Petta

Karthik Subbaraj | Rajinikanth, Simran, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Trisha, Vijay Sethupathi,
Megha Akash, Malavika Mohanan, Bobby Simha, Sannath | 2019 | Action Drama

          Set in the backdrop of Madurai and Darjeeling, Petta – Superstar Rajinikanth’s 166th
film is riveting. Directed by a Rajini fanboy Karthik Subbaraj, the film is yet another addition
to the Gangster Movies in the actor’s filmography. With a massive multi starrer under the
banner of Sun Pictures, Petta targeted the 2019 Pongal. A festive release for the actor after
almost two decades, the film brought back the vintage Rajini, exactly how a fan would love to
see him. Witnessing the biggest Kollywood clash with Viswasam, the film emerged as a box
office winner with exceptional critic reviews.

          Karthik Subbaraj’s fifth directorial venture Petta, created a new genre of Rajinism.
With a fanatic angle lacing through each aspect, the film gave a refreshing feel and was
celebrated for recreating iconic Rajini moments all throughout the film. Petta is definitely a
unique film. It showed a different dimension of the actor,something that was never seen
before. Although it was a complete Rajini-fanatic film, the director never missed to show his
own flavours in it. Unpredictable twists, realistic characters with grey shades and use of
impressive gangster story lines; his flavour with Rajini’s screen presence took the entire
experience a notch higher . To point out the climax twist with Chinna – Jithu, the connection
between Anwar; all in all, Petta was weaved through unpredictability and kept reminding us
who the filmmaker was. Iconic Rajini references like ‘Basha Silhouette’, ‘Annanukke Jai’ in
“Marana Mass” Song, ‘Chandramukhi Intro – Lorry top instead of Bullock Cart’, ‘Mullum
Malarum – Gate opening’, ‘Alex Pandian – Coolers Reference’ are a few of many iconic
moments that were recreated in Petta.

          Regardless of the film being a multi-starrer, the film travels on Rajinikanth’s
shoulders. As a result, other characters were given minimal screen space. Simran’s love
montages were an absolute delight to watch, not to mention how the pair enlivened the film
with the unconventional set-up. On the other hand, Trisha in the flashback did a pretty
decent job and delivered a convincing role. Mahendran, Malavika Mohanan and Sasikumar
too supported the reminiscence in giving the much-needed backdrop for the setting and the
plot. The college portions involving Megha Akash, Munishkanth, Sannath, Bobby Simha
added flavours and positivity. The film progressed and moved towards the gangster plot. The
plot was held and supported by Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Vijay Sethupathi. Although the film
had such a big casting, Petta is a complete Rajini film and these actors were just holding the
Rajinified feeling on a higher pedestal.

          Petta being a Thalaivar tribute film was not just written and directed by a fan boy, but
the whole cast and crew were Thalaivar fans and their admirable craft is what makes the film
what it is. National Award-winning Cinematographer Thiru’s lighting techniques are the
backbone of the visuals. Since all important sequences are shot during nights, each fight
sequence required a special treatment and recreation to portray the Rajini the director
dreamt of and Thiru has done nothing less than a fabulous job in that regard. Another strong
backing for the film is the stunt and fight sequences. Choreographed by the superstar’s
favourite Peter Hein, the nuances of Karate and authentic Madurai styles reflected in the
stunt choreography throughout the film. The master mind that kept the audience on the
hook: Anirudh’s background score and songs are an industrial hit! To point out, Anirudh’s
instrumental arrangements for the silhouettes and recreations had a mix of mass commercial
Rajini trademark and his own experimental signature which, in combination, had an
everlasting impact on the fans.
In short, Petta – Get Rajinified!