What’s it about?
Guru (Vishnu Vishal) and Samshuddin (Vikrant) are good at cricket and share a friendship. Following a dispute during a cricket match in their village, Samshuddin’s hand is severed. A local political leader accuses Guru of being responsible for it. Because of this incident, the village has become divided along religious lines between Hindus and Muslims.
Samshuiddin’s father, Moideen Bhai (played by Rajinikanth), is a Mumbai-based businessman who had a strong friendship with Guru’s father. Will Moideen, who previously treated Guru as another son, seek retribution on Guru or grant him forgiveness?
There is a subplot involving the villagers envisioning a collective effort to amass funds and construct a chariot for utilization during the religious festival. How are these two threads interconnected?
Analysis
“Lal Salaam” is directed by Aishwarya, the daughter of Rajinikanth, and showcases the actor in a prominent and extended guest role. The film’s discussion of the value of religious harmony is flimsy. This story intertwines cricket, rural politics, and religion. But it is significantly hindered by lack of a captivating narration.
During the film’s promotional event, Aishwarya stated that certain individuals are attempting to falsely portray her father, Superstar Rajinikanth, as a “Sanghi”. According to her, if he had been a Sanghi, he would not have consented to portray the character of Moideen Bhai and act in this movie. After watching this film, you contemplate whether its purpose is to demonstrate that Rajinikanth does not lean towards one particular ideology.
Regardless of its objectives, the film’s plodding narration leaves us feeling bored, despite its good message about religious harmony and peaceful coexistence.
Not only is the narration uninteresting, but the direction lacks grip. Despite being set in the 1990s, the narration should not have exuded clichéd and outdated elements.
Superstar Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Moideen Bhai adds certain aura to the proceedings. Vishnu Vishal’s performance is on the expected lines. Jeevitha delivers a good performance as Vishnu Vishal’s mother.
The film features music composed by AR Rahman, an acclaimed composer who has won an Oscar. However, unless his name is observed in the credits, one may not immediately recognize that the music was composed by him.
Bottom line: Because of the slow tempo, and old-school narration, even superstar Rajinikanth’s presence fails to excite the audience. Despite the positive message of religious harmony, the film bores us.
Rating: 2/5
By Jalapathy Gudelli
Film: Lal Salaam
Cast: Rajinikanth, Vishnu Vishal, Vikranth, Jeevitha, Thambi Ramaiah, Ananthika Sanilkumar and others
Music: AR Rahman
DOP: Vishnu Rangasamy
Editor: B. Pravin Baaskar
Producer: Subaskaran
Written and Directed by: Aishwarya Rajinikanth
Release Date: Feb 09, 2024
