Raayan Review: Dhanush 50 Is About Good, Bad And Ugly, And Also On Siblings
Tamil film Raayan, Dhanush’s 50th movie as actor and second as director is iabout the good, bad and ugly in the society. It is also about the normal troupe in the Tamil movie: siblings love. But, this Dhanush directorial has a twist: though it begins with an anticipation of your 2.30 hours in the theatre might go the old way, but the second half keeps surprises in the plot.
Tamil movies often depict sibling love with deep emotional resonance and authenticity, making it a beloved theme in the industry. Raayan also has this. But, here the treatment is completely different. Often Tamil films celebrate the bond between siblings through various narratives, ranging from heartwarming to tragic. In classics like “Thalapathi” and “Anjali,” the portrayal of siblings showcases unconditional love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. The protective nature of elder siblings, often brothers, is a recurring theme, highlighting their role as guardians and mentors. Raayan, with four siblings, shifts the gear in the plot and the story becomes more about what the siblings do to each other. Dhanush, though gives importance to the youngest in the most loveable department, makes the same character the centre of his revenge story.
One route Raayan prefers to travel comparing to other Annan-Thankachi paasam stories, instead of the depiction of sibling love is only about the cultural values of family unity and support, violence is the cornerstone of the story here.
Dhanush, who has consistently delivered compelling performances, particularly in scenes involving violence and revenge, repeats his breath-taking range in Raayan. As Kathavaraayan, eldest of the four siblings, Dhanush goes to the maximum to portray a raw, gritty characters with authenticity. As in films like Aadukalam and Vada Chennai, in Raayan as well Dhanush’s nuanced acting brings depth to violent sequences, making them integral to the narrative the plot demands. His expressive eyes, intense body language, and commitment to his roles enable him to convey the internal turmoil and complexities of the character embroiled in violent situations. Whether it’s a street fight or a climactic confrontation, Dhanush ensures that his craft, as direct and actor, serves a purpose in the storyline, reflecting his character’s journey and emotional state.
The supporting cast that includes SJ Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan among others has contributed its best to create a spectacle of cinematic brilliance.
As director and writer, Dhanush is excelling and placed himself among the best directors of his generation.
AR Rahman’s music has no much influence in the movie and in the execution of the story, but it is different, and the music won’t disappoint the core fans of the maestro.
Timeline verdict: Raayan is more cinematic, violent and action packed than Dhanush’s first directorial outing Pa Paandi. Violence is the heart and soul of the movie and Dhanush is on a killing spree for protecting his sister, but with lots of twists and turns.
Raayan Crew:
Director, writer: Dhanush
Music: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Om Prakash
Cast: Dhanush, SJ Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar
