A summary of Sivaji’s second innings starting from the web series 90’s Middle Class Biopic. How he is doing more solid work than before notwithstanding the recent controversy
There are some actors who peak much later in their careers than the beginning stages. Court and Dhandorra actor Sivaji is a solid example of this. It’s not that Sivaji hasn’t given good performances in the past. For example, in the Neelakanta directed Missamma he played a middle-class employee with big dreams. In the process of impressing the boss (an excellent Bhoomika) his life turns upside down. The actor’s comic timing especially in the second half is a delight to watch. Sivaji brought the house down on many occasions with just his expressions. There is also the Charmi starrer Mantra. In this film the actor played a rowdy who helps Charmi’s Mantra. The film significantly picks up pace with Sivaji’s entry. Both the above-mentioned films aren’t centered on him but still Sivaji made his presence amply felt.
Having said that the current characters starting from the web series 90’s Middle Class biopic has given Sivaji more layered roles. He has made complete use of it too. Apart from being a solid actor Sivaji has also proved himself as a dubbing artist. A special mention must be of the movie Dil starring Nithin. Sivaji dubbed for Nithin and his dubbing was one of the big reasons in the film becoming a hit.
Sivaji’s voice in the confrontation scenes with veteran actor Prakash Raj gave the movie some of the best moments. Dil is one of Nithin few hits as a leading man and a big reason for that is Sivaji’s powerful dialogue delivery.
Not surprisingly Sivaji won Nandi award for best male dubbing artist in 2003. Before the web series 90’s Middle Class biopic the versatile actor faced a slump but the last couple of years have been very fruitful with commercial success and critical acclaim. Yes Dhandorra wasn’t a hit on the Court level for different reasons. One is sandwiched between the monstrous hit Dhurandhar and also Avatar 3, this did some damage apart from Sivaji’s rather unnecessary comment on dresses worn by actresses. Still it won a lot of appreciation especially Sivaji’s nuanced performance of an upper caste bigot undergoing social consciousness.
Now let’s dive into Sivaji’s recent performances showcasing the actors brilliance.
90’s Middle Class Biopic directed by the young filmmaker Aditya Hasan was a major winner for everyone concerned. The success of this web series consolidated ETV Win as a quality production house. In this web show Sivaji was seen in the role of a respected maths teacher and a family man.
The character on the exterior comes across as a taskmaster with an iron grip. At the same there is a vulnerable side too. This especially comes out in the scene where the daughter becomes an adult person. His character Chandra Sekhar is terrified about the responsibilities that will come with this. Sivaji did a very good job in portraying the vulnerabilities of an anxious father successfully showcasing a different facet to the role.
The roles in both Court and Dhandoora have a similar core. In the hands of a lesser role it would have become mimicking but both the writing and Sivaji made sure that they don’t become an overlap. This is especially true of Dhandoora. His act in the first is reminiscent of the hit movie Court, however Sivaji’s prowess as an actor comes in the second half while showcasing the gradual change and eventually undergoing social consciousness.
The breakdown in the court accepting his mistake is very touching. The viewers empathise with his emotional outburst though the character was a caste bigot. Similarly Sivaji’s performance in the scenes with Bindu Madhavi brings out a different side.
In court movie Sivaji played a highly despicable casteist as well as a misogynist. There is no redemption arc for the character Mangapathi here, the role is deliberately one tone, but Sivaji fully embodied the caste fanaticism making the viewers despise him.
This is a brief overview into Sivaji’s second innings. Here’s hoping that the senior actor continues to shine bright with versatile roles like the upcoming Sampradayini Suppini Suddaposini. At the same time it would be nice if Sivaji doesn’t unnecessarily comment like the last time and let his craft do the talking.
