Raavan vs Raavanan!
“A STUPENDOUS PIECE OF EYE CANDY”
-Abhinav Sunder Nayak
From the moment I entered the cinema hall on June 18th for the early noon show of the Tamil version entitled ‘Raavanan’, and until I finished watching the evening show of the Hindi version, ‘Raavan’, what I witnessed was a series of pleasant surprises and some sour disappointments. Believe it or not, the Hindi version scores over the Tamil!
Mani Ratnam was the only director in India, who handled melodrama in the most natural way; and that was evident in his films like Nayagan, Roja, Bombay, Alayipayuthe, and even the recent Guru. But after watching Raavan/Raavanan, I’ am forced to rub off that very statement from my head, because right from the start, whatever happened on screen seemed to be contrived and artificial at most parts, with the very character of Raavan not even being properly established!
Well, the basic premise, inspired from the Indian epic Ramayana is entirely predictable, but a taut screenplay would have done the job! When the Tamil version suffers hugely from a bad casting and a far from great performance from the usually dependable actor, Chiyan Vikram, the Hindi version excels in the performance section, but falls flat on the screenplay, which is a total mess in both cases! But as far as I have analysed, the Hindi version has a far better execution than the Tamil version.
The cinematography by Santhosh Sivan & V. Manikandan oozes sincerity and demands a standing ovation; The visuals add life to every dull moment, and remains the best part of this king size film. The DI is of international quality, and the expert colouring adds to the beauty. The music by AR Rahman is brilliant, but the background scores disappoint to a large extent! Veterian editor Sreekar Prasad saves the film from drowning down into the heavy rain forests, which is continuously wet! Samir Chanda makes every frame rich with his intelligent use of vibrant colours and art work. The actions scenes by Peter Hein are exquisitely shot with a lot pain and passion, which is evident on screen, as those are the only parts where the theater comes alive, with excellent use of Sound by Tapas Nayak.
ALTERNATE TAKE
If I were Sreekar Prasad, and if the footage appears to be poorly directed, I would have opted for a simple, linear editing pattern for Raavan, rather than screwing up in the non linear pattern.
Though Vikram is excellent in parts compared to Abhishek, who is mediocre all the way, the junior Bachchan as Beera in Hindi outsmarts Vikram as Veerayya in Tamil when consistency is taken into a note. But, people might end up rating Vikram better, because he is undoubtedly natural, and spontaneous. Prithviraj surprises you as Dev in the Tamil version, and comes out with an edgy performance, which stands out and ends up being far better than Vikram’s portrayal of Dev in Hindi, which is shocking, but true. Aishwarya Rai has nothing much to do, other than portraying a poorly written character! All other supporting actors, including Govinda and Ravi Kissen in Hindi seems to be more into the characters, and convincing than Karthik and Prabhu in Tamil!
Leaving its negatives apart, the film surely has its moments. For instance, take a look at that scene, in which the character of Dev pierces the burning cigarette into a mere newspaper cutting! Well, that Mani Ratnam magic is hidden somewhere deep inside, but sadly doesn’t come out. And moreover, each frame of the film is a separate, million dollar visual, which will take your breathe away; the credit goes largely to Mani Ratnam’s vision as a director! Raavan puts you in a rather awkward situation, when you almost forget that you are watching a movie, and start rating the beautiful shots individually! And I have to admit that most of the film’s major flaws went unnoticed by me during my first watch of Raavanan, and later on ended up noticing a few in the Hindi Raavan, mainly due to the above mentioned reason.
In the end when you leave the theater, all you remember is the stunning camera work, the nerve pumping action scenes, and a little bit of brilliance spread out in the 2 hour 7 minute saga! Raavan falls short of the expectations, but indeed is worth the money you pay for the ticket. I give a generous three out of five for the Hindi version and two out of five for the Tamil version. Its far from being a classic, but nevertheless entertains to an extent!
Hindi Raavan: 2.5/5
(Watch the trailers again; they were far more superior)
Raavan is a proof to the fact that Mani Ratnam’s film making style, is drowning away now; This is is just a stupendous piece of eye candy! Where are those subtle, dramatic moments, which used to fill our senses with pleasure, passion, gut and energy? Where are those smart dialogues? Where is the screenplay? Everything is missing here.
For instance, take a look at this scene, from Mani Ratnam’s recent Hindi film, Guru, which is among my personal favorites. Its simply mesmerising, the way Mani’s drama unfolds- with excellent dialogues, sharp timing, and mind boggling background scores! This is what you call BRILLIANCE!
I’ am not dissapointed with Raavan, but did learn a huge lesson; not to expect anything from any film! The trailers were brilliant, Goddamn!! Thank you for reading!
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About the author
Written by abhinav
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karthik
June 19, 2010
Good review… Nice to hear a sincere review from someone who liked prior mani movies…
Here many mani fans r simply praising the movie… But i felt the screenplay and characters to be very much artificial and boring.
Suhasini tops the worst list, with her dramtic dialogues that never fit into the movie.
Surely a failure attempt from mani.
Abhinav
June 19, 2010
Thank you, Mr. Karthik! Infact, there is a heated arguement going on this topic between some people who claim its a perfect film in my blog over my article. Unbelievable than people can be so foolish!
Mathan
June 19, 2010
MY RATING for Ravanan
Actually i m a die hard Vikram fan. But i dont like Mani films. I liked only his movies @ 80s. More than a Maniratnam film.. it was a Vikram’s film. so i was eagerly waiting for the movie’s release. I got my tickets yesterday for this morning 7:30 show.. In my life I haven’t watched any movie @ early morning 7:30.. For the first time i did this great deed in watching the film @ 7:30.. I went with my frd..
Chiyaan Vikram- He is mind blowing. Proud to b his fan. He has put in a lot of effort towards this character. He is looking like a real beast for that Veera character..No other actor in TC would have put such hard work.. He deserves to b a real star. His acting, body language is all awesome. But his character has not got that much scope like he has got in his previous movies like Kaasi, Sethu, Pithamagan & Anniyan. But IMO to that Veera character Mani should have given him some scope in humour.. Veeraiya character could have been horrifying as well as humourous I dont think that Vikram will get any award for this movie. Chemistry between Ash & Vikram is fabulous. In climax scenes & in the bridge scenes Vikram has acted superbly.. But in the climax.. its like as though Veera is getting defeated by Dev.. that i couldn’t digest..
Jun 19 (14 hours ago)
Mathan
Prithviraj Sukumaran- Without moustache, Prithviraj looks smart & handsome.. Like Madhavan, Prithvi will get many girls fans after this movie.. He has acted well in many scenes.. Chemistry between Ash & Prithvi has potrayed well in Kalvare song.. His villainous attitute is potrayed well by him.. When he presses the broken hand of Priyamani’s husband.. it shows how cruel Dev is(best scene in the movie). hats off Mani.. Mani makes audience also to feel the pain of the broken hand of Priyamani’s husband. His cunning attitude towards the end is potrayed well.. He has acted well in bridge scenes and overall Prithvi rocks in the movie
Jun 19 (14 hours ago)
Mathan
Aishwariya Rai Bachchan- I think this is her fifth movie in Tamil… She deserves to b a gr8 actress in world cinema.. She selects stories of gud scope.. Many actresses in Tc should learn lot frm her.. I think she is the everlasting beauty.. I think her beauty will never fade even at her 90 age.. She has acted superbly.. Her jump frm the cliff is superb..Her chemistry between Vikram & Prithvi has well potrayed… Her Raaghini character has more scope than Veera & Dev.. She has emoted her feelings well thr her eyes.. Her confidence, braveness & intelligence has well potrayed thr Raaghini character.. I think she will rock in ENDHIRAN also.
]Priyamani- She comes in flash back scenes.. IMO flashback scenes r not so effective.. She has got very few scenes to act in the movie.. TC has very well used her in rape scenes.. I wish that never again she should act in rape scenes.. After she getting raped.. her feelings has been well emoted by her.. Mani should have given some more scope to that Vennila character
Jun 19 (14 hours ago)
Mathan
Prabhu Ganesan- I thought he has less scope to act in Ravanan.. but Mani has given him the major role in the movie.. He is the elder brother of Vikram.. He ha danced well in Kodu Potta & Keda Kadari.. he created some attraction frm audience.. when Karthik meets Prabu for the first time.. those scenes r really superb.. Chemistry between Ranjitha & Prabu has potrayed well Sema response for Prabu & Ranjitha dancing in water in that Keda Kari song… I think after watching that Nithyanandha’s video.. Prabhu would have felt guilty to play the pair role for Ranjitha. Anyway its all his fate. Overall Prabhu’s character is fully satisfied!!!
Karthik Muthuraman- It is a comeback movie for Karthik. He comes as a forest guard.. his monkey like character is nice.. i cant understand his character whether he is supporting Vikram or Prithvi… he plays a major role in bringing peace between Veera & Dev.. His scope in this movie is less compared to Prabhu.. wishing for ur future movies also..
Jun 19 (14 hours ago)
Mathan
Munna- I dont know how he got the chance to act in Mani’s movie.. He comes as the younger bro of Vikram.. His acting is gud.. he turns bald in pre interval… He goes to ask peace with Prithvi… but Prithvi kills him.. Mani could have told that scene in more cruel manner.. that was a effective scene.. but mani missed to handle that scene well
Vayapuri- He comes in a transgender role.. he was well suited for that transgender role.. Mani could have him some scope to act..
Ranjitha- Major plus in the movie.. I dont know y mani chose her to give a role.. but mani is lucky to have her in the movie.. while in the shooting of this movie she wouldn’t have thought that she will get mass response during the movie release.. in some theatres they did a special cut out for her.. if mani could have know this b4.. he would have given her a major role in the movie… But coming to her acting.. she has not got that much scope to act.. she has not even got one dialogue also.. but she comes throut the movie in few scenes… SEMA RESPONSE FOR HER IN ALL THEATRES.. dont know whether she will b happy or sad abt the mass response in theatres.. in flashback scenes.. when she is near priyamani(when she get raped).. chanceless sema response for ranjitha.. Ranjitha rox… But i really feel pity for such mockery.. we people should stop mocking when a person is in depressed state.. its really a sin.. we must stop mocking her..
Jun 19 (14 hours ago)
Mathan
Other actors like that one more police who rapes priyamani has also done a gr8 job in his acting.. he is the major twist in the movie. He is shown naked in one scene, which is really pitiable and it shows the cruelty nature of veera… & the guy who comes as Priyamani’s husband also has done a gr8 job… he rocks.. in future he will get many movies to act..
I think I have almost reviewed all the characters in the movie…
Coming to off screen actors.. cinematography Santhosh sivan has done a mind blowing job…. He rocked… Stunts of Peter Hein & Shyam Kaushal was gud especially in bridge scenes.. Choreography by Shobhana, Ganesh Acharya, Astad Deboo and Brinda in all songs r really nice.. they did a gr8 job… especially Shobana in Kalvare song.. Ash has danced well in that song..& choreography in kodu potta song is also gud.. editing by sreekar is missing in some places.. Costumes by Sabyasachi Mukherjee is gud at all places.. art by sameer is gud thr’out the forest.. Suhasini sucks as a writer.. she thinks she is gr8 in giving reviews in hasini pesum padam… she is the major disaster for the movie… She is just opposite to Mani.. Mani should control her in some aspects.. In production wise and distribution wise.. Ravanan outstands..
BGM by A.R. Rahman is mind blowing.. he is the main hero in the film.. Proud to b a A.r. rahman fan…In every scene his BGM shines… He has given the best music for this movie…
Maniratnam- He has done a gr8 job.. he has taken TC to next level.. out of all his movie.. i liked RAVANAN very much.. Story & Screenplay is really gud.. Frm now onwards i m a big fan of Maniratnam.. Many say that scenes r dragging.. but it is not so.. movie goes in a racy screenplay.. he has not put mokka in any scenes as far as i know.. He outshines in that bridge scene.. overall hats off to him for taking such a risky movie.
Jun 19 (13 hours ago)
Mathan
Scenes which were fabulous..
1. Introduction scene of Veera.. and Vikram kidnapping aish..
2. Ash jumping frm the cliff
3. Prithvi pressing the broken hand of Priyamani’s husband.
4. Bridge scenes.. it was the major plus in the movie..dont know how they took this scene.. Hats off to Mani.. Actors also performed well in that scene.. i will watch the movie 100 times to watch that bridge scene… superb.. superb.. superb…
5. Climax- Climax is too gud.. the twist is unpredictable.. In all Mani’s movies.. it was his best climax IMO.. Special hats off to climax.. But Dev wiining over Veera is undigestible
+ves
1. A.R. Rahman(BGM)
2. Cinematography
3. Vikram’s performance
4. Aishwariya Rai..(watching a movie after a very long time in which heroine has got more scope to act)
5. Prithvi & one more police
6. Stunts & Visuals
-ves
1. Suhasini Maniratnam
2. Flashback(It was not so effective- MAJOR NEGATIVE)
Not much negatives
Dont hear negative reviews frm some members.. Movie rocks to the core.. it is goin to change chiyan’s life history.. The best film of Maniratnam in his career..Hope he has done this same gr8 job in RAAVAN too… RAVANAN is goin to b the biggest block buster of 2010.. For sem moli manadu so many hols.. so it will rock in cbe theatres.. Mani.. waitng for ur next superb film. Rating: 4/5
VERDICT: Mindblowing(Must watch)
I think I have given the longest review in TCC.. but the movie is worth to give such gr8 review.. Plz members… u can tell whether my review is gud or bad.. I m waiting for the review for my review
Michael
June 19, 2010
i watched Raavan today!!!
came to a realization that mani cant ‘NAYAGAN’ is his best One!!!
how far Roja,Bombay,DilSe is being best bt Nayagan Which is the Magnum opus of Him!
Abhi done a gr8 job only during d climax only!!! Mind Blowing BGM,Songs,Cinematography!!!!
Mani Can do a better one “Wht Happnd to Him?”
and Music Simply AWESOME He Prvd it again esply (Beera’s Theme Music,Ja Re Ud Jaare they may be ma ringtones in near future)!!!!!
Abhinav
June 19, 2010
My friend, you have written the whole script over here. A review is to tell what is good and what is not. A review should not give out spoilers like you have told almost the whole story there. Now anybody who reads your “Review” will not feel like watching the film, as you have told them what the suspense is and where the twists are. Friend, that is not a review. I like your attitude, and thus I won’t delete that post from here. So if you feel that I’ am telling a right thing, please do take the initiative to remove that post and write a passage on how much you liked the film, without telling out any details about the screenplay.
Take care man.
Riju
June 19, 2010
Good Review,i haven’t watched any of the version yet.
but decided to go for raavanan (To Watch Prithviraj’s Performance)
Manoj
June 19, 2010
Well even i too will soon go for it.. here tickets are filled for both for next 4 days
satyakumar
June 20, 2010
Hi frd. I really liked ur review. I saw both the versions. I really liked the tamil version. Tamil version is far better compared to hindi version. Both the actors performed well. But ‘chiyan’ vikram outstands compared to AB. I really enjoyed both versions. Vikram was too good in tamil but he fails to manage in hindi. Prithviraj was too gud compared to vikram. When I saw the posters n promo videos,
I felt that AB will score much, but after watching the movie Vikram rockz. He come back with a grt performance. AB also performed well, but he needs to develop a ot more acting skills. Brilliant camera work, clean editing n extraordinary BGM frm our master ARR. Raavan/Raavanan is one of Mani’s master piece. I will give 3.5/5 for Raavanan n 3/5 for Raavan.
Shriya Karan
June 22, 2010
Hey but its nice to hear your opinion but you may be the first to say that raavan is better than RAAVANAN because many are sayin that the movie/story seemed like it was baiscally WRITTEN for the actors in teh tamil version. Well it kinda makes sense bcause the people involved (apart fron Aish and Abishek) were all tamil or from south so it makes sense dor the tamil version (south version) to seem ebtter ………..I have yet to see an actor better than vikram (although i was never a vikram fan in the beginnin)…he is a mindblowing actor… he is the reall definition of “actor” and essays the beauty and purpose of acting wheras now days most are just there to show off their looks
kumanan lingan
June 23, 2010
Believe it or not Raavanan is performing much better than Raavan in theaters. Raavanan is worth a watch. Manis’ and Santhosh are rocking.
Raj
July 7, 2010
The review is very worst. Because raavanan is very very good when compare to raavan. Vikram is one of the finest actor of india like kamal hasan,mohanlal,mammooty. You don’t have any right to blame vikram’s acting. He can handle any character at ease. Reports are also said that raavanan is doing good at box office when compare to abhishek bachchan’s raavan.