Raayan

I just came out from watching an early screening of Raayan at the AMC 25 in Times Square. This movie exceeded all my expectations!

The slums and the several gang, police and civilian story lines coalescing brilliantly reminded me of Brazil's City of God. The revenge plot, the incredibly choreographed action sequences, and the nighttime glistening chromatic scenes reminded me of John Wick.

The movie clocks in at around 2hrs and 30mins. By the 90 minute mark I started thinking that the movie might become flat because it seems like all plot lines have been fully explored and the race to the ending would be a long-stretched, stereotypical one, but something happens that completely shifts the entire movie in a new direction. That something brought back feelings of rage and sorrow akin to Japan's Akira, where you are left speechless and empty at how things wound up the way they did.

For us westerners that grimace at the thought of a dance scene popping up in the middle of the scene, don't panic. There are only two major dance scenes in the movie that last around 5 minutes each, both of which fit in very well with the movie by conveying the emotions and forcefulness of their particular timestamps; the second dance scene was in particular potent and mesmerizing, nothing of a corney dance spectacle you might have seen in a YT Bollywood scene.

This movie and Kill have been the biggest movie surprises this year for me. It has certainly opened my mind to Indian films, and I can't wait to see more movies of this calibre.

Had huge expectations from this one, didn't expect this one to drop on streaming after a mere 3 weeks of its release. Predetermined or a early release because it didn't do well in the theaters...?

Age old plot with 'twists' and overall writing that weren't convincing enough. The cops and villains were not convincing enough. That said, the good performances by everyone; decent cinematography and amazing sound design. AR Rahman's music was felt...worthy of that nametag after a long time. Hope Dhanush directs more.

The movie wasn't good but I dunno if its bad as people are making it out to be. Watchable....but I don't think you'll miss much if you skip it. Do listen to the songs though.

Just watched "Raayan", marks Dhanush's second directorial venture, where he excels in both execution and performance. The meticulously choreographed action sequences offer a visual treat, AR Rahman's music elevates the tension in this modern action-thriller.

However, the writing department seemed to have large room for improvement, particularly in the conflicts between brothers, which feel lackluster, the villain arc, especially for a performer like SJ Surya, seemed underdeveloped, diminishing the overall impact the story could have delivered, making the film a one-time watch for its impressive performances and technical brilliance.

Second half could've been better but Dhanush still managed to give a decent entertainer. The rivalry between SJ Surya and Dhanush felt weak, Dhanush could've definitely added some depth to the storyline between the both of them.

Good thing that they didn't get a pair for Dhanush like any other typical Tamil movie.

First half was very good, every characters had a role and everyone acted well. AR Rahman's songs and BGM was brilliant.

Interval scene was very well made kudos to Dhanush and team. Adangatha Asuran song was a visual treat.

Congratulations to Dhanush and team.

Overall a good action entertainer, great choice for a 50th movie. Hope Dhanush continues his directional career.

7/10: A must watch for Dhanush fans.

Good attempts but failed to touch.

Honestly it was getting in to the life but then slipped again.

No matter what, its always a pleasant experience to watch Dhanush's acting.

The side role guys were good enough but I think the story lacked what required to be a punch in the stomach it was kinda like a facepalm. But I didn't find anything that will make me want to whistle at any scene for the movie. But again there were no place where I felt bored too much to sleep. It was kinda same but it made me feel a bit different. Different enough to watch it thoroughly.

Its about struggle of an elder sibling to be a family man and support and love his family but fate had a different plan and they got stumbled in a clash between 2 rival gangster group. The movie is all about how a brother attempt to save his sister.