Date: July 26, 2024
Raayan Movie Review: A Routine Gangster Saga
Movie name:Raayan
Rating: 2.5/5
Duration: 2 Hr 25 Mins
Genre: Action
Release Date: 26-07-2024
Cast: Dhanush, Sandeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Aparna Balamurali, SJ Surya, and others
Director: Dhanush
Producer: Kalanithi Maran
Banner: Sun Pictures
Music: A. R. Rahman
Overview of Raayan
Dhanush makes a notable return with Raayan, his 50th film, which marks his debut as a director and writer. The film stars Dhanush alongside Sundeep Kishan, SJ Suryah, Dushara Vijayan, and Kalidas Jayaram. Released in both Telugu and Tamil, Raayan brings a familiar gangster narrative to the screen.
Plot Summary
The film chronicles Raayan (Dhanush), who was entrusted with the care of his siblings (Sundeep Kishan, Dushara Vijayan, Kalidas Jayaram) after his parents disappeared. The story unfolds in a region controlled by Durai (Saravanan), with Sethu (SJ Suryah) aiming to seize control. Amidst the chaos, Raayan’s brother becomes entangled with local gangs. The film explores Raayan’s efforts to safeguard his family and navigate through escalating conflicts.
Performances
Dhanush delivers a reserved yet impactful performance. Although it doesn’t reach the heights of his previous roles, he effectively carries the film. Sundeep Kishan makes the most of his substantial role, while Dushara Vijayan stands out with a career-best performance. SJ Suryah excels in his role, contributing significantly to the film’s intensity. Aparna Balamurali, Prakash Raj, and Selvaraghavan also contribute solid performances in their supporting roles.
Technical Aspects
A. R. Rahman’s background score elevates the film’s mood, even though the songs themselves may not leave a lasting impression. Om Prakash’s cinematography adds a dark, moody aesthetic, fitting the film’s tone. Sun Pictures’ production values are commendable, though the editing falls short, impacting the film’s pacing.
Strengths of Raayan
- Strong performances by Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, and Dushara Vijayan
- Effective background score by A. R. Rahman
- Gripping interval sequence
Weaknesses of Raayan
- Predictable story and screenplay
- Slow pacing
- Forgettable songs
Analysis
Raayan follows a well-trodden gangster saga format, bringing few surprises to the table. While Dhanush attempts to offer a fresh take, the film’s lack of novel elements makes it feel routine. The narrative is predictable, with the first half moving slowly until the interval. The second half maintains predictability until a notable hospital scene, and the climax fails to offer a strong resolution.
Conclusion
Overall, Raayan delivers a routine gangster drama with solid performances and technical elements but falls short in terms of originality and pacing. It may satisfy fans of the genre but doesn’t stand out as a groundbreaking film.
Rating: 2.5/5