Raavanan
Starring: Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, Priyamani, Prithviraj, Prabhu, Karthik, Munna, Ranjitha.
Direction: Mani Ratnam
Music: A R Rahman
Production: c
Raavanan under the direction of Mani Ratnam just to be clear is not an effort show the audiences that the villain is the one praised in the film because his name is what the movie is named after and it is also to about intricate relationships. It would really be appealing because of the pack of stars in it so that would be one thing to look out for along with the powerful and talented crew behind it.
So what is Raavanan trying to convey? It is based on an impossible romance that is lead by Vikram and Aishwarya Rai but their love story is not the main foundation of the whole film. This is because the movie tends to get out of its path with parts like a man hunt which actually is need of dexterity, a vengeance drama that is actually caused by the death of the sister of Vikram which came out really scripted , flash backs and so much more.
With that said, the rest of the movie is beautiful as it unfurls itself making scenes more dramatic because of so many scenes that have something to do with rain. You will notice this with the song series, moving scenes and encounters which makes the cinematography exceptional. Just merely watching it makes you feel drenched in rain too.
Vikram was really successful in leading the whole movie which is equally done with his love team Aishwarya Rai who always looked gorgeous in her films including this and of course an acting talent that is undoubtedly of prowess and expertise. The scenes are rather convincing especially with the fact that Vikram is in a situation where he falls for a woman who is already married. The deep lines of Suhasini are very supportive of the film as it comes just in time to keep the film from being too saggy.
The role of Aishwarya Rai is certainly very internalized by the actress which is clearly shown in the way she delivers her lines and how she takes control of the scene even when the location makes it almost impossible for her to do so. The directing skills of Mani was definitely able to bring out all the best out of Aishwarya Rai.
The cinematography was dazzling thanks to Santosh Sivan who made sure all his support is all out for Mani. The cameras make sure to carefully capture the gorgeous locations of the film which has so much to do with nature. Same praises are given to the not only the actors but the music as well. Rahman’s music was something that made Vikram’s unreturned love for Aishwarya Rai draw out throbbing emotions. Compliments go to Sameer Chanda for the art direction of bringing Raavanan to locations that are hard to fathom that they are actually man-made.
The only weak point of the film is the fact that it is short of the “Tamil” sense in its movie and music as well. It comes out more fit for movie goers in the Vindhyas. The climax should be something to look out for and make sure to have with you something to wipe those tears.