Message-oriented films with big stars create awareness: A R Murugadoss on 'Darbar'

Director A R Murugadoss, whose latest release "Darbar" will see superstar Rajinikanth play the role of a cop after 26 years, says message-oriented films with big stars can bring about an awareness in the society.

Rajinikanth had last don khaki in 1992 Tamil film "Pandian". In "Darbar", he plays the commissioner of police, Mumbai.

According to industry grapevine, "Darbar" deals with the subject of sex crimes, and that it features an incident very similar to the recent Hyderabad gangrape and murder case of a veterinarian.

"I am a father myself; therefore, when the Hyderabad cops killed the rapists in an encounter, I felt happy. When cops give exemplary and instant justice, the public admires them. Just as the Hyderabad cops killed the rapists at the spot where the crime took place, something similar is shown in 'Darbar'," Murugadoss, 45, told PTI.

"There are two types of cops - those who are puppets in the hands of the powerful, and those who have integrity and individuality. Those with integrity are lionised in our society and films. You'll see Rajini sir as an aggressive cop and his actions will be justified," he added.

The director, known for films like "Ghajini", "Thhupakki" and "Kaththi", said the team had shot the scene months before the Hyderabad incident.

"We had shot the episode months before the incident took place in Hyderabad. Rajini sir called me and talked about that scene after the encounters in Hyderabad, he added.

Asked if he sees cinema as a medium to deliver socially-relevant stories, Murugadoss said there a movie should have both entertainment and message.

"It shouldn't be just about fun. Change doesn't take place overnight. But message-oriented films starring big stars can create a sense of awareness. People will feel guilty about indulging in misdeeds. 'Darbar' is in that zone."