Sun Pictures’ Raayan (dubbed from the Tamil film of the same name; A) is the story of four siblings. It is also the story of the eldest of them — Raayan — who gets caught in the power struggle between two gangsters.
Raayan (Dhanush), Muthu (Sundeep Kishan), Manickam (Kalidas Jayaram) and Durga (Dushara Vijayan) had fled from their village years ago, and landed in the city. Sekar (Selvaraghavan) had looked after them in the city. Today, Manickam is studying in a college and is righteous. Muthu is rash and filled with rage. Raayan, the eldest, is responsible and more like a father figure to his three siblings. The three brothers dote on Durga and want to see her married. But before he can marry off Durga, Raayan gets stuck in the power games being played by two gangsters — Sethu (S.J. Suryah) and Durai (Saravanan).
Dhanush has written a routine story and his screenplay is also not very novel. What yet stand the drama in good stead are the emotions between the four siblings. Dialogues are quite nice.
Dhanush does a terrific job in the title role. He lives the character of Raayan and delivers an outstanding performance. S.J. Suryah is terrific as Sethu. Saravanan is impactful as Durai. Prakash Raj shines as the police officer. Sundeep Kishan lends nice support as Muthu. Kalidas Jayaram has his moments as Manickam. Dushara Vijayan makes her mark as Durga. Selvaraghavan leaves a fine impression in the role of Sekar. Aparna Balamurali and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar lend nice support.
Dhanush’s direction is remarkable. Given the routine script, he narrates the drama with maturity. A.R. Rahman’s music is melodious but not of the popular variety. Lyrics are so-so. Baba Bhaskar’s choreography is okay. A.R. Rahman’s background music is effective. Om Prakash’s cinematography is fantastic. Peter Heins’ action and stunt scenes are thrilling. Jacki’s production designing is appropriate. Prasanna G.K.’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is proper.
On the whole, Raayan doesn’t stand much of a chance at the Hindi box-office because it is routine and also because its promotion is very dull.
Released on 26-7-’24 at Gemini (daily 4 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru AA Films. Publicity & opening: weak. …….Also released all over. Opening was poor everywhere.