I watched ‘Jailer’ (of course in Tamil) on Monday. And I’d like to watch the movie at least three more times. But before I get to that, a story from the past.

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In 2010, Boman Irani won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor.

In his acceptance speech, he thanked his mum, who was a movie buff.

When he was young, Boman’s mum would ask him: “Have you finished your homework?”

“Yes Ma”

“Then go and watch this movie in the theater nearby”

The next day she would ask him to go to the theater again.

“But Mummy, I just saw ‘Pyaasa’ yesterday”

“I know – but this time go and watch it for the lyrics”

And then again the next day:

“This time go and watch it for the cinematography”

And so on.

Boman credits his mum for instilling a deep love for the movies.

I remember watching his speech and being struck by that thought – of watching a movie several times to appreciate different facets of a fabulous work of art.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever” – John Keats

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Back to Jailer.

Look, this movie has its issues. The violence is gory and gut-wrenching. The plot has logical loopholes. The motivation of some characters is mystifying. And did I mention the mindless violence?

But boy, would I jump at the chance to see the movie again in the theaters, many times…

One more time, just for Thalaivaa’s acting. His subtle expressions. That commanding, magnetic screen presence. The resounding dialogue delivery.

It’s magical how an unassuming, avuncular, slightly-built 72-year-old grandpa transforms into a towering titan on the screen.

One more time, just for the dialogues, especially the insanely funny parts (a separate post needs to be written on Nelson’s dark humour, the zany characters, and the biting lines).

One more time for Anirudh’s pulsating background score, foot-tapping songs, and thumping entry music. He’s absolutely knocked it out of the park.

Finally, after a long time (after Sivaji, by my reckoning), Thalaivaa gets a movie that his presence, talent, and most importantly die-hard fans deserve.

Take a bow Nelson Dilipkumar!

What would you go back to watch the movie for? 🙂