Raayan: Dhanush serves up a flavorful gangster film with a touch of subtlety.

In ‘Raayan,’ this scene is just one example of how director Dhanush focuses on developing his character with depth, rather than simply going for mass appeal.

Even before we witness Raayan’s portrayal as the ten-headed Raavana, skillfully played by Dhanush, there are clear indications that the protagonist is a unique reinterpretation of the demon-god. With a caring sister who can hold her own in battles and a pair of brothers, one noble and the other seemingly treacherous, Raayan and his siblings embody a family reminiscent of asuras, a lineage inherently inclined towards violence. The narrative hints at their integration into contemporary society, grappling with poverty, neglect, and lawlessness. As the parents of Raayan and his siblings vanish, leaving them to endure hardships, Raayan seeks solace in a divine figure, a move that defies the norm in mythology where gods rarely favor asuras. This unconventional choice leads to his untimely demise, sparking a journey of survival for the Raayan family. Unlike Kokki Kumar’s pursuit of ‘survival of the fittest,’ Raayan’s approach to survival isn’t about ruthless ambition but rather about astuteness and unity. Raayan opts for a more subtle strategy, prioritizing family cohesion over individual advancement. While his siblings pursue specific objectives like education, his focus remains on safeguarding his family unit, showcasing a different facet of survival in a challenging environment.” This version maintains the essence of the original passage while presenting it in a more human-like and authentic manner.

Raayan’s character is truly captivating, almost like a lion in the movie. Just like the fierce animal, he takes down his enemies with a certain finesse, leading to some truly creative fight sequences. Similar to a lion’s solitary nature, Raayan operates alone, silently executing his tasks, showing immense patience even when his siblings test his limits. Dhanush’s portrayal of Raayan is simply magnificent. When he fearlessly enters the wolves’ den to meet Sethu played by SJ Suryah, he exudes the confidence and power of a lion. His predatory gaze exudes danger and a thirst for victory. Director Dhanush beautifully showcases the selfless bond between Raayan and Durga, highlighting a rare connection where each would go to great lengths for the other. It’s like finding a poetic relationship where mutual sacrifice is a given, defying our inherent selfish instincts. Raayan and Durga’s forgiveness knows no bounds when it comes to each other, a sentiment powerfully expressed in a touching scene. While Dhanush could have easily turned Raayan’s story into a series of grand moments, he instead opts for a more restrained approach, carefully delving into each action sequence. During a pivotal moment around the halfway mark, as Raayan confronts the gangster leader’s henchmen, the focus isn’t on the action itself but on the boss reflecting on his decisions, reminiscent of the iconic ‘Baasha’ line: ‘When I asked for the truth, you thought you had finished me off.’

When a director focuses more on the essence of storytelling than on their own fame as an actor, you know they truly value meaningful cinema. In the movie Raayan, Dhanush takes the time to delve into the details that matter.

Have you ever wondered why Durga isn’t interested in marriage? Or why Raayan doesn’t prioritize educating Durga? Dhanush’s dedication to the film is evident in his choice not to give himself a grand entrance scene, opting instead for a humble moment in the kitchen, cooking up a quick meal. This simplicity adds a unique charm to the movie.

Through his direction, Dhanush steers clear of the flashy, superficial elements of mainstream cinema, opting for a more substantial approach. Even if the final product isn’t flawless, there’s a genuine sincerity in his work that makes you appreciate the effort. It’s like savoring a homemade dish—imperfect but filled with heart.

Film: Raayan

Director: Dhanush

Starring: Dhanush, SJ Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan

Rating: 3.5/5