Raavan – Movie Review

My first movie review after more than 1.5 years!!! That would mean either of two things – Ravaan is ravenously bad or ravenously good!!! I am glad to say that it is latter of the two

A modernized tale of the Hindu Epic Ramayana, it put me at awe how well an age-old mythical story was transcribed into current times. Hats off to the director Mani Ratnam – such a magnum opus was possible only by a director of his calibre.

Like always I don’t want to let out too much information, but to provide just a synopsis – Raavan is a story of Beera (Abhishek Bachchan), a voracious leader of a village clan that has been ill-treated by police force and ignored by the general Government. Owing to the continuous oppression, he decides to kidnap Ragini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan) – the wife of DSP Dev (Vikram). To find Beera, Dev and team have to penetrate the dangerous and labyrinth of a jungle for which they use the skill and support of eccentric forest officer Sanjeevni (Govinda). What follows is a cat and mouse game of chase. Can you see the similarities between the characters of Raavan and Ramayan? Very clearly scripted and executed.

I am not a big fan of either Abhishek or Aishwarya Rai, but I must say Raavan is one of their best work. Even though the role of Beera has been portrayed loudly by Abhishek, it doesn’t feel out of place and is very likable. Aishwarya not only does what she’s best at, which is looking pretty – but she does it in spite of hardly any make up. To top it all, she gives a very memorable performance as well. You feel for Ragini’s helplessness and hurt. Vikram has done well as the stern, no nonsense DSP. Govinda’s role has shades of comedy and is fun to watch. These powerful performances have been backed well by Ravi Kishan and Nikhil Dwivedi as well.

Cinematography is breath-taking. Santhosh Sivan has once again proved his mettle considering that the locales were not very inhabitant friendly!!! Special effects are effective. Music by A.R. Rahman might not be like his usual chartbuster kinds but is highly situational. You will be forced to hum the music while walking out of the theatre.

But Raavan has its share of flaws as well. First half of the movie moves at a sluggish pace, taking full speed post interval. Cinema-goers who enjoy music, dance and masala might find Raavan a bit boring. Also, the sudden transformation of Dev’s character from the loving doting husband to the suspicious male chauvinist is nothing but sudden!!! Bar all that – Raavan is nothing but a treat for authentic cinema lovers.

I would give it 4 stars on 5. So what are you waiting for? Go get your movie tickets and sit back and enjoy a great piece of art.