Johnny (1980)

I know I'm very late to the party, but it's only after watching this movie that I am truly appreciating how good an actor Rajinikanth is. This was definitely one of my top double roles of all time, and I loved how he was so subtle that I had no option but to be fully focused on what was happening on screen. Apart from that, Sridevi was breath-taking. It's hard to believe that she was just 17 when she added so much depth to a role like Archana's, but well- expect the extraordinary when it comes to Amma. And of course, Ilaiyaraaja's compositions bind the whole thing together in a beautiful complete package, which does not make the ending caption "Music the Life Giver" feel cheesy at all. Or at least, not as cheesy as it could have been (or rather, should have been). 

I was listening to the album again, and zoned out very pleasantly during "En Vaanilay". Honestly, I watched this movie after hearing a lot about Amma's styling and the music, and I was so not disappointed. Her sarees are #FashionGoals, and I would love to recreate her looks one day. 

The story though- I would recommend reading nothing at all about the main plot before watching the movie. You need that sense of confusion, that sense of being unsure about what you're seeing and comprehending when going in for a well thought-out and executed double role movie, because that's the point right? To use your brains, and then to have that final cathartic release in the end. I mean, it is for me, and that's why I enjoyed watching this movie as much as I did. 

In conclusion, this is a classic for a reason. Period. 

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