User Reviews

Ravanan is probably one of the hardest movies for which I'll be writing a review for. For most people who have already watched the movie, when they think in retrospect, it becomes easy to term it as 'very disappointing; or 'a complete waste of their time'. Well for one thing, this verdict shows the still conservative, yet to be unconventional mindset of the general audience towards Indian cinema. The most important aspect that I learnt after watching the movie was that, one cannot ever question a filmmaker's viewpoint, especially not of someone who has brought Indian cinema to great heights with movies such as guru and Bombay. Usually in the initial phase, a director has his thoughts aligned in a manner which only he can understand. It is converted to the screen only when he brings his ideas to everyone's comprehension. It is the latter fact that Mani Ratnam has not brought to complete satisfaction, which though he might be clear of, in a way puzzles the audience. In this film, the director has made us understand the importance of looking through a particular situation or argument through a different perspective, more specifically, a perspective which we might fear to judge. Ravanan can be said to have a definite storyline comprising that of a modern storyteller's as well as the ancient sage's. The modernized and refurbished version of the Ashokavanam episode and lanka war is re-enacted and cinematographed in different locations with different character descriptions and names, different, yet similar situations and most importantly looking from a different viewpoint, the perspective of Raavana himself, who we are accustomed to the knowledge that he is the villain.

The idea is different and definitely in the best of its ways. Not everyone is ready to take a blind shot at the vague parts of an epic like Ramayan and Mani Ratnam to the most part has handled the concept well. The support team including the expert actors have contributed to their best and have brought their abilities to near perfection. Vickram as Veera steals the movie with ease, giving one of his best performances. The fierceness in his depiction of modern day Raavana is apt and does quite a lot of justice to Valmiki's image of Raavana. Aishwariya rai who plays Ragini, modern day Sita otherwise, gives another artwork that will always remain as one of her pioneer roles and so do Prithviraj and Priyamani who play Dev (lord Rama) and modern day Shoorpanaka respectively. On the technical front, the music though not the best work of A.R. Rahman does pure justice to the theme of the story and BGM gives you a wonderful thrill. But, the most exemplary aspect of Ravanan is the direction of photography by Santosh Sivan and V. Manikandan. The lens men have captured the scenes in a manner seen never before in Indian cinema. The location, the camera angles and clarity are brought to near precision and gives the most delicious treat to the eyes of the viewers.

So what could be the possible letdown for the movie, to begin with, it lacks clarity towards the climax which most usually matters to the audience because it is the final sequence that tend to have the final impression on them. The ending is clouded with smoke giving no clear idea of the exact feelings of Ragini toward Veera and the tryout of grey shading Prithviraj's character tends to be a little more than required. The scene where he ruthlessly shoots Veera's brother gives us a feeling of hate towards dev and love for Veera. Apart from all these things, once you step out of the movie hall, you are forced to think back about the story, about the characters and most importantly, whether you liked the movie or not, you have a propensity of conflict in your mind about who was right and who was wrong. After all that's what cinema is all about, the primary aim is to make the audience analyze and contemplate and Mani Ratnam pulls of that objective with finesse. With Ravanan, the director has carved himself a niche in greatest epitome of Indian Cinema.

I watched Raavanan the 2nd day of its release in a theater near Toronto. Like everyone I went for the movie with huge expectations and as a matter of fact I m a die hard Mani Ratnam's fan like other million people.

To start of with, Raavanan has Mr. Ratnam's class written all over it right from the start till the end. To make things even more better, works of The Mozart of Madras Mr. Rahman, Santosh Sivan, Suhasini Mani Ratnam and Co have done an excellent job. And I m not surprised to see them at their best, as this is "A Mani Ratnam's film" ! The story might not be very new to Tamil cinema, but even a love story involving just two characters can be portrayed in a very classical manner and the screenplay can make the movie a big hit. Simple such example are Mr. Ratnam's old movies . A simple story could be directed in a very good way or a bad way. Mani always chooses the right way - Excellence and sheer CLASS! Vikram has reached new heights already, this character is a tough one , but the way he has essayed the character is top notch ! Kudos to him and I personally feel he is not utilized properly by Tamil Cinema. This actor has lot more potential to make it big, to take Tamil Cinema to the next level just like what Kamal Hassan has been doing.

Aishwarya has a lot of scope to perform and proves her versatility once again. May be she saves her best for Mani's films I m not sure, but such a wonderful performance by the beauty Queen. Dances really well and makes her eyes do the talking in most scenes. Early in her Iruvar days to Raavanan, her success is for her hard work and dedication.

I don't have anything to talk about Karthik and Prabhu as i can only be shocked if they don't give their best in all their movies. These seasoned actors are at their best like always. Priyamani has always been an actor who can balance her talents doing glamor along side roles with substance. Good talent to be nurtured for the future. She has gone long way post Paruthi Veeran.

The music surely plays a big part in the movie. Rahman has done a superb job to make sure he delivers his best to his guru. I always felt bad about Ratnam partying ways with Ilayaraja, but may be it was a blessing in disguise as Ar Rahman came to the podium with a bang ! I hope Mani and Ilayaraja join hands some time in future.

Vairamuthu's lyrics are powerful as always. DOP Mr.Sivan has given his all for this movie given the fact this movie was mostly shot in forests and with rain most of the times. Amazing talent ! I felt that I was watching the movie like a side actor in the sets and not from the theater, it was so very real.

To summarize the whole story, even though its a Mani Ratnam's movie,I felt it wasn't his very best as he has handled tougher subjects and the screenplay lacks the master's touch in few places.

I always consider and compare Mani Ratnam to Clint Eastwood as both these people share something in common - The passion for quality cinema ! For people who look for a excuse not to watch a movie in theaters, I would suggest you to watch it and see the visual in big screen as only then you can realize their hard work. Even if your not a Mani's fan, you should watch movies like this to support quality cinema and Indian cinema as a whole.

I don't need to talk about Mani's fans, as by now most of them would have watched the movie. I don't like comparing his other movies as each are good in their own standards, this one stands right up there but his best is somewhere round the corner.

Wonderful movie, very creative, excellent performance by all its lead artists and all together a complete wholesome entertainer by the one and only Master, Mr. Mani Ratnam ! Salute you

Mani Ratnam's Raavanan is a visual masterpiece, a great work of art and almost nothing beyond that. Till more than half of the film, it is about its marvelous cinematography, eye popping locations, excellent acting, technical perfection, polished and gritty narration and visualization and good editing.

The story of Raavanan runs parallel to epic Ramayana but as the film progresses there is a bold twist to the original story. We are directly introduced to the central story with a nicely edited prologue. Veeraiyya, a bandit and a 'protector' figure for the tribal, kidnaps Raagini (Aishwarya Rai) wife of Dev, a senior police officer, to settle some scores. We are shown the past of Veera through brief montages shown in between. The love between Dev and Raagini is shown hurriedly within the space of a love song. The non linear structure of the narration is notable. From then on it is a long journey through the forest. We have a jumping & drinking Hanuman, a Kumbhakarnan, Vibheeshanan and Shoorpanaka in the film. There not much happening in the first half. Its the second half of the film that strikes a chord on you emotionally. This is where that bold twist on Ramayana which was being build up all over first half happens. One wonders who is Ram and who is Raavanan.

After seeing Vikram act this role out, I am certain nobody could have done Veera any better(didn't see Raavan though). Aishwarya Rai looked enchanting, and has done justice to her half baked character Raagini. Prithviraj looked perfect for the role as a honest but ruthless cop. Acting was generally great. Cinematography was outstanding. The soundtracks sounded a bit weird in Tamil. I got used to the Hindi version (tracks were originally composed in Hindi, I think, as the Hindi songs were released a month before the Tamil). I loved them all especially folkish+electronic Ranjha Ranjha, Sufi-ish Behene De and a powerful but short Beera Beera. Some may say its not Rahman's best but I personally think its a very good album. Mani Ratnam, who was dubbed Steven Spielberg of India, has mainly focused on the style over subject. A little more hard work on the script was needed. It is made clear that Dev's hunt for Veera is not just about Raagini. What is it then? There wasn't a decent space to show Veera's love for Raagini, grow. There were a lot of things missing in the movie. But I was blown away by the visual artistry of the movie.

What I can say about the movie.....

WOW, only Mani can make like this. I watched both version, simply superb, I love the tamil version. The music, picturization, editing, direction overall...speaks the Director new imagination. Oh yeah, the powerful star casts. Mind blowing performances.

Did anyone feel "The Raavan" from Mani's view? WOW...... only Mani can touch that .... The modern RAM and RAAVAN...

I watched both version...GO AND WATCH THE MOVIE IN BIG SCREENS..FEEL THE NEW KIND OF CINEMA

I have read so many bad reviews for this movie....come on ppl ...

i don't understand y people make a mindset with full of expectation for this movie. and y ppl comparing with his previous movies? Yes, it is maniratnum's movie. Forgot abt his previous movies. if the director make movies with mindset compare his previous work, i think mani's last movie is Roja.

I really like the way he took challenges to giv new kind of cinema....

make us to feel his new touch...his imagination, his technical skills,...

Overall ,Raavan and Raavan is must watch movie ..feel the director new imagination, wonderful direction, strong powerful performance from main leads.

I never thing so, any other director have this kind imagination, or make movies like this nowadays.

There is a terrifying sequence during Mani Ratnam's Raavanan, or 'Villain' out of the Tamil language and into the English one, that sees two hard-bodied men, both specialists in what it is they do either side of the line of the law, duking it out on board a delicate rope bridge hovering above a drop, which will bring about certain death, as its gradual falling apart syncs up with how much the two men's hating of one another escalates during this fight – such are the lengths you'd probably go for Aishwarya Rai. The sequence carries with it a great deal of both horror and trepidation, principally because it is as a fight to the death and we genuinely feel someone is going to get seriously hurt, but additionally because we are inclined naturally to get behind one man and yet are simultaneously invited to root for the other. This recent Indian film, about the good guy not necessarily being all that nice and the titular villain not necessarily being as evil nor as one dimensional as one would assume, is a sweeping and deeply involving piece; a film it is difficult not to get as involved in as I did; a film with a concise and interesting idea at its core, before efficiently going on to explore such items in an exciting and cinematic manner.

We begin with a series of sequences highlighting a real disregard to police officers, or those of whom stand for law and authority; the merciless execution of several Indian police officials and the rampaging through their offices carried out with brutal precision. Those perpetrating the chaos are followers loyal to that of Veeraiya (Vikram), an influential and physically toned individual whom occupies lonely forestry up in the rural nowheres of India with his minions; a man whom the police so desperately desire to catch and someone who shares some back-story with that of local police chief named Dev Subramaniam (Prithviraj), against whom this war on the machine of law and order is effectively raged. Dev is equally inclined towards his job, carrying with him respective characteristics of influence and physicality only dedicated to fighting for the polar opposites to that of what Veeraiya strives towards. The existence between the two becomes particularly heightened when Veeraiya takes it on himself to kidnap Dev's wife, a Sita named Ragini played by the aforementioned Rai; thus kicking into action all sorts of strife and hard-edged plights which formulates the bulk of the film as Dev and a crack team of commandos plus one eccentric forest expert take it upon themselves to find her.

Dragged through the jungles, Ragini's appearance as a smart, photogenic and outspoken woman amidst an array of disparate Veeraiya-led troops consisting of various unshaven; overweight and cross dressing individuals, is stark. She manages to hold her corner; to philosophise and later comes to instill some sort of thinking or order into the wild society of fear and gangsterism she finds herself enraptured in, a society encapsulated by Veeraiya's own uncontrollable characteristic of having several disconnected, sporadic voices inside of his head at once which is challenged. Principally, it is a film exploring the duality Ragini has with her captor; Mani Ratnam's piece a text rife with varying elements of Stockholm Syndrome pausing for thought and refraining form merely relegating Ragini to that of the damsel requiring rescuing. The film does so in providing her with scenes and exchanges that she shares with her captors that are full of life and energy; something that runs in deliberate contrast to that of the police and their searchings, which gradually become more and more anonymous as motions are gone through and sequences that we've all seen before of them hunting through wildlife, or whatever, are provided.

Running with the same theme, the idea is captured by way of a terrific dance number at the bandit's jungle-set abode; a number which celebrates, despite their ways, individualism and a living of their own way of life with their own infrastructures and foundations - something placed into contrast to that of the officials and their blank nature and preordained demeanour, gradually becoming more and more anonymous in comparison to Veeraiya and his clan's exaggerated and spontaneous existence. A further instance of this subverting of the respective male leads and their personas is in Veeraiya's raiding of a local police camp; the uncovering of his file mugshot seeing him verbally identify the brooding, threatening anonymity of the hulking terrorist criminal in comparison to what he feels is truthfully there in relation to him.

The scenes between Ragini and Veeraiya carry with them a real sense of shift and change in that, as she fights him and he subdues her attacks, his face brushes through her hair during a physical evading; something executed in such a manner that when Ragini has some linen brushed across her own face when another attack is foiled on another occasion involving Veeraiya, their sharing of the the same physical sensations born out of similar catalysts suggest an echoing of respective internal responses. In spite of my comment made in jest about what one would do to get Aishwarya Rai back, there is this burning question hanging over proceedings, even highlighted by those within, as to whether Dev chases the villain out of personal motivation due to his wife's taking, or professional levels born out of the fact he has hated Veeraiya for a lot longer than he has loved Ragini. The drama born out of this ambiguity, of which, works well. The film is a really involving; well made and taut thriller whose undercurrent of forbidden romance as the idyllic Indian wife is allured by that of the bandit, and he himself by a human he cannot push around nor merely tame, is set up and explored wonderfully well; a rousing and involving film one cannot help but recommend.

A pure cinematic treat! Crime noir pulled off perfectly well without violence

Its like watching a maniratnam film in parts. THe scenery of Roja, the retribution theme of Dil Se (Uyire in Tamil) , the atmospheric thrill of Thirudha Thirudha and the grand feel cast assemble of Yuva ( Ayudha ezhuthu in Tamil)

This is a story closely resembling the real life character called Veerapan, a well known bandit of South India mixed with the classic story of Rama and Sita legend. Genius!

and the bestpart of the movie is the atmosphere , it feels like one is really living the bandit character on screen, feel his emotions and know what he is thinking. Amazing.

A group of criminals, a police manhunt, a lush forest and a woman caught in between. The visuals are extraordinary, the atmosphere is dark and moody, the plot is terrific and the action is mind bogglingly flowing without any bloodshed and minimal pyrotechnics

This is a must watch either on big screen or in HD home theater. Watch the atmospheric visuals come to life with beautiful scenery of a lush jungle, with rain effect put to good use in all scenes...This is a gritty and thrilling drama of abduction, adultery, crime , a wild goose chase and a revenge tale rolled into one, all occurring in a middle of the worst monsoon season and surprisingly well crafted in equal parts carrying a strong flavor of crime film noir straight out from a David Fincher movie . Definitely not worth missing for the tight screenplay and excellent cinematography. The trailers don't do any justice to this film. It has to be experienced on the big screen

One would love to think it cant be an Indian movie but though it is, it has little to do with conventional Indian film making antics but made as one that will challenge Hollywood with a genre bending tale with all the technical bells and whistles.

Some critics may argue it is not maniratnam's best work, but definitely its Maniratnam's best turn towards a new direction ( Yuva, Guru) which no other director in the last few years have done. The feel of this movie is just marvellous ,natural and gritty. Of all maniratnams;'s movies , Raavanan is probably one that makes u feel the same way as as his other Roja and Kannathil Muthamittal.

The film is another magnum opus from internationally acclaimed director Maniratnam. In case u haven't seen any of his well made films in the last 2 decades, its a privilege to see one , especially Ravana in which Maniratnam returns with a unprecedented bang at the box office

A good adaption of the epic Ramayana to a movie experience. Conveyed the core of the story in a simple manner with a terrific performance from the crew, especially Vikram. The Portrayal of the veera character and the conversations between the lead role stands out in the movie. Hats off to Mani Ratnam for staging this movie in a great way and for the locations. The mood of the scenes is expressed more by the way they are made than by the dialogues (a typical MR way of storytelling). As usual ARR's BG score and songs add great value and strength to the movie. A good movie to watch. Just give it a watch!!!!!!!!!!

I personally feel that this movie has paved the path for the "END" of the golden era of ManiRatnam.Every Indian knows the capability and brilliance of ManiRatnam. Though he has had some duds at the box office even in his previous attempts no one has doubted his mastery over films.But I am sure that every loyal "Mani fan" or for that matter any viewer expecting quality movies would be thoroughly disappointed on watching this "CRAP".

A film will never be rated as "GOOD" for any individual(s).This film boasts of a great technical crew...Rahman , Shreekar Prasad, Santosh Sivan,Manikandan,Sameer Chanda....and the list goes on.

I have to accept the fact that every one has been very professional and loyal giving their 100% for the film except for two ....."ManiRatnam" and his beloved and so called brilliant wife "Suhasini".

The most important aspects of films in India are " Story, Screenplay, Dialogue". The story of the film is a known one and hence no point on discussing it....though there could have been some interesting changes which would have made a familiar story ,interesting.

Then the screenplay.I heard this "crap" by one of the members of technical crew after the film failed at box office ,saying "Mani wanted the viewers to have their own interpretations "- meaning ... the viewers were not good enough to understand the technical brilliance of Mani.WHAT A CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then come to the outrageous and melo-dramatic,old fashioned ,irritating ,bla bla bla....dialogs.This would have summed up my point.I assume.The funny part is "SHE IS IN THE LINE TO DIRECT YET ANOTHER CRAP". OMG!!! save people..

Now at last to acting.I am personally very disappointed to discuss this part at end....so has been the negatives of the film. Though the characterization of the actors is still a question mark there is no doubt in the part played by the actors.

Vikram and Aish were equally brilliant and awesome and the chemistry really did work well.And others too did justice on their part.

This is the first time ... I don't feel sorry for being critical about the film and the technical crew.So much were the expectations!!!!!!

I watched this movie again after 10 years and my viewing has been better now . This film underplayed many things and definitely it's not a love film ..different way of storytelling and movie is worth for Chiyan alone ...Though I'm a thalapathy Vijay fan Chiyaan impresses me all the time

The much hyped Raavanan having released, I was one of the lucky few who got to watch it on the first day. The story in its most basic senses, is a modern adaptation of the Indian epic 'Ramayana'. But Mani Ratnam has brought to this movie a magical touch that would indeed change the trend of movies to come in Indian cinema.

The movie is a tale of revenge and vengeance that Veeraiya (Vikram) unleashes on the people responsible for the death of his sister. To teach them a lesson he ends up kidnapping Ragini (Aishwarya Rai) and lures the cops right into his trap. Even though Ragini was his captive her attitude and approach towards things only makes his feelings grow stronger for her everyday ! The movie focuses on Veeraiya and all the multiple voices and thoughts in his head that refer to "Raavanan" from Ramayana. But only as the movie progresses do we find out his real character and the reason for such a transformation.

The beauty of this film and the most appealing factor is the cinematography adapted. The camera work was so brilliant that it would make anyone stare in amazement at how beautiful they have shown each and every thing on screen. Not once was there a dull moment as the positioning and timing of every scene was in sync with every other aspect. A R Rahman has given life to the movie with the background music and songs he has to offer. The songs were timed so perfectly that not once would you feel that there was no necessity of a song being shown there. Watch out for the cinematography in "Usure pogudhey". And the bgm for each sequence being unique made you literally connect with the things happening on-screen !

On a further note another technical point of excellence seen in this movie is the make-up and costumes used. Be it the black soot or sandhanam smothered all over Vikram's face or the many scratches and bleeding cuts on Aishwarya, the make-up department has done its best to make the movie look as realistic as possible !

When it came to acting, needless to say the director Mr. Mani Ratnam brought out the best in each and every person cast in the movie. 'Veeraiya' would have been a disaster if it was portrayed by anyone else. Vikram outdid himself by giving his best performance till date. His aggressiveness and crazy mannered body language showed us that he was living in the character the whole time ! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan on her comeback to Tamil cinema after more than a decade has also pushed her acting skills to the limit. It is impossible to stop staring at her immense beauty and now, after her portrayal of the modern 'Sita' you just can't help but be in awe at how much she has to offer.

Raavanan, according to me is one of the finest movies made in Indian cinema. And i urge all you people out there to go watch it as soon as you can !

If you like Mani's story telling then stop reading reviews and watch this film ASAP it's one of his best works. It's well known for a mani ratnam film it always technically shines and performances too the same thing happened with raavanan what went wrong in this film is audience expected something else from mani but he came up with an action drama where characters were written better than it's plot. That's it and the rest is at its best one of the finest cinematic experiences ever in the decade. It dilutes in you slowly, I'll remain amazed forever for his exquisite storytelling Master craftsman Maniratnam.

What a man seeks from maniratnam's movies. Not but purity, poetry, beauty, artistic intensity(Very few can reach such depths) and finally truth. What is his intrinsic authority to define what right and what is wrong?

Some of his movies are fierceful with electrifying emotions and some are merely soulful and poetic like torrents of silent river with the dancing of light and shadow. May sometimes intellectuals and mob can't find entertainment from his movies. But few are with vibrant and sensible hearts with child's like enthusiasm could feel the power, depth and humility in his movies. He is one of the greatest artists of our time which world couldn't able to understand. He didn't get fame what he deserves. Like the poems of rabindranath tagore, as you muse and feel more and more you will get more spiritual experience from his movies. Like terrance malik's movies his movies dissolve with nature and poetic sadness and with life's music. They will open our hearts to life, love and beauty.

For those who want to know what life are, what are morals, what is right and what is wrong. Are they prefixed and reformulated. Or shall we explore, question ourselves with abundance of love in our hearts towards the things of world to know ourselves what is truth. That journey is RAAVANAN. Few may don't like this movie because they may not get thrill from the movie. Only sheer poetry, exploration of truth exists in the movie. Master story teller's hands are as soft as ever. Though, for this movie those are more complex because those are now more simpler.

We know Mani Rathnam can handle epics quite easily and can twist it quite interestingly. Dalapathy starring Rajnikanth and Mamootty is the finest example. That is what I expected when I went to watch Raavanan. But watching the movie, I realized the story was never the center of attraction neither the direction of the maestro. What moved the movie along was the cinematography. Santosh Sivan and Manikandan have so effectively captured the beauty of the southern forests in the most mesmerizing manner.

Coming back to the story, we find nothing new added to the epic except for the fact that the good has now turned evil and vice-versa. At the end of the movie, after witnessing the glorious work of the cinematographer, especially the climax scenes, we sense something missing altogether and the truth beckons on us that there is no credible storyline to the whole affair.

SP Dev (Prithviraj) is on the look out for Veera (Vikram), a notorious tribal lord, a Robin Hood for many. He rules with his own laws and methods and this angers the police but are unable to do anything to capture him. To assist him there is Singarasu (Prabhu) and Chakkarai (Munna), his brothers. But soon something happens (revealed only in the second half) that makes Veera so revengeful that he kidnaps Dev's wife, Ragini (Aishwarya Rai). The rest of the story revolves around the Dev trying to rescue his wife with the help of Gnanapraksham (Karthick), a forest guard. The story moves on when the monstrous Veera starts a liking for Ragini.

There was a time when I watched Nayakan, Iruvar, Roja, Dalapathy all with great enthusiasm and what I received from these movies were really great satisfaction as a movie buff. But watching this film with the same enthusiasm I felt robbed off all my money I wasted on the tickets. This is not a bad film but it is clearly not what I expected from a Mani Rathnam film. His direction has not proved anything with this movie. The old Mani Rathnam had style and substance in his direction but now what remains is just the style. Style alone cannot pace a thriller forward. The new Mani Rathnam has not provided anything interesting in this movie. It seems like the crux of the whole movie lies on the camera work.

The acting of Vikram and Aishwarya Rai has to be applauded. They have given one of their finest performances. Vikram is like a vengeful monster who has kidnapped wife of the God-like figure on earth to settle a personal score. His performance is one of the highlights of the movie and which makes it watchable. It is a wonder we see such talent and beauty together and that is Aishwarya Rai; though her beauty is not of any relevance in the "plot" she has scored with a good performance. Prithiviraj as the tough cop has really matured into a fine actor. He has given a nice performance along with the other big names. Prabhu and Karthick have utilized their time on screen portraying their characters with ease and subtlety. Priyamani with her small cameo has given a memorable performance.

But all this taken, at the end, we find the story to be clichéd and hope that the screenplay would have been better. The screenplay and dialogues penned by Suhasini Mani Rathnam does not show any ease or effectiveness probably because the story line is weak. By the interval time we feel exhausted at all that has happened but still we realize nothing has moved along. Second half proves better because of the short stint of Priyamani on screen and the final 15 minutes of the movie. And those 15 minutes is the only part in the whole movie that show "some" shades of Mani Rathnam direction. The characterization is so weak we never get time to realize the good has turned evil and vice versa or is it because it was so obvious from all the promos.

A note on the music - AR Rahman is not at his best...but cannot say it was bad. It's okay and goes with the film smoothly.

The plus point of the movie is cinematography, acting and the last 15 minutes….

The movie deteriorates because of the absence of a fine story line and a poor screenplay which I believe are the most important materials in a film.

It is not one of the best Mani Rathnam films and it cannot be called a thriller as there is no remarkable storyline to boast off and excite us. Watch the movie to see some good acting. But mainly, watch the movie to witness the amazing locales where the movie was shot through the eyes of Santosh Sivan and Manikandan, especially the last cliffhanging fight between good and evil.

~ dillitalkies.blogspot.com ~

First things first. 'Raavanan' is not what everyone thought so. It isn't a contemporary adaptation of Ramayana. Instead, it's the Valmiki's epic meeting Shakespeare's Othello. The master filmmaker Mani Ratnam has apparently taken inspiration from these greatest works to narrate a gripping story in his own inimitable style.

'Raavanan', right from the day it went to floors, has been rising a huge hype and hoopla. And expectations soared a never before high before its release. Does the end product lived up to all? To this question, the answer is- With a huge star cast chipping in with their best, mesmerising shots, crisp editing and riveting music, 'Raavanan' ends up satisfying the appetite of the masses.

It has been a gripping narration from the very first frame. After 'Sethu' and 'Pithamagan', another side of Vikram's acting credentials is exposed. As Veera, he is at free touching almost every aspect of acting.

Aishwarya is pretty and comes out with her best. Prithviraj and Priyamani have taken the challenge of being part of a Mani Ratnam's film and delivered their best. John Vijay walks away doing a negative role.

Karthik as forest guard fits the role to T. His expression and body language are something interesting. Equally attracting is Prabhu. Munna as Vikram's younger sibling gets a meaty role to play, which he utilises well.

The shots especially in the huge jungle, water falls, hot chase and stunts have been canned at their best. The tone and texture is amazing. All credits go to Santosh Sivan. Rahman's music is the highlight and it gets more sheen with the way it has been shot. 'Veera Veera...' and 'Usure Pogudhey...' still chime in our hearts even as we walk out of theaters.

Running for little more than two hours, 'Raavanan' will go down in the history of Tamil cinema as one of the finest and best. Cheers Madras Talkies and Mani Ratnam for rendering a class movie that is racy and entertaining too.

Watch only in theaters...............

Cud hv been great,, but for some mindless typical bollywoody popular chunks.....

The movie was not so good. The story was vulgar in the movie. The Songs and BGM in the movie was good in the movie. The movie was boring and bad movie.