‘Raayan’ Movie Review: Dhanush donned the hat of director, actor and writer for his 50th film.A Violent Emotional Drama That Is Engrossing Despite Its Predictable Plot
Starring : Dhanush, Sandeep Kishan, Kalidasu Jairam, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, SJ Suryah, Saravanan
Director : Dhanush
Producers : Kalanithi Maran
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
Cinematographer: Om Prakash
Editor: Prasanna GK
Raayan Movie Review: As with his debut directorial effort, Pa. Pandi, Dhanush shows yet again that he can do solid work behind the camera as well. The world he explores this time is far removed from the warm, feel-good world of his first film. Raayan has a raw and rage-filled setting, and is populated by characters who are rugged, violent, deceptive and also vulnerable.
Raayan begins in the past when four siblings – three brothers and their new-born sister – fleeing their village and ending up in the city, where they, fortunately, end up under the care of Sekar (Selvaraghavan), a handyman in a vegetable market. The film then cuts to the present where we see that the four have grown up into individuals with distinctive characteristics. The youngest brother Manickam (Kalidas Jayaram) is a college student, filled with righteousness. His elder brother Muthu (Sundeep Kishan) is rash and rage-filled. The eldest, Raayan (Dhanush) is the responsible one, and more like a father-figure. It’s their love for their sister Durga (Dushara Vijayan) that’s holding them all together, and as Raayan puts it, only seeing her wedded and with a child would truly make them a family.
Plus Points:
Expectations were high when the film was announced, as it is directed by Dhanush. Besides his intense acting, Dhanush demonstrates his directing skills neatly.
Sundeep Kishan takes on a significant role and delivers an exceptional performance with his portrayal of a character with grey shades. His scenes with Dhanush and Aparna Balamurali are enjoyable.
Minus Points:
The movie doesn’t offer much that’s new for viewers. Dhanush presents a routine story with very few twists, but the slow-paced screenplay diminishes the story’s impact.
There is no strong hook to illustrate the conflict between SJ Suryah and Dhanush. The reasons provided are unconvincing, and SJ Suryah’s potential is not fully utilised.
The film caters mainly to action movie enthusiasts and may not be suitable for family audiences due to its violent content.
Prakash Raj’s character lacks originality, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has minimal relevance to the plot. Additionally, including more emotional depth might have improved the film. The second half feels dragged out, with unnecessary scenes added to extend the film.
Bottom line : seconf half rottenn