Raayan (Telugu) Review

Raayan has been highly anticipated, particularly because it stars Dhanush, who also directs it. The buzz has been enhanced due to its being produced by the renowned Sun Pictures, known for their high-budget productions, and the music being composed by the legendary A R Rahman.

Kathavaraayan "Raayan" (Dhanush) raises his three siblings after their parents disappear. Years later, he runs a fast-food hotel, while Muthu becomes an alcoholic and kills a gangster's son. This incident drags Raayan and his siblings into a deadly feud with rival gangsters Sethu (S J Suryah) and Durai (Saravanan). Amidst this chaos, a cunning police commissioner seeks to exploit their conflict for his own ends. Raayan must navigate gang wars and protect his family, leading to a thrilling and emotional climax.

From the trailer, it was clear that this movie would be a high-intensity, action-packed thriller with a lot of fight scenes and gore, and the film comes through on that promise. The story starts at an above-average pace, gradually building up. The first half is strong, with engaging storytelling and well-developed characters. It does a good job of setting the stage, creating high expectations for the second half. However, the second half becomes somewhat predictable and doesn't quite live up to the promise. The screenplay seems to lose its core focus, and the narrative becomes a mix of different elements, resembling Dhanush's previous films like Karnan and Asuran.

The climax, while intense, feels somewhat rushed, and could have benefited from better pacing, character development and stronger build-up. Despite these shortcomings, Dhanush's direction shows promise. However, his performance could have been more impactful given how Sundeep Kishan shines in his role. Kishan's character is well-developed and stands out in the second half, often overshadowing Dhanush's own performance.

The supporting cast, including Prakash Raj, Saravanan and S J Suryah, deliver solid performances, adding depth to the movie. However, some characters feel underutilized, and certain scenes seem unnecessary. Prakash Raj's character, for instance, has a strong introduction but doesn't have much to do in the second half, which feels like a missed opportunity. The same goes for Varalaxmi Sarathkumar. The scenes with Dhanush, Suryah and Saravanan are particularly notable, as they highlight the contrast between their characters and performances.

The cinematography and action sequences are well-executed, and A R Rahman's music complements the narrative beautifully. In fact, it's the film's biggest strength. The score is exceptional, elevating the film's emotional and dramatic moments. The songs are well-placed and add to the overall experience. They are diverse, ranging from high-energy tracks to more emotional and contemplative pieces.

In conclusion, Raayan is a commendable effort by Dhanush. The film has its strengths, particularly in its music and production values, and in the execution of the first half. However, it must be said that the movie is a bloodbath, which is why it is rated A. Some will find the blood and gore exhausting because of this film's content and the series of movies of this type released this year. Another minus point of the film is its loudness, both visually and in its storytelling. However, those who love characters who are rugged, violent, deceptive and also vulnerable will love this movie. It's a good one-time watch with friends.