. Karunanidhicite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/15/stories/2007061502500600.htm|title=Rajnikanth welcome to join Third Front: Naidu |publisher=The Hindu|date=2007-06-15|accessdate=2007-07-14] and Jayalalitha, [cite web|url=http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=377080&sid=ENT&ssid=1|title=Sivaji hits screens; Rajni fans throng theatres|publisher=Zee News|date=2007-06-15|accessdate=2007-07-14] respectively, and that India's Finance Minister, P Chidambaram, was also keen to watch the movie. A private screening was shown to Amitabh Bachchan, as well. [cite web|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Rajni_meets_Amitabh/articleshow/2154964.cms|title=Rajni meets Amitabh|publisher=Times Now. TV|date=2007-06-27|accessdate=2007-07-14]

India

The film was supposed to be released on the Tamil New Year's day, April 14, 2007. With post-production delays, the film was released world-wide on June 15, 2007. The Indian censor board certified the movie on May 17, 2007 with minor screen and dialogue cuts, although the exact details of these cuts was not officially revealed.

Worldwide, the movie was estimated to have been released in about 850-1000 screens and opened to near full opening.cite web|url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/filmy-fiscal-rajinis-sivaji-rules-bo/43170-8.html|title=Filmy Fiscal: Rajini's Sivaji rules BO|publisher=CNN-IBN|date=2007-06-19|accessdate=2007-07-11] Sivaji was released in 16 theaters in Chennai and is reported to have collected 13.5 million INR within the first four days, a record of sorts for Tamil movies. In Tamil Nadu, the movie was released in 300 theaters while the dubbed version in Telugu was released in 340 theaters. The movie also debuted well in Kerala and in Bangalore. Despite protests from pro-Kannada groups, the movie debuted in 13 theatres.cite web|url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=16189|title=Sivaji cuts across language barrier|publisher=Indian Express|author=Roshmila Bhattacharya|date=2007-06-22|accessdate=2007-07-11] In the national capital, New Delhi, the movie debuted on 4 screens in PVR Cinemas. Based on what the distributors claim, there was "overwhelming response to the film", with the number of screens increasing to 12 by the second week.cite web|url=http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=378909&sid=ENT&ssid=1|title= Rajni rocks as `Sivaji` rules in Delhi too!|publisher=Zee|date=2007-06-23|accessdate=2007-07-11] The movie made a good debut in the nation's other metros as well such as Mumbai and Kolkata. [cite web|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070620/asp/calcutta/story_7946087.asp|title=The Boss breaks the plex barrier - After Southern storm, Rajanikanth mega movie is Friday’s biggest release|author=Priyanka Roy|date=2007-06-20|accessdate=2007-07-11|publisher=Telegraph India] Even in non-traditional markets for Tamil movies like Punecite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Sivaji_opens_to_packed_houses/rssarticleshow/2143355.cms|title=Sivaji opens to packed houses|publisher=Times of India|date=2007-06-23|accessdate=2007-07-11] and Baroda,cite web|url=http://cities.expressindia.com/fullstory.php?newsid=244854|title=Rajni Roars|publisher=The Indian Express|author=Apurva|date=2007-07-07|accessdate=2007-07-11] the movie made had a good opening. On July 15, 2007, AVM Studios, the producers of the movie, announced their decision to dub the film in Hindi because "the response has been phenomenal for the movie".cite web|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Media__Entertainment_/Entertainment/Sivaji_to_set_Hindi_heartland_on_fire/articleshow/2206139.cms|title=Sivaji to set Hindi heartland on fire|publisher=The Economic Times|date=2007-07-15|accessdate=2007-07-19]

International

Internationally, "Sivaji" had good screenings in Malaysia with reports of the film causing a riot to break out in three states due to delays and cancellations of the screenings. [cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200706/s1953351.htm|title=Movie-goers riot over film hitches|publisher=ABC News Online|date=2007-06-17|accessdate=2007-12-25] The film eventually was released in residential suburb by a local minister, "Sivaji" made a debut with 150 screenings of the movie in Singapore. In Sri Lanka, the movie debuted across 70 theatres with all 700 shows running at near 100% capacity.cite web| url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=14dcab9d-0da6-4414-9543-acf801f8820b&MatchID1=4479&TeamID1=6&TeamID2=25&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1115&PrimaryID=4479&Headline=EMSivaji+%2fEMtakes+Sri+Lanka+by+storm|title=Sivaji takes Sri Lanka by storm|publisher=Hindustan Times|author=PK Balachandran|date=2007-06-22|accessdate=2007-07-11] In the Persian Gulf that contains a sizeably large Indian diaspora, the movie opened to a full house. Owing to the enthusiasm, a non-profit organization distributed 1000 tickets to laborers and domestic help across Dubai enabling them to watch the movie.cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/009200706181231.htm|title=1,000 labourers to watch 'Sivaji' free in Dubai |publisher=The Hindu|date=2007-06-18|accessdate=2007-07-11] In Canada, the film released in 10 screens in 3 major cities along with special screenings for the Tamil diaspora in the smaller cities.cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/shivaji-overseas-200607.html|title=Shivaji storms the world|publisher=One India|last=Settu|first=Shankar|date=2007-06-20|accessdate=2008-01-08] In United Kingdom, the movie debuted on the box-office list at # 9 with earnings of about £14000 per screen - the highest screen average in 2007. It was the first south Indian movie to enter UK Top 10. [cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/boxoffice/?region=uk&date=2007-06-15|title=United Kingdom Box Office Returns: 15 June 2007|publisher=imdb|accessdate=2007-11-20] In United States of America, "Sivaji" was released in 24 theaters with subsequent additions of 19 and 21 theaters for the Tamil version and Telugu version respectively.cite web|url=http://news.moneycontrol.com/mccode/news/article/news_article.php?autono=286784|title='Sivaji' is all set to be a hit in US|publisher=Moneycontrol.com|date=2007-06-15|accessdate=2007-07-11] The producers of the movie claimed that the movie was going to be dubbed in Chinese and Japanese by Ayngaran International, the holder of international rights of the movie. The response in Cape Town was disappointing, while the box-office collections in Johannesburg and Durban allowed it to become the first Tamil film to feature in the South African box-office top 10.cite web| url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/southafrica/?yr=2007&wk=32&p=.htm|title=South Africa (Entire Region) Box Office, August 10-12, 2007|publisher=Box Office Mojo|author=Box Office Mojo|date=2007-08-12|accessdate=2007-11-22] Singapore Airlines bought a 3-month exclusive in-flight screening rights to the film, a first for the airline for any Tamil film.cite web| url=http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=653801|title=The Big B hits back at criticism by Aamir Khan|publisher=The Times, South Africa|date=2007-12-08|accessdate=2008-01-08]

The movie has exaggerated and conflicting reports on the cumulative box-office collections worldwide. However according to Business today Nov 2007 edition the film gathered only about Rs.90 crores at the box-office [http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/04/20/stories/2008042050090200.htm Sivaji world-wide revenue] , a record of sorts for south Indian films. Recently, a "Silver Jubilee" function was organized for the film which, in local parlance, symbolizes the box-office success of a film.cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/12/stories/2008011260951200.htm|title= Rajinikanth symbolises hard work: Karunanidhi|publisher=The Hindu|date=2008-01-12|accessdate=2008-01-12] .

In the United Kingdom, 13 seconds of the film was cut [http://www.bbfc.co.uk/website/Classified.nsf/0/6B6190B9DA3DEE64802572F700492C67?OpenDocument] as the original film showed the hero throwing a firework into his mouth, lighting it and then spitting it out at somebody else. This was done to enable the film to have a 12A rating, while the Ayngaran UK DVD release was uncut and was given an 18 rating by the BBFC. It was also the first Ayngaran film to be released on Blu-Ray 1080p High Definition [ [http://www.ayngaran.com/bluray.php Ayngaran International ] ] .

Reviews

"The Hindu", in a review about the story, said that the lead character carrying out a rebellion against corruption was something "not be true to life". It concluded by saying that "the story sags towards the end". It, however, went on to appreciate the performances of the prominent actors, the soundtrack, art direction, photography and the animation from the film.cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2007/06/22/stories/2007062250530200.htm|title= A magnum opus in style - Sivaji|publisher= [http://www.hinduonnet.com The Hindu] |date=2007-06-22|accessdate=2008-01-08|last=Rangarajan|first=Malathi] Another review from "The Hindu", a month after the film's release, said that the film "... presents an effective diagnosis of entrenched corruption but the rather disturbing remedy it offers is, good old vigilantism." It concluded by saying that, though the film did well at the box-office, the message of rejecting the corrupt system instead of reforming it was troubling.cite web|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/15/stories/2007071555071000.htm|title=Sivaji: super hit but the message is troubling|publisher= [http://www.hindu.com The Hindu] |date=2007-07-15|accessdate=2008-01-09|last=Krishnan|first=Ananth] "Hindustan Times" review said that the director, Shankar, was not creative enough for the film and added this by saying "Sivaji turns out to be a rehash of all his previous jingoistic claptrap efforts". It appreciated the other technical departments and suggested a good response at the box office.cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=77e433b1-3165-4a0d-8eed-518c652189c6&MatchID1=4617&TeamID1=3&TeamID2=4&MatchType1=1&SeriesID1=1163&PrimaryID=4617&Headline=REVIEW%3a+EMSivaji%3a+the+Boss%2fEM|title= Sivaji: the Boss|publisher= [http://www.hindustantimes.com Hindustan Times] |date=2007-06-16|accessdate=2008-01-08|last=T. V. S.|first=Hari] "The Times of India" had a similar review about the story saying that "it had nothing new to offer" but promised it to be entertaining.cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/moviereview/2142960.cms|title=Sivaji The Boss|publisher= [http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com The Times of India] |date=2007-06-23|accessdate=2008-01-08]

One review from Rediff.com summed the film by saying, "No logic, only Rajni's magic". About the story, it says, "Unfortunately, (the) message is lost in the maze of illogical and sometimes absurd sequences". The review, however, praises the performances of Rajinikanth, Shriya and Vivek and the technical crew.cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/jun/15sivaji2.htm|title=No logic, only Rajni's magic|publisher= [http://www.rediff.com Rediff] |last=Vijayasarathy|first=R. G.|date=2007-06-15|accessdate=2008-01-09] A review from an entertainment portal appreciated the performances of the prominent actors and ingenuity of certain portions of the script. It, however, pointed out a couple of unconvincing instances in the script with the review eventually suggesting better screenplay and a complaint on the length of the film.cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sivaji.html|title=Telugu Movie review - Sivaji: The boss|publisher= [http://www.idlebrain.com Idlebrain.com] |last=Jeevi|first=|accessdate=2008-01-09] Another such portal thoroughly praised the plot, performances and other departments but ended snubbing the crude graphics at times.cite web|url=http://www.businessofcinema.com/boc/?file=story&id=3939|title= Film Review: Sivaji: The Boss|publisher= [http://www.businessofcinema.com Businessofcinema.com] |last=Ram|first=Sanjay|date=2007-06-16|accessdate=2008-01-09] A vernacular entertainment portal, referring to Rajinikanth, says that the film is "... an absolute celebration of one man who can make millions feel good about life just by walking in elegance, by stroking his hair, or just by being there on screen.cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-06/sivaji-movie-review.html|title=Movie Review: Sivaji|publisher= [http://www.behindwoods.com Behindwoods.com] |last=Gopinath|first=Arun|accessdate=2008-01-19] It goes to praise Vivek's comical interludes and adds by saying "though defying superhuman powers, the fights choreographed by Peter Heinz, and the extremely lavish sets created by Thotta Tharani stand out. Camera work of K. V. Anand is first rate throughout, Antony’s editing crisp and Sujatha’s dialogues are rock solid." A. R. Rahman's score and Shankar's directorial abilities were also lauded in the review.

Controversies

The movie attracted criticism and litigation, including accusations of plagiarism and defamation. Jaya Rajadevan, one of the film's assistant directors, sought an injunction in civil court to stop screening of the film for alleged plagiarism. Rajadevan claimed that he had written the film's story and had discussed it with Shankar's manager in 2005. Although the court sent notices to S. Shankar, among others, the screening of the film was not stopped.cite web|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Plagiarism_slur_on_Sivaji_producer/articleshow/2155638.cms|title=Plagiarism slur on 'Sivaji' producer|publisher=TimesNow.tv|date=2007-06-28|accessdate=2007-07-19]

M. Satyamoorthy, on July 9, 2007, also sought to stop screening of the film, alleging that it defamed the Indian National Congress, a political party, as well as its President, Sonia Gandhi, and the Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh. Satyamoorthy cited a scene in which portraits of Gandhi and Singh are visible behind Adiseshan's (the villain's) chair, implying he was a member of the Indian National Congress.cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=0b4b27a2-c536-4c55-b69b-65dc7a320c06&ParentID=76e0cb41-ba06-4e36-a58d-300306debc72&&Headline=Rajnikant's+EMSivaji-the+boss+%2fEMcaught+in+a+political+wrangle|title=Rajnikant's Sivaji-the boss caught in a political wrangle|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=2007-07-09|accessdate=2007-07-17] Satyamoorthy also claimed 500 million INR in damages from the film's producer, director and lead actor to be paid to the Tamil Nadu section of the party.Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/PIL_seeking_ban_on_Sivaji-the_Boss_filed_in_Madras_HC/articleshow/2188779.cms|title=PIL seeking ban on Sivaji-the Boss filed in Madras HC|publisher=The Hindu|date=2007-07-09|accessdate=2007-07-17]

A month and a half prior to the movie's release, three songs from the soundtrack got leaked into the internet.Cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/apr/03rahman.htm|title=AR Rahman pleases Rajni fans with Sivaji|publisher=Rediff.com|date=2007-04-03|last=Srinivas|first=Saraswathy|accessdate=2008-01-07]

Awards

2008 National Film Awards
* Won — Silver Lotus Award for Best Art Direction — Thotta Tharani

2008 Filmfare Awards South
* Won — Filmfare Award for Best Music Director — A.R. Rahman
* Won — Filmfare Award for Best Comedian — Vivek
* Nominated — Filmfare Award for Best Actor — Rajnikanth

Soundtrack

Infobox Album | Name = Sivaji: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack
Type = Album


Released = April 2, 2007
Genre = Feature film soundtrack
Length = 36:10
Label = AVM Music
Composer = A.R. Rahman | Reviews = Yahoo! India Movie Reviews Rating|5|5cite web| title="Sivaji: Music Review"| work= [http://www.yahoo.com Yahoo.com] |url=http://in.movies.yahoo.com/070404/226/6e4vb.html|accessdate=3 April|accessyear=2007]

After some re-recording of the background score in Paraguay,cite web |title=Background score for 'Sivaji' mixed in London! |url=http://www.tamilstar.com/news/publish/article_3084.shtml |accessdate=2007-04-12 ] A.R. Rahman had been to London for additional re-recording. [ cite web |title=Audio raises expectations on Sivaji |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/article/30448.html |accessdate=2007-04-12 ]

References

External links

*imdb title|id=0479751|title=Sivaji
* [http://www.sivajitheboss.com/ Official Website of Sivaji: The Boss]