Baasha

“Baasha,” a 1995 Tamil-language action film, remains a landmark in Indian cinema, especially for fans of the action genre. Directed by Suresh Krissna and starring the legendary Rajinikanth in the lead role, the movie is a perfect blend of action, drama, and emotions. Known for its larger-than-life portrayal of its protagonist, the film showcases Rajinikanth’s powerful performance and his undeniable charisma. “Baasha” was released on January 12, 1995, and quickly became a massive hit, not just in Tamil Nadu but across India and even overseas. The film’s success catapulted Rajinikanth to an even higher status, cementing his place as one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. In this review, we will explore what makes “Baasha” a timeless classic and why it continues to be loved by fans.

Plot Summary

“Baasha” revolves around the character Manikkam (Rajinikanth), a simple and humble auto-driver in Chennai, who has a dark past. He was once a feared gangster in Mumbai, known for his strength and ruthlessness. However, after witnessing the destruction caused by violence, he decides to leave that life behind and live peacefully with his family. Manikkam’s new life is disrupted when his younger brother gets caught up in a dangerous situation involving the mafia. To protect his family and friends, Manikkam is forced to return to his old ways, putting him back in the world of crime and violence he had sworn to leave. As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a thrilling ride of action, emotions, and suspense, with Manikkam fighting to balance his past and present life.

What’s Good?

Rajinikanth’s Stellar Performance

At the heart of “Baasha” lies Rajinikanth’s unforgettable performance. The actor, known for his impeccable screen presence, brings a perfect mix of vulnerability and raw power to his character. Whether it’s his intense action sequences or his emotional moments, Rajinikanth’s portrayal of Manikkam is a masterclass in acting. His iconic dialogue delivery and body language make his character truly larger-than-life, and fans still remember his powerful lines like “Naan oru thadava sonna, nooru thadava sonna maari.”

Direction and Storytelling

Suresh Krissna’s direction is another major highlight of the film. He crafts a gripping narrative that balances action, drama, and emotion. The story, though simple at its core, is elevated by the way it is presented. Krissna knows how to build tension and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The screenplay is tight, and the pacing ensures that the film never feels too slow or too fast.

Music and Background Score

The music of “Baasha,” composed by Vidyasagar, plays a crucial role in elevating the film’s emotional and action-packed moments. The songs are memorable, with tracks like “Muththumani Maalai” and “Rakkamma Kaiya Thattu” still popular today. The background score, especially during the action sequences, adds intensity to the narrative, making the scenes even more impactful.

Cinematography and Action Sequences

The cinematography, handled by R. K. Selvamani, is another standout feature. The film’s visuals, especially the action sequences, are brilliantly captured. The film’s action scenes, which are a major part of its appeal, are choreographed with precision and style. The way these sequences are filmed gives the audience a sense of excitement and thrill, making them feel as if they are part of the action. The combination of Rajinikanth’s charisma and these high-energy action scenes created a perfect storm for the film’s success.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

One of the key strengths of “Baasha” is its ability to blend various genres seamlessly. It’s not just an action film but also a family drama, a revenge saga, and a character study. The film explores themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil. Rajinikanth’s performance is the film’s biggest asset, and it’s impossible to imagine anyone else playing the role of Manikkam. The music and action sequences are also top-notch, making it an entertaining experience for a wide range of audiences.

Another strength is the film’s emotional depth. While it’s easy to get lost in the action and drama, “Baasha” doesn’t shy away from showing the human side of its protagonist. Manikkam’s love for his family, his struggle to protect them, and his desire to live a peaceful life add layers to his character, making him relatable despite his larger-than-life persona.

Weaknesses

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some might find the storyline predictable, especially if they are familiar with the typical formula of action films from that era. While the action sequences are intense, they sometimes feel over-the-top and unrealistic, which could be a turn-off for some viewers. The film also leans heavily on clichés, especially in terms of character development and plot twists, which might feel repetitive to those who are used to more modern, nuanced storytelling.

Additionally, the film’s pacing can be a bit slow in certain parts, particularly in the first half. While the buildup is necessary to establish the character of Manikkam, some viewers might find it dragging before the action kicks in. The romantic subplot, though not the focus of the film, feels a bit forced and doesn’t add much to the overall narrative.

Target Audience

“Baasha” is a film that will appeal to action lovers, Rajinikanth fans, and anyone who enjoys a good revenge drama. The film’s emotional depth also makes it suitable for family audiences, especially those who appreciate films that explore themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and justice. While the film may not be for those who prefer subtle storytelling or more grounded narratives, it is a must-watch for fans of larger-than-life characters and high-octane action sequences.

Box Office Details

“Baasha” was a massive commercial success. The film was made with a budget of around ₹5 crore, which was considered a significant amount at the time of its release. The movie went on to gross over ₹30 crore worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Tamil films of 1995. The film’s success wasn’t limited to India; it also performed well in international markets, particularly in countries with a large Tamil diaspora.

Day-wise Earnings (India and Overseas)

In the first five days of its release, “Baasha” performed exceptionally well at the box office. On the opening day, the film grossed approximately ₹1.5 crore in India alone, a huge sum for a Tamil film at that time. The second day saw a slight dip, but it still managed to earn ₹1.2 crore. By the third day, the film had gained momentum, earning ₹1.8 crore. The fourth and fifth days continued the strong trend, with earnings of ₹2 crore and ₹2.5 crore, respectively. Overseas, the film also made significant earnings, contributing to its worldwide success. The film’s box office collection continued to grow in the weeks following its release, cementing its place as a classic in Tamil cinema.

Recommendation

“Baasha” is a timeless classic that showcases Rajinikanth at his best. With its gripping story, memorable performances, and unforgettable action sequences, it remains one of the most loved films in Tamil cinema. If you’re a fan of action-packed dramas or simply want to experience the magic of Rajinikanth, “Baasha” is a must-watch. Highly recommended!

Genres:

Action

Rating:

7.6/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
Rajinikanth	Manikkam / Manik Baashha
Nagma	Priya
Raghuvaran	Mark Anthony
Janagaraj	Gurumurthy
Devan	Kesavan
Vijayakumar	Rangasamy
Anandaraj	Indiran
Shashikumar	Shiva
Sathyapriya	Vijayalakshmi
Yuvarani	Geetha
Charan Raj	Anwar Baashha
Kitty	DIG Dinakar
Dhamu	Dhamu
Narsing Yadav	Anthony’s Henchman
Thalapathi Dinesh	Goon
Mahanadhi Shankar	Goon
Kalyan Kumar	Special Appearance in song “Naan Autokaaran”
Harikumar	One among group dancers in a song “Naan Autokaaran”
Shenbaga	Kavitha
Sethu Vinayagam	College chairman
Alphonsa
Hemalatha

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