Watch Billa

Billa is a 1980 Tamil-language action thriller film directed by R. Krishnamurthy and starring Rajinikanth, Sripriya, and K. Balaji. The movie is a remake of the 1978 Hindi movie Don, with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role. The plot revolves around Billa (Rajinikanth), a sophisticated criminal mastermind, who is believed to be dead but is, in fact, alive and operating in the underworld. The police chief, confronted with the challenge of putting an end to Billa's criminal empire, decides to send a lookalike of Billa, Rajan (also played by Rajinikanth), to infiltrate Billa's gang and bring him to justice.

Billa is a stylish and fast-paced movie that keeps the audience engaged right from the first scene. The movie's opening sequence lays the foundation for the plot with a riveting chase sequence through the streets of Malaysia, where Billa is seen escaping the police in a helicopter. The movie then shifts to Chennai, where Rajan, a small-time crook, is approached by the police and given the task of impersonating Billa.

From here on, the movie takes on a new dimension, with Rajan infiltrating Billa's gang and getting to know its various members, including the glamorous and intelligent dancer Rupa (Sripriya), whom Billa has taken a liking to. In the process of impersonating Billa, Rajan learns about the inner workings of the criminal empire and the various plots being hatched by Billa's rivals.

The movie's high point is a sequence where Rajan is tested by Billa's right-hand man, Raghu (played to perfection by K. Balaji), who suspects that there is something fishy about the newcomer. This leads to an intense confrontation between Rajan and Raghu, where the former has to use his wits and strength to prove his loyalty to Billa.

The movie is a showcase for Rajinikanth's acting prowess, with the actor delivering a commanding performance in both the roles of Billa and Rajan. Rajinikanth is particularly impressive as Billa, displaying a suave and sophisticated persona that is in stark contrast to his rough-and-tumble image in most of his other movies. His portrayal of Rajan is also noteworthy, as he manages to convey the character's inner turmoil as he struggles to maintain his cover.

Sripriya is excellent as Rupa, the dancer who becomes the object of both Billa and Rajan's affections. She brings depth to her character, portraying Rupa as a vulnerable yet strong-willed woman who is caught between two worlds. K. Balaji is menacing as Raghu, the loyal henchman of Billa, who is suspicious of Rajan's motives.

The music by M. S. Viswanathan is another highlight of the movie, with the songs perfectly capturing the mood of the film. The iconic title track, "Billa," is still popular among fans of Rajinikanth and is instantly recognizable.

In conclusion, Billa is a classic action thriller that stands the test of time. The movie is a perfect blend of style, substance, and entertainment, with Rajinikanth delivering a tour-de-force performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you are a fan of the genre, Billa is a must-watch.