Movie Name : Raayan
Release Date : July 26, 2024
Starring : Dhanush, Sandeep Kishan, Kalidasu Jairam, Aparna Balamurali, SJ Surya, Saravanan
Director : Dhanush
Producers : Kalanithi Maran
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
Cinematographer: Om Prakash
Editor: Prasanna GK
Story :
Kaartavaraayan, also known as Raayan (played by Dhanush), leads a peaceful life in the village of Anjanaouram with his siblings: his elder brother Muthuvelaraayan (Sundeep Kishan), his younger brother Maanikyaraayan (Kalidas Jayaram), and his sister Durga (Dushara Vijayan). Their quiet existence is turned upside down when Muthu gets into a fight with the local gang leader, Dorai (Saravanan). This clash sets off a dangerous rivalry that threatens their safety.
As tensions rise, another gangster named Sethuram (SJ Suryah) enters the scene with a lethal plan to take down Raayan. The movie explores why Sethuram is so determined to eliminate Raayan and delves into Raayan’s true identity and purpose. The story gradually uncovers these hidden layers, revealing what drives the characters and what Raayan is really all about.
Positive Aspects:
The film, directed by Dhanush, lives up to the high expectations with his impressive dual role as both actor and director. Sundeep Kishan stands out with a compelling performance in a complex role, especially in his scenes with Dhanush and Aparna Balamurali. Dushara Vijayan also surprises with a powerful performance that intensifies in the latter part of the movie. SJ Suryah delivers his usual strong performance, while Aparna Balamurali, Selvaraghavan, and the rest of the cast contribute solidly to their roles.
Negative Aspects:
The movie doesn’t bring much fresh content to the table, with Dhanush delivering a familiar story that lacks surprising twists and suffers from a slow pace. The conflict between SJ Suryah and Dhanush isn’t well-developed, with unconvincing reasons and underused potential from SJ Suryah. While action fans might find it engaging, the film’s violent nature makes it less suitable for family viewing. Prakash Raj’s character feels uninspired, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s role is barely significant. More emotional depth could have enhanced the story, but the second half drags with unnecessary scenes that stretch the film’s length.
Technical Elements:
Dhanush shows his talents as a director, writer, and actor, but his writing and directing could have led to a more gripping story. The second half feels sluggish and could use a tighter edit. Despite high expectations, AR Rahman’s music is noticeable but somewhat underwhelming. Om Prakash’s cinematography is decent, and Prasanna GK’s editing could have been improved. Overall, the production values are acceptable but not exceptional.
Conclusion:
Overall, Raayan doesn’t bring anything new to the table but is watchable thanks to the strong performances by Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, Dushara Vijayan, and SJ Suryah. While the action scenes are decent, they’re not family-friendly. The film’s lack of a compelling hook and a dragging second half are notable downsides. If you choose to watch it, just manage your expectations.
Piktalk.com Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by Team Piktalk