Rasavathi

The first & only reason to watch this movie is director santhakumar. Coming to the movie, it's a usual crime drama that was presented in the directors unique film language. The whole first half was taken for the set up and the major plot of the movie reveals in the starting of the second half. Though the first half was slow in setting up characters and story, it wasn't boring. But the second half, where the major plot is revealed engages us better. But, it gives a feel of unsatisfactory, as the first half has built a huge curiosity over the audience. Coming to performances, Sujith who plays the antagonist role delivered a stunning performance as a bad cop with childhood trauma. But his character with good potential had been underused. Sujith's parasu is the main character of the story with more depth than the hero Arjun dass's character. Arjun dass who played the role of Sadhasiva Pandian, a sidhdha doctor is the typical protagonist of santhakumar movies with some past pains and a silent nature. His performance was neither great not worse. Reshma venkat's "Chandra" was good enough but Tanya ravichandran's "Surya" was an usual Tamil cinema heroine. Technically this movie was good. Cinematography and framings were excellent in many scenes, but the grains in some sequences irritates. Thaman Background score was a pillar of the movie, but the songs weren't good. Santhakumar's writting had been led down, compared to his previous works. Though the dialogues were good, but it was too preachy in many scenes. Villain's role was written well but haven't used well. On a whole, it's a one time watchable crime drama with a slow narration & some major flaws.

Rasavathi means alchemist who can be expert with chemicals but this does not fully go with the story. No harm but the movie is very good in other means.

There are just 3 main characters in the story Hero, heroine and villain.

The villain character is very well and neatly designed from the scene 1. His character arc was shown with his life problems and his actions to solve his problems. Also his mannerisms during his mental health changes is also clearly shown and lot of symbolic representations are excellent in story making.

The heroine character was very simple and her flashback was also shown in just 5 mins which was super excellent.

Hero character plays the next vital role as his character arc was tried to be delivered in very much detail. Starting from his lifestyle and his mannerisms are very much nice. His capacity to his profession and his knowledge on medicines are neatly placed on the story. Hero's flashback is very depthful and more of his skills are shown there and in that 30 min story, I felt like why the hell is this much detailing shown. Truly that could have been trimmed and it might be bore for a lot and definitely deviating from the present plot. Once we know the hero flashback does mean good relation to the present plot, mindset of audience may change to get involved.

Other noticable characters like the psychiatrist Ramya and SI character by Sundar also gel with the story when required. Music is a real good addition to the movie. There are 2 songs and one long musical scene of hero's flashback which was great.

Director Shantakumar presented this in a very critical story telling manner where this could have either been a very dark movie from the start. Out of his 3 movies, this is my personal favourite. If the director is ready to give us these range of similar movies, I am very much ready to visit the theatres....

The film had so much potential, especially with the villain character. We got everyone's backstory right afterwards the plot basically rushed to an end, I wish the villain would have probed the hero and heroine character and instigated more and tougher problems for them solve. Loved the villain character's backstory though and in depth insight into his little triggers etc. So much detail went into character development but the big final picture was underwhelming. Loved the villain character's backstory though and in depth insight into his little triggers etc. So much detail went into character development but the big final picture was underwhelming. Acting was well done otherwise, but yh - promising start and character development but rushed. Overall average watch due to end :///

"Rasavathi" excels with a villain plot that is nothing short of mesmerizing. The antagonist, Inspector Parasu, is a true psycho, delivering a performance that is both chilling and compelling. His unpredictable nature and twisted psyche are brilliantly brought to life, making every scene he's in a nail-biting experience. Inspector Parasu's backstory is dark and intricate, drawing the audience deeper into his twisted world with each revelation. The layers of his backstory are unveiled masterfully, making him both terrifying and oddly sympathetic. His machinations are complex and unsettling, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.

However, the film's momentum is significantly hindered by its hero, Dr. Sadha, a cringeworthy doctor whose storyline is weighed down by tired clichés and uninspired writing. Dr. Sadha's attempts to provide sage advice and act as a social activist come across as forced and inauthentic, making it difficult to take him seriously. The romantic subplot is predictable and lackluster, making it difficult to invest in his journey. His character lacks the depth and originality needed to stand out, especially when compared to the film's standout villain.

Overall, "Rasavathi" excels with its captivating and intense villain, Inspector Parasu, who delivers suspense and intrigue in every scene. However, the film is let down by its hero, Dr. Sadha, whose clichéd and cringeworthy storyline detracts from the overall experience.

Performances Shanthakumar's victory lies in not just narrating a good story, it also lies in his casting. He seems to have found the perfect actors to portray the characters of his film.

Arjun Das, who plays the lead, delivers a commanding performance that keeps you hooked. Measured -- both in his verbal responses and body language -- Arjun Das effortlessly brings to life the character of Sadhashiva Pandian and makes you realise what kind of a powerful person he is.

A beautiful character that holds within it an infinite amount of power but one which has the wisdom to hold that power in check. Full marks to both Shanthakumar for creating such a character and for Arjun Das to playing it to perfection. This is truly a delight to watch.

Tanya Ravichandran as Surya does a neat job of playing a woman who is a rebel at heart, but who also has a child-like side to her that longs to be protected and understood.

Sujith Sankar, who plays the antagonist Parasu Raj, is just magnificent. Sujith Sankar showcases the mean and menacing nature of Parasu Raj to perfection, showcasing to the audiences, the cruel demon that is within the character.

But it is Reshma Venkatesh as Chandra, who steals the thunder in this film. The actress, who appears for only a brief while in the second half, dances her way into the film and the audiences hearts. Her characterisation and her portrayal are just perfect and give the film what it exactly needs. The romantic portions between Chandra and Sadhashiva Pandian too work like magic.

Technical Aspects Saravanan Ilavarasu's visuals are just fantastic. On the one hand, the visuals he captures of scenic Kodai are a treat to your eyes. But that is not all that he has to offer. The manner in which he lights up his scenes are just too good to miss to not notice. In one particular sequence, where the focus is on Parasu Raj's character, the lighting is such that the shadow of Parasu Raj which falls on the wall behind him is much bigger than him. It somehow makes you realise that the darkness within the man is much more than what he showcases.

Thaman's music is fantastic and Shanthakumar does not bother to even have lyrics for some sequences, counting on just the music, the visuals and the performances to deliver what he wants to convey. And they deliver just that.

Verdict If you have the time and the patience for a good, meaningful story, then Rasavathi is definitely an option.