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National Award-winning actor Dhanush has continually garnered praise for his performances, so it was no surprise when he chose to direct his debut film, "Pa Paandi," in 2017. Now, he has embarked on directing his second film, "Raayan," a gangster drama that also marks the 50th film in his career.
| Release date | 26 July 2024 |
| Critic's Rating | 3.4/5 |
| Director | Dhanush |
| Cast | Dhanush , Sundeep Kishan , Kalidas Jayaram , Aparna Balamurali, Dushara Vijayan, Anikha Surendran |
| Duration | 145 minutes |
The Plot
"Raayan" centers on Kathavaraayan, also known as Raayan (portrayed by Dhanush), the oldest sibling in a family that includes two brothers, Manickam (Kalidas Jayaram) and Muthu (Sundeep Kishan), and a sister, Durga (Dushara Vijayan). When their parents vanish one day, Raayan is left to care for his siblings in a small Tamil Nadu town dominated by two gangsters, Sekar (SJ Suryah) and Saravanan. The town appears peaceful until a new police commissioner (Prakash Raj) arrives and disrupts the status quo, attempting to expose the dark dealings between the gangs.
The first half of the film builds up to this conflict, focusing on the seemingly happy lives of college student Manickam, loafer Muthu, Raayan who runs a fast-food stall, and Durga. However, an incident throws their lives into turmoil. The story then explores how and why Raayan becomes entangled in the gang war, forming the crux of the plot.
What Works and What Doesn’t
Dhanush, known for his writing prowess with numerous scripts and song lyrics to his credit, has crafted the story of "Raayan." The gangster revenge drama shines particularly in the second half, which is better scripted and filled with engaging plot twists. While the theme isn't novel, Dhanush's treatment as a writer brings a fresh and compelling perspective, especially in the latter part of the film.
He has also ensured that supporting characters, especially those played by Kalidas, Sundeep, and Dushara, have substantial roles, allowing them to showcase their acting skills through well-developed character arcs. This aspect deserves commendation.
A minor drawback is the somewhat predictable writing in the first half, which feels familiar. Nonetheless, intermittent humor through dialogues helps maintain the film’s flow. Though the ending isn't as impactful as anticipated, Dhanush cleverly sets the stage for a potential sequel.
Performances and Music
The main actors, including SJ Suryah as the antagonist, deliver strong performances, adding depth to the film. Dhanush excels both as an actor and director, particularly captivating in the climax with his intense portrayal (short hair, rough beard) and expressive eyes.
Given the film's "A" certification and gang war theme, it features significant violence, especially in the second half. The action sequences are superbly choreographed and shot, notably using handheld cameras to follow the actors. The interval action scene, the hospital sequence, and the climax stand out as highlights.
AR Rahman's score and background music enhance the film, elevating action sequences. The contributions of cinematographer Om Prakash and editor Prasanna GK are also noteworthy, with striking visuals and sharp editing enhancing the film’s impact.
Overall, "Raayan" is a captivating film with outstanding performances and surprising twists, making it a must-watch and a worthy 50th film in Dhanush’s career.
Also read: Indian 2 Review: Kamal Haasan Returns In A Technically Impressive But Flawed Sequel
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