Bloodstone (1988)

Bloodstone, the 1988 action-adventure film, is a curious and often-discussed piece of cinematic history, primarily for its status as Indian superstar Rajinikanth's sole Hollywood venture. Directed by Dwight H. Little and produced by Ashok Amritraj, the film is a low-budget, B-movie romp that takes inspiration from blockbusters like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Romancing the Stone. While the film itself is generally regarded as a generic and formulaic adventure, it is undeniably elevated by the presence of its legendary star.

The Plot: A Gem of a Story

The movie's plot is a classic adventure MacGuffin quest, centering on the eponymous "Bloodstone," a massive, cursed ruby with a history stretching from 12th Century India to the present day. When a petty thief, Paul Lorre, steals the stone and, in a moment of panic, hides it in the luggage of an unsuspecting American couple, Sandy and Stephanie McVey, the stage is set for a wild chase.

The narrative quickly devolves into a series of comedic and action-packed escapades. Enter Shyam Sabu (Rajinikanth), the streetwise taxi driver who becomes an accidental accomplice to the American couple. The trio finds themselves pursued by an international fence, Ludwig Van Hoeven, and his thugs, all while being ineptly "investigated" by the bumbling, Clouseau-like Inspector Ramesh. The plot zips along, with car chases, shootouts, and an absurd but entertaining kidnapping-for-gem exchange at a waterfall. The climax features a fake gem, a bloody melee, and a final, anticlimactic escape where the heroes are deemed clean, and the true "Bloodstone" remains missing, leaving the film open-ended.

The story is a delightful, if simplistic, tribute to the action-adventure genre, embracing its own absurdity. It's full of the stereotypical imagery that appealed to a Western audience at the time: maharajahs, palaces, and exotic locales, even if they occasionally border on caricature.

Rajinikanth's Performance and Acting

Despite being the film's "Indian lead," Rajinikanth's role as Shyam Sabu feels like a co-lead, and he effectively steals the show from his American counterparts, Brett Stimely and Anna Nicholas. The film's critical reception, even in the West, consistently highlights that Rajinikanth's performance is the most compelling aspect of the movie.

His acting here is a masterclass in screen presence and charisma. While the script is flimsy, Rajinikanth brings a unique, "chaotic energy" to his character. He's not the muscle-bound action hero of his co-star, but he doesn't need to be. He uses his trademark charm and kinetic energy—the fast hand movements, the cocky smile, and the insouciant swagger—to make Shyam Sabu a memorable and engaging character. He effortlessly brings a sense of fun and theatricality to the role, demonstrating a clear talent for comedy that many Western critics noted.

Director Dwight H. Little himself was reportedly delighted with Rajinikanth, describing him as "an absolute delight... Funny and always ready and on time. A real pleasure." This professionalism and easygoing attitude come through in his performance, where he appears to be having a great time, even when the plot and dialogue are at their most absurd.

Style and Star Power

Bloodstone is a fascinating study of how Rajinikanth's singular style translates to a different cinematic language. All the hallmarks of his persona are present: the quick, stylized movements, the iconic way he handles props (including a knife, which he tosses between his hands), and the sheer magnetic force he exerts on screen. The film leverages his existing fan base and celebrity, and his mere presence creates the kind of crowd problems during filming that are a testament to his star power in India.

His character, Shyam Sabu, is not a simple taxi driver; he's a man with a mysterious background and connections to the underworld, which adds an intriguing layer to the otherwise straightforward plot. Rajinikanth's portrayal of this character, complete with his signature cool, makes him far more interesting than the bland American hero.

English Pronunciation

One of the more noted aspects of Rajinikanth's performance in Bloodstone is his English pronunciation. At the time of filming, he was not fully fluent in English. As a result, his dialogue had to be redone in post-production with the help of a voice coach. While this resulted in some instances of noticeable looping, it doesn't detract from his overall performance. In fact, his unique accent and delivery add to the charm of the character, with one critic affectionately noting his "cute accent" and memorable lines, such as his musing on "lau" (love).

The Unforgettable Bloodstone

In conclusion, Bloodstone may be a forgettable B-movie in the larger scope of Hollywood cinema, but it is a vital piece of Rajinikanth's career. His performance is a testament to his immense talent and star power, demonstrating that his unique brand of charisma transcends language and cultural barriers. He is, without a doubt, the reason the film is remembered and revisited today.