Career defining film: BashaReleased on January 12, 1995, it was indeed a milestone in the superstar’s career. Photo: Special Arrangement
Just as Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 was announced on digital platforms on Pongal Day, it’s time to jump back three decades. The 1995 harvest festival saw the release of an iconic Rajini film, whose charm continues to this day. Basha was truly a milestone in the superstar’s career.
Released on January 12, 1995, this blockbuster recently turned 30. If Rajini’s career epitomizes superstardom, there are also specific films that have further enhanced his stylistic allure. After becoming the number one hit in Tamil films in the 1980s, Baasha confirmed Rajini’s box-office draw in the 1990s.
bombay flashback
To watch a movie in their fort, Egmore’s Albert Theater offered an extraordinary thrill. Directed by Suresh Krishna and with dance-packed songs by Deva, the film highlights the life of an autorickshaw driver with an interesting past. By introducing Rajini as the common man and then weaving heaviness, pretentiousness and danger into the Bombay flashbacks, the film ticked all the commercial boxes. The elder brother who takes care of his siblings, the loyal friend who avenges a friend’s murder, and the romantic hero who woos Nagma, come across clearly through the film. In a classic scene, Rajini says: “Anmeya Sonnen (just told the truth).” It’s a take-off point for the layers that define his past, his clout, and a hat-tip to the general ‘don with a golden heart’ template.
The film ran for months and its appeal spread beyond the borders of South India. For many years, the mandatory annual re-release of Baasha was a ritual at the Ravi Theatre, Vivek Nagar, Bengaluru. The regulars piled in, repeated every dialogue, sang along with the chartbusters, and fell out of the hall in a state of delirium.
relay run
Long before this OTT era, it was claimed that at any given time, at least one theater in Tamil Nadu was screening MGR’s Ulagam Sutram Valiban. It was a film that was telecast throughout the state. Basha seemed cut from the same cloth. A hero’s greatness is enhanced by the villain’s strength. Rajini was lucky that she had to compete with Raghuvaran. The latter was suitable for the role due to his bassy guttural voice and pauses for good effect, as well as his height.
Basha also weaves in punchlines to good effect. Rajini often says, “Naan Oru Thadva Sonna, Adhu Nooru Thadva Sonna Madhiri (When I say it once, it’s like saying it a hundred times).” This device of repetition is employed through the cult film which is a true reflection of the good old masala film. Basha has aged well, and another re-release is imminent.
published – January 21, 2025 10:21 PM IST
