Read the full review of Raayan (2025), Dhanush’s second directorial film. Explore the plot, performances, music, and verdict
Director: Dhanush
Cast: Dhanush, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, SJ Suryah, Selvaraghavan, Aparna Balamurali, Dhushara Vijayan
Genre: Action Drama
Language: Tamil
Duration: ~150 minutes
Introduction
“Raayan,” Dhanush’s second directorial venture, is a gritty action-drama set in the heart of North Chennai. It marks a departure from typical commercial cinema, diving deep into themes of revenge, brotherhood, and morality wrapped in a violent yet emotionally charged narrative. With a strong ensemble cast and an immersive setting, “Raayan” tries to blend artistic sensibility with mass appeal.
Plot Summary (No major spoilers)
Raayan (Dhanush), a silent, brooding man with a painful past, works as a cook in a modest mess in North Chennai. He lives with his two brothers (played by Sundeep Kishan and Kalidas Jayaram), trying to live a peaceful life away from the violent shadows of his past. However, fate has other plans. A tragic event involving his family forces Raayan to revisit his dark past and seek justice the only way he knows — through blood and vengeance.
As the narrative unfolds, we dive into the murky world of betrayal, gang wars, and buried secrets. The story takes us through how Raayan transforms from a quiet survivor to a relentless avenger, setting up a gripping second half.
Performances
Dhanush delivers a deeply internalized performance. His portrayal of Raayan is restrained yet powerful — a man torn between his violent instincts and desire for peace. He doesn’t rely on loud heroism; instead, his eyes and body language do most of the talking. His performance especially shines in emotional moments and action sequences that demand intensity.
Sundeep Kishan and Kalidas Jayaram provide solid support. Their chemistry as brothers feels authentic and provides emotional weight to the story. Sundeep is fiery, while Kalidas brings vulnerability — a contrast that works well.
SJ Suryah, as the antagonist, steals many scenes with his unpredictable, unhinged performance. His charisma and dialogue delivery make him a worthy opponent to Dhanush’s brooding protagonist.
Selvaraghavan in a key role is a pleasant surprise. His performance adds depth and an eerie presence to the darker sequences. Aparna Balamurali and Dhushara Vijayan do well in their limited but meaningful roles, offering emotional grounding in an otherwise testosterone-heavy narrative.
Direction and Writing
Dhanush shows significant growth as a filmmaker. With “Raayan,” he presents a more mature, nuanced vision compared to his debut directorial “Pa Paandi.” His narrative is tight, though a little predictable in parts. The way he handles the North Chennai setting — its culture, food, slang, and energy — adds authenticity and flavor to the story.
The screenplay balances between slow-burn drama and bursts of violent action. The emotional moments are given space to breathe, and the action sequences feel earned rather than forced.
However, the film could’ve benefited from tighter editing in the first half. Some exposition scenes drag slightly, and the initial build-up might test the patience of viewers expecting instant action.
Cinematography and Technical Brilliance
Om Prakash’s cinematography deserves a special mention. He captures the gritty urban terrain of Chennai with texture and tension. The use of shadows, dim lighting, and raw frames in action sequences enhances the mood and elevates the film visually.
Anbariv’s action choreography is brutal, realistic, and memorable — especially in the second half. The knife fights and street brawls carry weight and urgency.
Editing by Prasanna GK is mostly sharp, though a few flashback sequences could have been trimmed. The non-linear storytelling works well for the revenge format.
Music and Background Score
AR Rahman’s background score is haunting and moody, aligning perfectly with the tone of the film. While the songs may not be chartbusters, they are situational and blend well with the narrative. The use of silence and minimalism in certain scenes is as impactful as the music itself.
The title track and the theme score for Raayan are particularly effective in creating a larger-than-life aura around the character without going over the top.
Themes and Symbolism
“Raayan” is more than just a revenge story. It touches upon:
- The duality of violence — how it destroys and redeems.
- Brotherhood and sacrifice, depicted without melodrama.
- The idea of justice in an unjust world.
- The haunting consequences of one’s past actions.
There’s also a quiet commentary on how ordinary people are forced into extraordinary violence due to systemic injustice and personal loss.
Final Verdict
Best Movie Review(BMR) Rating: 4/5
“Raayan” is a compelling mix of style and substance. It may not be a mass entertainer in the traditional sense, but it leaves a lasting impact with its raw intensity, strong performances, and atmospheric storytelling.
For those who enjoy grounded, emotionally-driven action dramas — especially in the vein of “Vada Chennai” or “Asuran” — this film is a must-watch. Dhanush once again proves why he’s one of the most versatile and fearless actors of Indian cinema — both in front of and behind the camera.