Raayan Review by Rajeshhwari Kalyanam
Technically brilliant & high on action the film may appeal to theatre going fans who seem to be invested in violent films –
it, however, doesn’t make the ‘Dhanush’ cut
Raayan the eldest of the three boys is waiting for his mother to deliver and he wishes for a girl – and Durga is born. There is celebration but the responsible eldest son is soon left to take care of his siblings when his parents who go on an errand never return, and he is forced to flee the village for the safety of his sister, and takes refuge with a good Samaritan Sekar, who is impressed with what he sees in Raayan’s eyes. A steel resolution that come what may he will live and take care of his family. And, thus starts Dhanush’s 50th film, and his second directorial venture.
Mystery deepens when Raayan (Dhanush) grows into this serious bordering on calm before the storm man with a flourishing food truck – his brothers Muthuvel Raayan (Sandeep Kishan) a madly uncaring fellow with a lady love (Aparna Balamurali) and always ready to fight, and Maniyavel Raayan (Kalidas Jayaram) whoe goes to college on his side. At home is his sister Durga (Dushra Vijayan), who is his only respite with Mutuvel always, getting into trouble and Manikyavel disappointed in him for not standing up to him when he is threatened by MLAs son to withdraw from college elections.
Meanwhile Raayan hopes to get his sister married to a boy with a government job and is ready to spend all money.
The storm does arrive and it is initiated by police officer (Prakash Raj) who is out to clean the city off two gangs Durai (Saravanan) and Sethu (SJ Suryah) and settle a few personal scores.
And caught in the middle of it is Raayan and his brothers. Karthavaraayan (Raayan) is much feared for his anger and he is fiercely protective of his family, and that doesn’t protect them from what is in store.
This action drama holds the attention with a tight screenplay loosening itself for a song here, and a light moment there and holds on to the mystery with it’s unpredictable moments of high where Dhanush as usual steals the show. Assisting the screenplay are the cinematographer Omprakash and AR Rehman providing for the amazing background score. Raayan flanked by his brothers as they pose for an imposing picture during the action sequences comes across as unbeatable and strong.
And, then its interval post which one hopes the drama heightens, mystery deepens and moves towards a logical end, and Dhanush’s Raayan would be yet another jewel in his crown. But, somewhere along the line it falters. While the action continues to enthrall and the action choreography keeps the movie at a decent pace the story as it moves forward leaves loose ends, and the film remains as one more mindless action movie with gory and blood taking on the centre stage with Raayan on a killing spree.
Sandeep Kishan shines through his role as fun loving, singing, dancing, romantic who enjoys a peg and a fight – the wayward brother. The rest of the cast too deliver their bit well and more despite their limited scope.
Raayan Review
Technically brilliant the film produced by Kalanidhi Maran, may still make the fans invested, and perhaps the theatre audience in general, who seem to be feeding on larger than life violence now a days – it, however, doesn’t make the ‘Dhanush’ cut.
