Raayan review: Raayan, directed by and featuring Dhanush, has hit theaters today, much to the excitement of fans. Produced by Sun Pictures and music by A.R. Rahman, the film promises a blend of action, drama, and heartfelt moments.
Raayan's plot
The story revolves around three brothers: Kathavarayan (Dhanush), Muthuveeran Raayan (Sundeep Kishan), and Manickavel Raayan (Kalidas Jayaram). They also have a sister, Durga (Dushara Vijayan). Abandoned by their parents at a young age, they move to Chennai in search of a better life. Kathavarayan, the eldest, takes on the role of protector, showing immense love and care for his siblings.
In a parallel storyline, Sethu (S.J. Suryah), the son of a notorious Chennai gangster, seeks revenge against Durai (Saravanan), who murdered his father. Adding to the tension is Prakash Raj, who plays a police officer who manipulates these conflicts to eliminate the gangsters.
The film's first half introduces us to Manickam, the youngest brother, who is a college student often getting into trouble. Muthu, the middle brother, frequently finds himself in fights, while their sister Durga is eagerly awaiting her wedding. Kathavarayan, the stoic elder brother, remains a silent guardian. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Muthu gets caught in a gang war, forcing Kathavarayan to take drastic action to save his family.
Will Kathavarayan protect his family from the clutches of these gangsters? And what happens if the brothers, whom Kathavarayan loves dearly, turn against him? The story of Raayan unfolds with a mix of action and emotion.
Dhanush's direction
Dhanush's ambition to create an action-packed 50th film deserves applause. His ability to craft a believable storyline and develop authentic characters is reminiscent of Vetrimaaran's influence in Vada Chennai. The first half is well-paced, building up to a gripping interval block.
Interestingly, it is Dushara who steals the show in the second half, showcasing a depth of character that rivals Dhanush's performance. Dhanush explores the relationship between Raayan and Durga through a fresh lens, drawing parallels to the mythological bond between Ravana and Shurpanakha.
Performances
Dhanush’s calm demeanour, combined with moments of intense action and heartfelt sibling sentiment, evokes memories of Rajinikanth's Baasha. However, Dhanush ensures that all characters get their due importance. Sundeep Kishan stands out in the first half, while Dushara Vijayan shines brightly in the second half. Selvaraghavan and S.J. Suryah also deliver noteworthy performances, effectively masking minor screenplay lapses with their acting prowess.
What works what doesn't
Some action sequences felt unnecessary, and a bit more focus on drama could have enhanced the narrative. Although the occasional dark humour in the style of Nelson works well, Dhanush could have been more generous with the humour.
Prakash Raj, who makes a grand entry, unfortunately, settles into a more stereotypical role by the end, which is a slight letdown.
Music and cinematography
A.R. Rahman’s background score and songs are significant strengths of the film. The opening song "O Raya" offers a delightful welcome to the audience, while the climax song "Adangatha Asuran" provides a thrilling conclusion. The song "Usure Nee Thaane," sung by Rahman, perfectly captures the emotional bond between the siblings, eliciting strong reactions from viewers.
The film's visual tone is notably dark, with Om Prakash’s cinematography enhancing the moody and atmospheric scenes, adding depth to the viewing experience.
Verdict
Despite following a conventional storyline template, Raayan stands out in the second half due to its finely-tuned emotional depth and Dhanush’s masterful handling of the narrative. Raayan is a compelling family drama that skillfully balances action and emotion, making it a must-watch.