Arunachalam

Arunachalam (1997) : Brief Review -

A perfect masala family drama that even outshines Brewster's Millions at points. I loved the way Allan Dwan adapted Brewster's Millions for the big screen with a sweet, chaotic comedy in 1945. Walter Hill's 80s version gave it a fresh touch and is mostly remembered for Richard Pryor's performance. Sundar C adapted the same idea with Arunachalam, but only in the second half. The first half is what you call a blockbuster family masala drama in Indian cinema, with superstar Rajinikanth pulling off every popular mass trick to please the audience. Remember the adopted son's formula from Tamil comedy Rasukutty (1992)-later remade in Hindi as Raja Babu (1994)? You'll find that here in the first half. So Arunachalam is like a mix of Rasukutty and Brewster's Millions, but it eventually does more than both. Arunachalam (Rajinikanth) is the most respected man in his village and also a wealthy one. His world turns upside down when he discovers he was adopted by the rich family. Feeling humiliated, he leaves his privileged life and starts fresh in the city, where he learns his real father was a millionaire who left him 30 billion. The catch? He must spend 30 million in 30 days-conditions, you know. What elevates Arunachalam above the other versions is how it presents its lead-filled with emotional depth and the value of sacrifice. "A real man is not one who lives on his father's money, but one who earns through hard work and makes his parents proud." That line won me over, Rajini sir. I'm going through a similar phase in life right now, so I connected deeply. Rajini's style, action, and emotional range make this both a perfect masala entertainer and a heartfelt family drama. Sundar C surpassed expectations for sure. Underrated and deserving of more love.

RATING - 7/10*

By - #samthebestest.

Darn, anybody would never even bother to regard this movie as a marvellous one from the one-and-only idol, Rajini. Think about it, where can one could get dangerous creatures from his back? And how one explain destiny was arranged simply when a sexy lady walked passed by the desk(i.e. the rolling talisman bead scene)? I'm a non-Indian and I regard Rajini along with the likes of the legend MGR,Kamal Hassan n somehow Sathiyaraj as my fave quartet of Tamil hero icons. Arunachalam is parallel to any cartoon or cheesiest to the core. But,if you have nothing to do for over 3 hours, kill your time with this movie. The thing about Rajini is that he would always start from the scratch i.e. he would be doing the-odd job, a poor fella, etc. This is what captivated a fan with his character. All day normal guy. And Rajini did the action, jokes n of course the trademark 'swoosh-swish' thingy in an ultra-cool way.So much for hype, but then again, picture this. His current movie Chandramughi is the longest staying movie yet in one of the cinema in my resident town. Still holding queue since 14 April. And still there are people wondering why he's a superstar. Enough said.

This is one of my most favourite movies of all time...being a serious movie lover and not a fan of commercial films, Rajanikanth is always an exception...n this is one of those films that entertains you and pulls u to the Rajini magic...from the engaging scenes to really good background music by Deva, this film is a total stress buster. I really like this film on par with Baasha, Annamalai and Sivaji. It's Rajini magic all the way !!

Although it's a remake of an English movie, it has all the elements that make it a thoroughly enjoyable movie! However, the most magical element is (as always) Rajinikanth! Go ahead and watch it. It will certainly not disappoint you. You'll feel super entertained and bucked up after you finish watching the movie. Watch it when you feel low n you'll feel spirited! The magical formula that makes it possible is Rajinikanth+Commercial elements+interesting plot! For those critical people who always look for logic, message n something unusual in an entertainment medium, please stay away from the movie!

ARUNACHALAM is the movie with the hide and seek which the couples are doing but the hero is constantly following the trail set by others for the deceivers who are being deceived at the same time by the rest. We have learned that ARUNACHALAM is well received for those park sequences that are a turning point to narrating a story or ritual about the "I" without the help of psychoanalysis and a third sense of the 'death of the author.'