Genre: Crime
Duration: 2 hours 25 minutes
In his directorial debut, actor Dhanush experiments with a time-tested formula, crafting a plot that revolves around a sacrificial elder Raayan, treacherous younger Raayans, and a daring, vengeful Durga. The film delves into juvenile crime committed in self-defense, a dramatic escape in a van to start anew, a godfather figure who welcomes them, gang wars, scheming police officers, and rampant violence. Raayan has all the elements typical of a gritty crime drama.
The film starts strong with an interesting and well-executed first half, but unfortunately, it slips into a more predictable and meandering second half. That said, Dussera stands out, as does Sundeep Kishan. Selvaraghavan delivers an impressive performance, while SJ Suryah, as always, is enjoyable to watch. The stellar ensemble cast truly elevates the film, with each actor vying to deliver their best. Aparna, Kalidas Jayaram, and Varalakshmi Sarathkumar give commendable performances, while Dhanush shows maturity as a director.
Om Prakash’s cinematography offers crisp and visually appealing shots, enhancing the film’s visual storytelling. However, Prasanna’s editing could have been tighter in the post-intermission segment, where the pacing begins to drag. AR Rahman’s background score, while slightly different from his usual style, is effective in setting the tone. The stunt work is intense, with the action sequences executed to the best of the team’s ability.
Raayan balances sentiment with unexpected twists, holding the film together through Dhanush’s directorial touch. While it may feel like a case of “old wine in a new bottle,” the film’s strong casting and performances keep the narrative engaging.
Verdict:
Raayan may not break new ground, but its solid performances make it a worthwhile one-time watch.
Rating:
2.5/5
