Movie Review: Raayan
Release Date: July 26, 2024  
123telugu.com Rating: 2.75/5  
Starring: Dhanush, Sandeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, SJ Suryah, Saravanan  
Director: Dhanush  
Producers: Kalanithi Maran  
Music Director: A. R. Rahman  
Cinematographer: Om Prakash  
Editor: Prasanna GK  
Overview:  
Raayan marks Dhanush’s 50th film and his second directorial venture. Released today, the film arrived with moderate expectations. Here's an exploration of how it fares.
Storyline:  
Kaartavaraayan, aka Raayan (Dhanush), leads a peaceful life in Anjanaouram with his siblings. Their calm existence is disrupted when Muthu (Sundeep Kishan) clashes with local don Dorai’s (Saravanan) men, sparking a dangerous feud. Gangster Sethuram (SJ Suryah) enters the scene with a deadly agenda targeting Raayan. The film delves into Raayan’s hidden depths, his true motives, and the reasons behind Sethuram's vendetta.
Strengths:  
- Dhanush showcases his dual talents as both actor and director, delivering a performance that highlights his intensity and directorial skills.
- Sundeep Kishan impresses with his portrayal of a morally ambiguous character, offering memorable scenes with Dhanush and Aparna Balamurali.
- Dushara Vijayan delivers a powerful performance, particularly in the film’s latter half. SJ Suryah’s usual high-caliber acting is evident, with solid contributions from Aparna Balamurali and others.
Weaknesses:  
- The film lacks novelty, presenting a conventional story with minimal twists. The slow pacing affects the overall impact of the narrative.
- The conflict between SJ Suryah and Dhanush feels underdeveloped, with unconvincing motivations for the antagonism. SJ Suryah’s role is not fully utilized.
- The movie primarily targets action enthusiasts and may not appeal to family audiences due to its violent scenes.
- Prakash Raj’s character is unremarkable, and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar's role is minimally relevant. The film could benefit from deeper emotional content. The second half is overly extended, with extraneous scenes detracting from the narrative.
Technical Aspects:  
Dhanush’s directorial and writing efforts show potential but fall short of creating a gripping story. AR Rahman’s music, while notable, is somewhat underwhelming. Cinematography by Om Prakash is competent, but editing by Prasanna GK could have been more polished. The production values meet expectations but don’t stand out.
Verdict:  
Raayan does not break new ground but is a decent watch due to the strong performances from its lead actors. While the action sequences are adequate, the film’s lack of a compelling hook and its dragged-out second half are significant drawbacks. Viewers should adjust their expectations if they decide to watch it.