Sivaji (film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sivaji

Sivaji film poster.
Directed by S. Shankar
Produced by M. S. Guhan
M. Saravanan
Written by Story:
S. Shankar
Dialogue:
Sujatha
Starring Rajinikanth
Shriya Saran
Suman
Vivek
Raghuvaran
Manivannan
Nayantara
Solomon Pappayya
Music by A. R. Rahman
Cinematography K. V. Anand
Editing by Anthony
Distributed by Flag of India AVM
Flag of Malaysia Pyramid
Flag of World Ayngaran
Release date(s) Soundtrack:
April 2, 2007
Film:

Flag of India June 15, 2007
Flag of World June 14, 2007
Running time 185 min.
Country India
Language Tamil
Budget Rs.60 Crores
Gross revenue Rs.90-100 Crores[1]
Official website
Allmovie profile
IMDb profile

Sivaji (Tamil: சிவாஜி) is a 2007 Tamil and Telugu language 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, who returns back home in India. After his return, he begins implementing his dream of giving back to the society with free medical treatment and education. His dreams face a roadblock in the form of a highly affluent and influential businessman. When corruption also raises its ugly face, he is left with no option, but to retaliate the system in his own way.

After post-production delays,[2] it was not only released world-wide on June 15, 2007 in Tamil language,[3] but also in Telugu as a not dubbed it's just parellelly making in Telugu also version on the same date. The film, which released in many theaters worldwide,[4][5] was set to be dubbed in Hindi and the release planned later that year.[6] The industry estimates for the movie, which was the most expensive Indian film at the time of its release,[7] ranged from Rs. 60 to 96 crores[8][9] inclusive of Rajinikanth's salary of Rs. 20 crores.[10][11] The film, which was Rajinikanth's 100th Tamil film,[12] opened to a good box-office reception across the globe despite a few controversies.[4][7][13]

Contents

[edit] Plot

Sivaji trying to woo Tamizhselvi for marriage.
Sivaji trying to woo Tamizhselvi for marriage.

The film begins with a masked person brought to the Central Jail in Chennai, India. When asked by a fellow-inmate for the reasons behind his imprisonment, the masked person replies that he is imprisoned for attempting to do good for the people. The unmasked person is revealed to be Sivaji (Rajinikanth). The story then winds into a flashback that shows him returning from the US as a software systems architect to Chennai. He brings along with him his earnings of INR 250 crores with an intention to begin a charity organization called Sivaji Foundation. This organization has the aim of building hospitals and educational institutions to serve the poor without any charge. However, he faces roadblocks in the form of bureaucracy and corrupt officials. Forced to set aside his principles, Sivaji bribes his way through the system; at one stage, unable to deal with spiraling costs, he even mortgages his palatial house and personal property in the process. Adiseshan (Suman), a politically influential businessman, sees Sivaji Foundation as a competition to his business empire. Using his political clout, he repeals the permits issued to the foundation by the government. Sivaji approaches a lawyer, using his car to pay the lawyer's fee. However, in court he admits to having bribed officials. This undermines his case and the judge reiterates the stay order on construction by Sivaji Foundation.

Meanwhile, Sivaji falls in love with Tamizhselvi (Shriya). Her family is initially scared by the overbearing nature of Sivaji's family. They eventually accede to Sivaji's request for Tamizhselvi's hand in marriage and ask for his horoscope; however, 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 convinces her to marry him.

After losing the court trial, Sivaji faces Adiseshan.
After losing the court trial, Sivaji faces Adiseshan.

Adiseshan mocks Sivaji and gives him a one-rupee coin, asking him to try and survive with that coin. Using this coin, Sivaji sets out to turn around his fortunes. He estimates that there is about two thousand million INR of illegal, untaxed money within the nation. He uncovers details about people who have substantial quantities of illegal money and then threatens each of them and obtains half of their illegal wealth. After transferring the money to bank accounts around the world, Sivaji informs the Income Tax Vigilance Department about the details of the illegal money held by them. Sivaji's associates deposit the money sent across the world as donations to the Sivaji Foundation making the money legitimate and usable by the foundation. Sivaji begins to realize his dream of providing free, good quality education, services and employment to people in every district of Tamil Nadu. 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 his life, 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 - Sivaji in the central prison.

Sivaji as M. G. Ravichandran with Arivu, his maternal uncle in the climax.
Sivaji as M. G. Ravichandran with Arivu, his maternal uncle in the climax.

Adiseshan physically assaults Sivaji in the prison and in the process it apparently causes Sivaji's death. To cover this up, he plans to bomb the police van that will carry Sivaji's dead body and make it look like a murder by others. However, Dr. Chezhian (Raghuvaran) and Tamizhselvi cart away Sivaji's dead body and plant a dummy in the police van. While everyone believes that Sivaji is dead, Dr. Chezhian revives him using a defibrillator. 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 as Sivaji's 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. Sivaji avenges for Adiseshan's wrong-doings and eventually after their fight, Adiseshan gets killed in a stampede. As a conclusion, the audience are informed of the foundation's success and fulfillment of Sivaji's dreams.

[edit] Cast & Crew

[edit] 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.

[edit] Crew

[edit] Production

The key people involved with the film - (from left to right) Actress Shriya Saran, director Shanker, producer AVM Saravanan, actor Rajinikanth and producer M.S. Guhan at the film's beginning.
The key people involved with the film - (from left to right) Actress Shriya Saran, director Shanker, producer AVM Saravanan, actor Rajinikanth and producer M.S. Guhan at the film's beginning.

The first filming schedule was at AVM Studios situated in Chennai, India on November 28, 2005. The movie's launch was a secret event, with only pivotal members of the cast and crew being called for attendance for the event.[14] Shooting began at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad and the first shot taken was the Vaaji Vaaji song.[15]

[edit] Casting

For Sivaji, S. Shankar, the director stepped out of his stereotype of selecting the lead actors only after the script was ready.[citation needed] In an interview, he said that the film's script was written keeping Rajinikanth in mind.[citation needed] About the leading lady for the film, there were initial speculations on who would essay the role. Aishwarya Rai, Rani Mukherji, Ayesha Takia,[16] Trisha, Nayantara and Jyothika were rumored to bag the role.[17] However, the air was cleared when Shankar and Rajinikanth announced that Shriya Saran would essay the role as Rajinikanth's love interest.[18] The voice of Kanika, an actress, was used as a voice-over for Shriya.[19]

Names of Mohanlal,[20] Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Nana Patekar[21] and Prakash Raj[citation needed] 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.[22] The director, Shankar, realized that Suman lacked the wry smile needed for his character.[citation needed] This conspicuous smile of Adiseshan was made possible with a denture.[citation needed] It was Shankar's idea again to adorn the character with spotless dhoti, shirt, shoes, a Rolex watch and Ray Ban sunglasses.[23] 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.[24] The names of support cast for the movie was released in a phased manner.[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

[edit] Development

Sketches by Thotta Tharani for the Sahana song
Sketches by Thotta Tharani for the Sahana song

In 2005, Chennai's oldest operative studio,[25] AVM Productions, which was run by M. S. Guhan and M. Saravanan, approached Shankar in making a film under their production house. Utilizing the budget available from AVM, Rajinikanth was signed for the film. After consulting Sivaji Ganesan's family to avoid any issues with the film's name, the project was subsequently announced in August 2005.[26] The film was eventually named Sivaji, after Rajinikanth's name at birth - Sivaji Rao Gaekwad with a tagline, The Boss.[27]

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.[15] 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.[28]

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.[29] 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.[30] 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.[31]

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.[32]

[edit] Release and reception

Ratings
Australia:  M [33]
Canada:  14A
India:  U [3]
United Kingdom:  12A [34]

[edit] 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.[35] 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. Karunanidhi[36] and Jayalalitha,[37] respectively, and that India's Finance Minister, P Chidambaram, was also keen to watch the movie.[36] A private screening was shown to Amitabh Bachchan, as well.[38]

[edit] India

The film was supposed to be released on the Tamil New Year's day, April 14, 2007.[2] 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,[3] 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[4][5] and opened to near full opening.[39] 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.[40] In the national capital, New Delhi, the movie debuted on 4 screens in PVR Cinemas.[4] 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.[41] The movie made a good debut in the nation's other metros as well such as Mumbai[40] and Kolkata.[42] Even in non-traditional markets for Tamil movies like Pune[43] and Baroda,[44] 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".[45]

[edit] 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.[46] The film eventually was released in residential suburb by a local minister, Ajith Kumar and Nayantara.[citation needed] Sivaji made a debut with 150 screenings of the movie in Singapore.[7] In Sri Lanka, the movie debuted across 70 theatres with all 700 shows running at near 100% capacity.[47] 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.[48] In Canada, the film released in 10 screens in 3 major cities along with special screenings for the Tamil diaspora in the smaller cities.[49] 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.[50] 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.[51] 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.[45] 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.[52] Singapore Airlines bought a 3-month exclusive in-flight screening rights to the film, a first for the airline for any Tamil film.[53]

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[54], 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.[55].

[edit] 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.[56] 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.[57] 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.[58] 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.[59]

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.[60] 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.[61] Another such portal thoroughly praised the plot, performances and other departments but ended snubbing the crude graphics at times.[62] 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.[63] 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."[63] A. R. Rahman's score and Shankar's directorial abilities were also lauded in the review.[63]

[edit] 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.[64]

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.[65] 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.[66]

A month and a half prior to the movie's release, three songs from the soundtrack got leaked into the internet.[67]

[edit] Soundtrack

Main article: Sivaji soundtrack
Sivaji: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack
Sivaji: The Official Motion Picture Soundtrack cover
Studio album
Released April 2, 2007
Genre Feature film soundtrack
Length 36:10
Label AVM Music
Professional reviews

Yahoo! India Movie Reviews 5/5 stars5/5 stars5/5 stars5/5 stars5/5 stars[68]

After some re-recording of the background score in Paraguay,[69] A.R. Rahman had been to London for additional re-recording.[69][70]

No. Song Singers Length (m:ss) Lyrics Notes
1 Balleilakka S. P. Balasubrahmanyam, Reihana, Benny 6.08 Na. Muthukumar An item song performed by Rajinikanth and Nayantara celebrating the return of Sivaji to Tamil Nadu.
2 Style Blaaze, Tanvi, Rags, Suresh Peters 5.13 Pa. Vijay Previously titled, Oru Koodai Sunlight. Another version was recorded without Suresh Peters.

Shaggy was initially called in to sing the song.
3 Vaaji Vaaji Hariharan, Madhushree 5.49 Vairamuthu
4 Athiradee A. R. Rahman, Sayonara 5.47 Vaali
5 Sahana Udit Narayan, Chinmayi 5.21 Vairamuthu Another version was recorded with Sujatha in place of Chinmayi
6 The Boss Naresh Iyer, Blaaze, Raqueeb Alam 3.20 Na. Muthukumar, Blaaze
7 Sahara Vijay Yesudas, Gomathishree 4.32 Vairamuthu

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/04/20/stories/2008042050090200.htm, Sivaji gross world-wide collections
  2. ^ a b "`Sivaji' release likely to be delayed", The Hindu. Retrieved on 2007-04-29. (English) 
  3. ^ a b c `Sivaji' release will be on June 16. The Hindu (2007-05-21). Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
  4. ^ a b c d Sivaji takes Delhi by storm. CNN-IBN (2007-06-16). Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
  5. ^ a b "Fans give a thumbs up to Sivaji", 2007-06-15. Retrieved on 2007-06-15. 
  6. ^ Sivaji: The Boss to be dubbed in Hindi. Hindustan Times (2007-08-28). Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
  7. ^ a b c Jennifer Marostica (2007-06-19). 'Sivaji' is the boss in Singapore. TimesNow (from Reuter report). Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
  8. ^ Sivaji dances on Jhoom.... Business Standard (2007-06-22). Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
  9. ^ King, Airbrushed. Outlook India. Retrieved on 18 June 2007.
  10. ^ Tilak, Sudha G (2007-06-29). Cult star steers India's priciest film. BBC. Retrieved on 2008-01-10.
  11. ^ Superstar: Rajinikanth highest paid actor in India. NDTV.com. Retrieved on 25 October 2006.
  12. ^ Sivaji gold rush sweeps the globe. Rediff (2007-06-22). Retrieved on 2007-07-05.
  13. ^ Bollywood faces a southern challenge. Times of India (2007-06-03). Retrieved on 2007-07-10.
  14. ^ Rajni starrer `Sivaji' launched. The Hindu (2005-11-30). Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
  15. ^ a b Warrier, Shobha (2007-06-30). Vaaji Vaaji song in 'Sivaji'. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2007-12-29.
  16. ^ Rajnikant's new heroine: Ayesha Takia. Apunkachoice.com (2005-09-13). Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  17. ^ Shreya is Rajinikanth's heroine in "Sivaji". The Hindu (2005-10-13). Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
  18. ^ "Shriya to act in Sivaji", The Hindu.com. Retrieved on 3 April. 
  19. ^ The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji. Rediff (2007-05-25). Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
  20. ^ "Malayalam star no to Sivaji!", Bizhat.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-08. 
  21. ^ "Sanjay Dutt in Sivaji!", Indiaglitz.com, 2006-10-03. Retrieved on 2007-01-08. 
  22. ^ Suman, the villain in Sivaji. Rediff (2006-03-13). Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
  23. ^ Meet the villain of Sivaji. Rediff (2007-06-11). Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  24. ^ "Cast: Sivaji (2007)" (February 2007). Kumudam. 
  25. ^ "AVM: 60 years and counting", Rediff. Retrieved on 3 April. 
  26. ^ Rajni's new film titled `Sivaji'. The Hindu (2005-08-24). Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  27. ^ Rajnikanth stamps his class: Film Review. The Hindu (2005-06-16). Retrieved on 2007-12-25.
  28. ^ Warrier, Shobha (2007-06-30). Sahana song in 'Sivaji'. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  29. ^ Subramanian, Karthik (2007-06-17). Secret of Sivaji’s ‘white’ tan. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  30. ^ The Sivaji wave continues.... Screen India (2007-07-06). Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  31. ^ Dasgupta, Piali (2007-05-22). 'It can't get bigger or better than this'. The Times of India. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  32. ^ Rajamani, Radhika (2007-06-01). 'Rajni sir has excellent style'. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-01.
  33. ^ "Office of Film and Literature Classification, Australia", Office of Film and Literature Classification, Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved on 2007-10-27. 
  34. ^ BBFC Sivaji: The Boss Rating. Retrieved on 2007-06-03.
  35. ^ Naidu calls Rajini to join Third Front. CNN-IBN (2007-06-15). Retrieved on 2007-07-14.
  36. ^ a b Rajnikanth welcome to join Third Front: Naidu. The Hindu (2007-06-15). Retrieved on 2007-07-14.
  37. ^ Sivaji hits screens; Rajni fans throng theatres. Zee News (2007-06-15). Retrieved on 2007-07-14.
  38. ^ Rajni meets Amitabh. Times Now. TV (2007-06-27). Retrieved on 2007-07-14.
  39. ^ Filmy Fiscal: Rajini's Sivaji rules BO. CNN-IBN (2007-06-19). Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  40. ^ a b Roshmila Bhattacharya (2007-06-22). Sivaji cuts across language barrier. Indian Express. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  41. ^ Rajni rocks as `Sivaji` rules in Delhi too!. Zee (2007-06-23). Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  42. ^ Priyanka Roy (2007-06-20). The Boss breaks the plex barrier - After Southern storm, Rajanikanth mega movie is Friday’s biggest release. Telegraph India. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  43. ^ Sivaji opens to packed houses. Times of India (2007-06-23). Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  44. ^ Apurva (2007-07-07). Rajni Roars. The Indian Express. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  45. ^ a b Sivaji to set Hindi heartland on fire. The Economic Times (2007-07-15). Retrieved on 2007-07-19.
  46. ^ Movie-goers riot over film hitches. ABC News Online (2007-06-17). Retrieved on 2007-12-25.
  47. ^ PK Balachandran (2007-06-22). Sivaji takes Sri Lanka by storm. Hindustan Times. Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  48. ^ 1,000 labourers to watch 'Sivaji' free in Dubai. The Hindu (2007-06-18). Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  49. ^ Settu, Shankar (2007-06-20). Shivaji storms the world. One India. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  50. ^ United Kingdom Box Office Returns: 15 June 2007. imdb. Retrieved on 2007-11-20.
  51. ^ 'Sivaji' is all set to be a hit in US. Moneycontrol.com (2007-06-15). Retrieved on 2007-07-11.
  52. ^ Box Office Mojo (2007-08-12). South Africa (Entire Region) Box Office, August 10-12, 2007. Box Office Mojo. Retrieved on 2007-11-22.
  53. ^ The Big B hits back at criticism by Aamir Khan. The Times, South Africa (2007-12-08). Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  54. ^ http://www.hindu.com/rp/2008/04/20/stories/2008042050090200.htm Sivaji world-wide revenue
  55. ^ Rajinikanth symbolises hard work: Karunanidhi. The Hindu (2008-01-12). Retrieved on 2008-01-12.
  56. ^ Rangarajan, Malathi (2007-06-22). A magnum opus in style - Sivaji. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  57. ^ Krishnan, Ananth (2007-07-15). Sivaji: super hit but the message is troubling. The Hindu. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  58. ^ T. V. S., Hari (2007-06-16). Sivaji: the Boss. Hindustan Times. Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  59. ^ Sivaji The Boss. The Times of India (2007-06-23). Retrieved on 2008-01-08.
  60. ^ Vijayasarathy, R. G. (2007-06-15). No logic, only Rajni's magic. Rediff. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  61. ^ Jeevi. Telugu Movie review - Sivaji: The boss. Idlebrain.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  62. ^ Ram, Sanjay (2007-06-16). Film Review: Sivaji: The Boss. Businessofcinema.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-09.
  63. ^ a b c Gopinath, Arun. Movie Review: Sivaji. Behindwoods.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-19.
  64. ^ Plagiarism slur on 'Sivaji' producer. TimesNow.tv (2007-06-28). Retrieved on 2007-07-19.
  65. ^ Rajnikant's Sivaji-the boss caught in a political wrangle. Hindustan Times (2007-07-09). Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
  66. ^ PIL seeking ban on Sivaji-the Boss filed in Madras HC. The Hindu (2007-07-09). Retrieved on 2007-07-17.
  67. ^ Srinivas, Saraswathy (2007-04-03). AR Rahman pleases Rajni fans with Sivaji. Rediff.com. Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
  68. ^ Sivaji: Music Review. Yahoo.com. Retrieved on 3 April 2007.
  69. ^ a b Background score for 'Sivaji' mixed in London!. Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
  70. ^ Audio raises expectations on Sivaji. Retrieved on 2007-04-12.

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Cinema of India
Industries: Assamese • Bengal • Bollywood • Karnataka • Kollywood • Malayalam • Marathi • Punjwood •Tollywood
v • d • e
Kollywood

Tamil films A-Z • 1930s • 1940s • 1950s • 1960s • 1970s • 1980s • 1990s • 2000s
v • d • e
Films directed by S. Shankar
Gentleman • Kadhalan • Indian • Jeans • Mudhalvan • Nayak: The Real Hero • Boys • Anniyan • Sivaji • Robot