RAAYAN MOVIE REVIEW
Cast: Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, Dushara Vijayan, Kalidas Jayaram, SJ Suryah, Prakash Raj
Director: Dhanush
In Raayan, actor-filmmaker Dhanush crafts a tale of familial bonds tested by the unforgiving streets of North Chennai. It’s a film that aspires to elevate the gangster drama beyond its well-worn tropes, succeeding in parts while stumbling in others.
Dhanush, in the titular role, carries the weight of both his character and the film with a quiet intensity. His Raayan is a man of few words, his eyes speaking volumes as he navigates the treacherous waters of gang warfare while trying to keep his siblings afloat. It’s a performance that anchors the film, even when the narrative begins to drift.
The first half of Raayan unfolds at a measured pace, avoiding the usual bombast of the genre. Dhanush, as the director, shows skill in allowing the characters and their world to breathe. The cinematography by Om Prakash paints Chennai in shades of amber and shadow, symbolizing the moral ambiguity of the story.
However, as the film progresses into the second act, it begins to falter. The family rift, crucial to the plot, feels rushed and unconvincing. This misstep leads Raayan down a more conventional path, reminiscent of countless gangster films that came before it. You also
The supporting cast does a commendable job in their roles. Sundeep Kishan brings a volatile energy to the character of Muthu, the wayward brother who sets the plot in motion. Dushara Vijayan’s character, Durga, initially in the background, becomes an important player in the latter half.
A.R. Rahman’s score adds tension and punctuates moments of violence. The action sequences, although impressive, sometimes overshadow the more nuanced aspects of Dhanush’s storytelling.
Raayan is a film of moments – tense confrontations and quiet family exchanges – that don’t fully come together as a satisfying whole. It represents a step forward for Dhanush as a filmmaker, showcasing his growth behind the camera, even if it falls short of its ambitious goals.