Dhanush’s “Raayan” REVIEW

Story:
Kaartavaraayan, aka Raayan (Dhanush), lives a peaceful life in Anjanaouram with his siblings, Muthuvelaraayan (Sundeep Kishan), Maanikyaraayan (Kalidas Jayaram), and Durga (Dushara Vijayan), until Muthu’s clash with local don Dorai (Saravanan) ignites a dangerous rivalry. Gangster Sethuram (SJ Suryah) enters the scene with a deadly plan to kill Raayan. As tensions rise, the film explores what drives Sethuram’s vendetta, Raayan’s true identity, and his deeper purpose. Uncovering these mysteries forms the crux of the film, revealing secrets that drive the plot forward.

Pros:
Expectations soared with Dhanush directing the film, and he delivers on both fronts—intense acting and skilled direction. Sundeep Kishan shines in a significant role, excelling as a character with grey shades, especially in his scenes with Dhanush and Aparna Balamurali. Dushara Vijayan impresses with a strong performance, which intensifies in the second half. SJ Suryah, as always, gives an exemplary performance. Aparna Balamurali, Selvaraghavan, and the rest of the cast also perform well in their respective roles, contributing to the film’s overall success.

Cons:
The movie fails to offer much new to viewers, presenting a routine story with minimal twists. Dhanush directs a slow-paced screenplay that weakens the story’s impact. The conflict between SJ Suryah and Dhanush lacks a compelling hook, and the reasons behind it are unconvincing, leaving SJ Suryah’s potential underutilized. The film primarily caters to action enthusiasts and may not suit family audiences due to its violent content. Prakash Raj’s character feels unoriginal, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar’s role is largely irrelevant. More emotional depth could have enhanced the film. The second half is dragged out with unnecessary scenes that extend the runtime, further diminishing the film’s overall effectiveness.

Technical Aspects:
Dhanush showcases his skills as a director, writer, and actor, but the story could have been more engaging. The sluggish second half would benefit from tightening. Despite high expectations, AR Rahman’s work, though noticeable, is slightly disappointing. Om Prakash’s cinematography is decent, while Prasanna GK’s editing could be improved. Overall, the production values are satisfactory but fall short of elevating the film.

Verdict:
Overall, “Raayan” offers little new but remains watchable thanks to strong performances by Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, Dushara Vijayan, and SJ Suryah. The action scenes are adequate but not family-friendly. The film suffers from a lack of a compelling hook and a dragging second half. If you choose to watch it, manage your expectations accordingly for a more balanced viewing experience.

#Rating: 3/5

Director: Dhanush
Starring: Sandeep Kishan, Dhanush, Aparna Balamurali, Kiran Vijayan, Kalidasu Jairam, Saravanan, and SJ Suryah
Music Director: A. R. Rahman
Cinematographer: Om Prakash
Editor: Prasanna GK
Producers: Kalanithi Maran