RAAYAN (2024)

Critic 324

Director: Dhanush

Written by: Dhanush
Produced by: Sun Pictures
Casts: Dhanush, S.J. Suryah, Dushara Vijayan, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

Music: A.R. Rahman
Language: Tamil
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

SYNOPSIS:
"Raayan" follows Kathavarayan "Raayan," a man thrust into the criminal underworld of North Madras after his parents disappear, leaving him to care for his younger siblings. The film charts his journey of survival and vengeance as he navigates gang conflicts and personal betrayals to protect his family and achieve a peaceful life.

REVIEW:

With "Pa Paandi," Dhanush demonstrated his ability to direct films centered on relatable emotions and everyday characters. In "Raayan," he ambitiously expands his vision, creating a larger-than-life narrative while maintaining the emotional core that resonates with audiences. Although "Raayan" fits the mold of a masala film, it successfully tells stories with characters that feel genuine and grounded.

The film effectively highlights the vibrant and complex characters of North Madras. The family dynamics between Dhanush's character and his siblings are well-crafted, with each character possessing distinct motivations and traits. The overarching plot featuring Prakash Raj as a police officer with a hidden agenda to manipulate gang wars adds an exciting layer of intrigue.

The romance between Sundeep Kishan's character and Aparna Balamurali's is sweetly portrayed, and the "Water Packet" song is both visually and aurally addictive. The film excels in delivering complex emotions and nail-biting twists, though the second half struggles with some tonal inconsistencies. As the story progresses, logic occasionally falters, and Dhanush's character becomes almost too formidable, reducing the perceived threat to him and his sister. The antagonist's lack of depth and reliance on brute force could have been improved with more intelligence and cunning.

Performances across the board are refined, benefiting from Dhanush's sharp direction. As a talented actor himself, Dhanush leads the cast in top form. Dushara and Aparna embody the "girl next door" with strong performances that resonate. Sundeep and Kalidas effectively portray brothers with distinct personalities who must navigate complex emotions. Prakash Raj delivers a subtle yet stylish performance, while Varalaxmi Sarathkumar is underutilized in a blink-or-miss role. S.J. Suryah entertains as a loud and lively villain, adding a layer of flamboyance to the film's dramatic tension.

A.R. Rahman's music elevates the film, with a score that is both exhilarating and immersive. His compositions are a theatrical experience, particularly the song "Adangatha Asuran," which is beautifully captured by Om Prakash's cinematography and Prabhu Deva's dynamic choreography. Production Designer Jackie deserves praise for authentically recreating the North Madras setting, with each frame's colors harmonizing with the film's rhythm and characters.

While "Raayan" may not have the emotional depth of Dhanush's directorial debut "Pa Paandi," it excels in scale and cinematic spectacle. It stands out as one of the year's most refined masala films, offering both entertainment and emotional resonance.

VERDICT:
Fueled by A.R. Rahman's trance-inducing music, "Raayan" is a hard-hitting action drama that highlights Dhanush's talent for meticulous direction, crafting a raw and emotionally charged world filled with unexpected twists and turns.

CELLULOID METER: 3.5/5