An Epic Retold (Movie Review)

This is my first attempt at a proper movie review. It was published in a local daily a few days after the movie's release.

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 RAAVANAN (Tamil)

Director: Mani Ratnam

Music: A.R Rahman

Cast: Vikram, Aishwariya Rai Bachchan, Prithvi Raj

This bilingual was one of the most awaited movies of the season. Unfortunately, it falls short of expectations.

The storyline is akin to that of Ramayana, but interspersed with a dash of reality. The hunt for the infamous sandalwood smuggler Veerappan has been replicated effortlessly onscreen.

The first half of the film seems to drag a little, but the speedy second half compensates for it. The saving grace of the film is Vikram. He portrays the role of Veera with élan. Aishwariya Rai has put in her best to be on par with Vikram. Prithvi Raj in the role of the good cop, fails to impress.

The picturization is classic. The exotic locales have been beautifully captured on camera, making this film a visual treat.

A.R Rahman’s music has an old world feel to it and is apt for such a story.

Raavanan depicts the story of revenge. It is a compelling film that blurs the thin line between good and bad. It has the elements of angst, deception, love and loss woven in a lovely pattern. But it leaves the viewer with a feeling of incompleteness. Something seems to be missing…