Rathnam (Vishal), a volatile and troubled guy, serves as the muscle for MLA Panneer Selvam (Samuthirakani), upholding a twisted sense of justice through violence and intimidation. Haunted by a dark past, Rathnam struggles to control his violent impulses. We witness this quickly when he learns of a schoolgirl's abuse at the hands of a depraved individual, leading him to a gruesome act of vengeance. The arrival of Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a nurse bearing a striking resemblance to his mother, further complicates his life. Rathnam's protective instincts kick in as he follows her, only to discover she is being targeted by thugs sent by Beema Rayudu (Murali Sarma), a notorious land grabber from Andhra. This sets in motion a bloody rampage, with Rathnam leaving a trail of battered and slain enemies in his wake as he strives to shield Mallika and thwart Rayudu's ruthless plans.
Directed by Hari, Rathnam is essentially 90 minutes of action and violence (U/A certificate?!) in between moments of drama. Don't expect a mind-blowing plot or deep character development; that‘s not what this film is about. The whole setup with Mallika, this innocent soul who somehow attracts a horde of criminals, feels a bit flimsy, and the fact that her parents are willing to die over a piece of land doesn't exactly scream logical. But the director makes it clear from the get-go – this is Vishal's show, and he's here to beat the living daylights out of anyone who crosses his path. The emotional bits are just there to give his violence a semblance of justification.
Speaking of dragging, Rathnam could definitely use some trimming. A lot of the action sequences feel repetitive, with slight variations in setting and flimsy excuses for the villains to start the next round of mayhem. It's your typical Hari formula – action-packed, fast-paced, and unrelenting – but even by the director's standards, it feels sluggish at times. There is room for improvement, like reducing the family drama at Mallika’s place.
Once you get past the cheesy setup, you can actually settle in and enjoy the action spectacle. We're talking knives, machetes, adrenaline-pumping car chases, and even an impressive single-shot car chase sequence that's genuinely thrilling. Whether it's in Tamil Nadu, Andhra, or at Mallika's college, the dogged pursuit by the villains sets the stage for Vishal's over-the-top, brutal takedowns. When you’re in the groove, you won’t give a damn about the story or logic.
As expected, Vishal dominates the screen as the film's undisputed star. His portrayal of Rathnam is a perfect blend of agility, intensity, and rowdy charm. The fast-paced editing and liberal use of slow-motion elevate his action sequences, showcasing his fighting prowess with stylish flair. Priya Bhavani Shankar, while mostly confined to a role defined by concern and a fascination with Rathnam's protective nature, delivers a creditable performance. Samuthirakani brings his usual gravitas to the role of the MLA, primarily serving as the cleanup crew for Rathnam's destructive exploits. Yogi Babu’s comic relief has its hits and misses. Murali Sharma, as the terrorising villain, has a sense of danger throughout. You see his face and you get the portrait of a villain as a middle-aged man. Gautham Menon, unexpectedly, receives the loudest cheers from the audience in a cameo appearance. The remaining cast members fulfill their roles adequately, serving the narrative as needed.
The film's soundtrack bears the mark of Devi Sri Prasad. It’s a blend of masala numbers and emotionally charged melodies. M. Sukumar's camerawork captures the essence of Hari's vision, bringing the fast-paced action to life.
0 comments: