Thalaivaa will be a trend-setter

Disclaimer: I have watched an average of 1 movie per year (only Tamil) in the last 15 years.

Thalaivaa (Vijay & Vijay) will be a trend-setter.

If you noticed, at some point in the past the theatres were not the same theatres that they used to be. Suddenly most theatres started to get air-conditioned, the seats became something you can sink into, the recess became a time to indulge in a pack of popcorn for a minimum of Rs. 50 (when it used to be in single digits!) and a Veg Sandwich at Rs. 70. You also had waiters appearing like the Genie from Alladin's lamp at the press of a button.
Essentially, all this was about improving the movie-going-experience that the theatres worked on - and they did work. All this time, in these situations, the movie was something to pass time on while enjoying the ambience the theatre provided.

Thalaivaa is set to change this. Instead of making people simply sit back and 'watch' the movie, they have set out to make people actively participate as the movie progresses. I will explain why. While watching every frame of this movie you can't help but rake your brain as to which other movie it reminds you of. If you have watched it you will agree with me - Naayagan - Bhaasha - Naayagan - Kadalora Kavidaigal - Bhaasha - Naayagan - Vedham Pudhidu -Naayagan - Boys - Chotta Bheem (Yes.. Not a typo) - ....

Now, What is new in this? In the other movies I have watched (read disclaimer above), you get to see one or two scenes here and there sprinkled in a movie and rarely does it remind you of those movies. So then started remaking of movies (say Thillu Mullu) which made you compare shot by shot to the old Rajini's version.

But what sets Thalaivaa apart is two things

1. The number of past movies it reminds you
2. The skill of the Director to make you relate to so many different movies - the rapidity with which it happens that keeps you excited till the last moment.

For the benefit of those who haven't yet watched this here's a "How to watch the movie?"

1. Choose to go atleast in pairs
2. Feel free to bet your movie knowledge (that will make the whole Thalaivaa watching an "experience" to remember. Be ready to fight and and hold your ground on any discussion of relevance to a part movie. In all probability you will be right.
3. If you are a "Vijay Fan" don't worry about whistling and cheering whenever Thalaivaa appears on screen. The film-makers have thought through all these and have integrated whistles and claps and shouts as part of the sound track itself. So you can concentrate on discussing and debating the frame that appears on the screen.

This is indeed an innovation and in my sincere opinion a trend-setter, esp because it woke me from slumber and post by first blog in nearly half a decade (Ignore that welcome 2012 post ;-)). Do you agree?

P.S. For those curious about the mention of 'Chotta Bheem' - there is a character in the cartoon serial when "Kirmada" approaches you hear the background chant "Kirmada... Kirmada..." Shows how open the film-makers are to ideas.