Lingaa Telugu Movie Review and Rating

Lingaa, starring the legendary Rajinikanth, is a film that promises grandeur but delivers mixed results. While Rajinikanth's performance is as magnetic as ever, the film suffers from pacing issues and a lackluster second half. This review delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the movie, providing a comprehensive analysis for potential viewers.

Storyline

Lingaa (Rajinikanth) is a small-time thief living a carefree life. His world turns upside down when Lakshmi (Anushka Shetty), a public television reporter, requests him to inaugurate an ancient temple built by his grandfather. Initially, Lingaa refuses, harboring resentment towards his grandfather who left him in poverty. However, circumstances force him to accept Lakshmi's proposal to evade the police. Upon reaching his ancestral village, Lingaa uncovers a heart-wrenching story about his family and the temple. The film unravels these mysteries, compelling the audience to stay engaged.

Strengths

Rajinikanth's Performance

From the very beginning, Rajinikanth's presence dominates the screen. His portrayal of both the carefree thief and the royal heir is commendable. His emotional scenes, especially in the second half, are particularly impactful.

Supporting Cast

• Anushka Shetty: Aptly cast, she complements Rajinikanth well in the first half.
• Sonakshi Sinha: Although her role is limited, she makes a decent debut in South Indian cinema, portraying a beautiful village girl with sincerity.

Production Values

The film boasts high production values, especially in the second half. The scenes related to the dam's construction are visually impressive. The pre-independence era is depicted brilliantly, thanks to superb camerawork.

First Half Entertainment

The first half of the film is engaging, filled with commercial elements that keep the audience entertained.

Weaknesses

Length and Pacing

One of the major drawbacks is the film's excessive length. The flashback episode in the second half drags on, making it tedious. The story during this period is unnecessarily stretched, and at least 20 minutes could have been trimmed.

Predictability

The second half is quite predictable, lacking surprises. It shifts to a serious and emotional tone, devoid of the entertainment that the first half offers.

Music

A. R. Rahman's music is surprisingly below par. None of the tracks leave a lasting impression, which is a letdown considering his reputation.

Dialogues and Script

The dialogues, especially for Rajinikanth, are underwhelming. The script falters in the second half, losing its grip on good storytelling and failing to integrate sufficient entertainment.

Technical Aspects

• Cinematography: The camerawork is excellent, particularly in scenes showcasing the dam.
• Production Design: The depiction of the pre-independence era is visually appealing.
• Direction: K. S. Ravikumar manages to develop the film on a grand scale but falters by delving into too much detail, stretching the film unnecessarily.

Verdict

Lingaa is a testament to Rajinikanth's enduring screen presence. The first half is entertaining, and Rajinikanth's performance is a major asset. However, the film's excessive length and a dull second half diminish its overall impact. Fans of Rajinikanth will likely appreciate the film, but others might find it lacking.

Interesting Stats

• Box Office: Lingaa grossed approximately ₹154 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 2014 (source).
• Rajinikanth's Popularity: Rajinikanth is one of the highest-paid actors in Asia, with a massive fan following not just in India but globally (source).

Conclusion

Lingaa is a mixed bag. While it showcases Rajinikanth's charisma and some impressive production values, it falls short in terms of pacing and script. It's a must-watch for Rajinikanth fans but may not meet the expectations of a broader audience.

This review aims to provide a balanced perspective on Lingaa, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. For more detailed insights into Rajinikanth's filmography and the impact of his movies, you can visit IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes.