Banner: Madras Talkies, Big Pictures
Production: Manirathnam
Story, Screenplay and Dialogues: Manirathnam
Dialogues: Suhasini Manirathnam
Music: A.R. Rahman
Cinematography: Santhosh Sivan

There isn't anything much you can expect from this master of contemporary cinema. Stunningly spectacular visuals, Sleek and stylish technical aspects, crispy narration, powerful characters and the actors making every gesture look perfect. What else does a perfect cinema need than this?

Manirathnam's 'Raavanan' is remarkably great as it surpasses out to the highest degree of exceptional arenas.

Just as our viewers wanted a short and sweet review, we bring you an exclusive analysis in shorter notes.

The story of Raavanan goes this way...

Veeraiyya aka Veera (Vikram), an outlaw and untamed personality rules the entire region of Vikramasingapuram. Here the cops have got nothing to do with their law and justice as everything comes under him. Deva (Prithviraj), a honest cop is on the verge of pulling down his realms. Regrettably, it results in the death of Veera's sister (Priyamani) and the revengeful act now sets open a chain of events. Raghini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), Dev's wife is kidnapped and what unfolds next is a series of events that plunges open an emotional drama between these characters.

A creme de la creme show by Manirathnam... First of all, we must appreciate him for directly taking us into the story. 5 minutes into the film, you've the complete prologue as Mani attempts for a novel kind of narration and the characters stand out more than their star values.

Aishwarya Rai was reported to be dubbing with her voice, but it sounds like actress Rohini has done it at few points. Vikram's characterization of 'Raavana' persona has been splendidly depicted. Just as the 10 different people define in their own terms as a nice guy, talented literary figure, jovial person with sense of humor and so on, it's completely amazing. Prithviraj's delineation as mythological Rama is apt and his action during penultimate sequences of doubting his wife for a cause is justifying.

Karthik as Gnyanaprakasham, a forest officer strides with his own acts. But when compared to his previous film 'Maanja Velu', he doesn't get more footage, but his role is best as Prabhu. Nice to see this duo Karthik-Prabhu once played lead roles together in Manirathnam's yesteryear blockbuster 'Agni Natchathiram' together again. Priyamani's role hasn't got much to do with this film and it could have been done by any other actress, even a newcomer. John Vijay's role as Prithviraj's assistant is good. Ranjitha doesn't appear more than 3 shots.

The climax portion is the best of 130mins as the film the performance level of Aishwarya Rai and Vikram are top-class. Remember this; none could've done such a best acting than them at this place. Thanks to Manirathnam for a best casting.

A.R. Rahman has pulled all his best efforts in the background score. Especially, it's nice to hear the song 'Kattu Sirukki' in a different tone in backdrop. A.R. Rahman's additional song in the climax is blissful and it's sure to soak your eyes. Santhosh Sivan and Manikandan have canned their shots with unique styles and there are many places where you can distinctly spot them. Sreekar Prasad's editing during the first 15minutes and last 15mins is fantabulous. Choreography in all the songs, particularly 'Kodu Potta' is stupendous while 'Usure Pogudhey' has some repeated shots in visuals.

The continuities do miss at few spots and Manirathnam could have corrected it down on the editing table with good transitions and even the final shot of climax is more abrupt.

On the whole, 'Raavanan' is a film that doubtlessly offers something new, fresh and exceptional. But it would be an aggrandizing aspect to say that it's the ever best of Manirathnam. Sorry, the film isn't best than some of his yesteryear showpieces, but can be regarded as one intensely emotional film.

Verdict: 'Raavanan' defines New-Age Cinema
Richard Mahesh