Raayan Review: Dhanush Shines in Action-Thriller, But Falls Just Short of Being Truly Great on 26th July

Dhanush makes a mass appearance with an aesthetic article art style in the movie “Raayan,” showcasing exceptional care for his audiences.

“Raayan,” Dhanush’s highly anticipated 50th movie, is not just a showcase of his acting prowess but also his directorial debut. Released in both Telugu and Tamil, “Raayan” presents a compelling tale of loyalty, love, and resilience.

Cast and Crew:

Main Cast:

• Dhanush as Kathavaraayan (Raayan)
• S.J. Suryah as Sethuraman (Sethu)
• Saravanan as Durai
• Prakash Raj as Commissioner
• Selvaraghavan as Sekhar
• Sundeep Kishan as Muthuvelraayan (Muthu, Raayan’s brother)
• Kalidas Jayaram as Manickavelraayan (Manickam, Raayan’s brother)
• Dushara Vijayan as Durga (Raayan’s sister)

Supporting Cast:

•  Aparna Balamurali as Muthu’s love
•  Varalaxmi as Sethu’s love interest
•  Devadarshini’s cameo appearance

Director: Dhanush  

Production: Sun Pictures  

Music Director: A. R. Rahman  

Cinematography: Om Prakash  

Plot of Raayan

“Raayan” weaves a narrative centred on Kathavaraayan (Raayan), who, as a child, was entrusted by his parents with the responsibility of protecting his three siblings: Muthu, Manickam, and Durga. Their guardians never returned home, driving Raayan to commit his life to his siblings. The neighbourhood is under the grip of Durai, while Sethu harbours ambitions to seize control. Amidst this power struggle, the city commissioner aims to eradicate all gangs in Chennai. Raayan’s brother Muthu gets entrapped with these groups, provoking Raayan to ensure him at all costs. The film disentangles how Raayan navigates this unsafe world to protect his family.

Dhanush Stick to Acting, Not Directing

While Dhanush shines in his portrayal of Raayan, embodying the character with depth and intensity, his directorial skills seem to fall just short of the mark. The narrative, though compelling, lacks the finesse one might expect from a seasoned director. There are moments where the pacing feels off, and certain plot points seem rushed, leaving the audience craving more depth and exploration. Dhanush’s performance as an actor is undeniably the film’s strongest asset, but as a director, he appears to be still finding his footing.

Prithviraj Sukumaran, the only star in South Industry who can direct films, is creating movies like “Lucifer” and “Bro Daddy” which are hit at the box office.  

A. R. Rahman’s Contribution as Music Director

The legendary A. R. Rahman once again proves his mettle with a soundtrack that elevates “Raayan” to another level. His music captures the essence of the film, blending seamlessly with the narrative and enhancing the emotional beats. The background score is particularly noteworthy, adding a layer of tension and drama that keeps the audience engaged. Rahman’s contribution is a significant highlight, bringing a rich auditory experience that complements the visual storytelling.

Om Prakash’s Cinematography

Om Prakash’s cinematography is another standout element of “Raayan.” His ability to capture the gritty, raw environment of Chennai adds an authentic texture to the film. The use of light and shadow, combined with dynamic camera angles, creates a visually engaging experience. Prakash’s work enriches the narrative, making the world of “Raayan” feel both vivid and immersive. His keen eye for detail and composition enhances the film’s aesthetic, making it a visual treat.

Conclusion

“Raayan” is a film that grandstands Dhanush’s evident ability as an on-screen character and his potential as a director. While the film falls short of being truly great, it offers a compelling story filled with strong performances, exceptional music by A. R. Rahman, and stunning cinematography by Om Prakash. The film’s flaws in pacing and narrative depth are overshadowed by its strengths, making it an engaging watch for Dhanush fans and lovers of action-thrillers alike. “Raayan” may not reach the heights of cinematic greatness, but it stands as a testament to Dhanush’s versatility and ambition in the world of cinema.