Seeing superstar Rajinikanth set the screen on fire in the “Kabali” teasers, even with his more-salt-than-pepper hair and beard, it’s hard to believe the actor is almost 66 years old. But seeing it flow by in a series of iconic images ephemerally but skillfully captured in sand art gives one the sense of just how varied and exciting a journey it has been.
The highpoints of the superstar’s life are all here in this film by sand artist Rahul Arya: the humble beginnings as a bus conductor, the transition from theatre to film, the debut opposite Kamal Hassan, and then the multitude of roles that slowly crafted and created the legend that is Rajini. The iconic mustache from “Thillu Mullu”, the humble auto from “Basha”, the trademark churuttu in “Padaiyappa” and the bionic shell of the “Enthiran” are just some of the highlights that appear along the way.
Whether you’re a newbie to the Rajini legend or a decades-old fan, it’s fun seeing Rajini’s life laid out in 200 seconds of images that flow and shift seamlessly forward until suddenly you’re anticipating not only the release of Kabali, but the long-awaited sequel to Enthiran as well.