'Raattinam' a film with newcomers in each and every department made a bit of noise when its audio rights was bought by Sony Music and during the launch, Gautham Vasudev Menon appreciated the film sky-high and coined the film as the 'Vinnathaandi Varuvaayaa' of Thoothukudi. This statement from him made people aware of the film and the initial response from the directors circuit was very encouraging. What does this film has to offer since its about juvenile love and most Tamizh cinema patrons are accustomed to watching this subject on-screen plenty of times?
The film comprises of newcomers and most of them did a commendable job. Though at times it looks amateurish, they are ought to be appreciated for delivering realistic and natural performances. Laghubaran, an assistant director to Bhoopathi Pandian makes his entry to Tamizh cinema as the protagonist of the film. Being an assistant director, he understood the nuances of acting and did his best to come out with a simple and neat performance. Swathi, the female lead did what was apt for the role she carried out and was convincing as a naive schoolgirl. Among the supporting characters, Ajay makes an impression with his comedy as the protagonist's friend. Also, the director K.S Thangaswamy himself plays a role, which is of a small-time politician-wannabe and elder brother of the protagonist. Both of them were the best among the lot but credits to each and every other artistes such as Raja, Tharun, director Kanagu, Revathi, Usha Elizabeth Suraj and etc.
Technical wise, the film carries simple and necessary work demanded by the script. 'Knock Out' Nandha's stunts was realistic which were mostly about struggles and hassles rather than punches and kicks. R. Shankar did a simple job with the choreography. Mani Karthik's art direction was spot-on. Be it the living room of the house of the characters, the office premises and etc. The necessary detailing were there. Gopi Krishna's editing could have been better, especially in the build-up towards the climax. P.Raj Sundar's cinematography captures the nook and corners of Thoothukudi and the color tone used for the film gave it a natural feel throughout. Could improve more. Manu Ramesan, the music director gave simple tunes which passes muster. All songs were shot in montage sequences. "Yethu Yethu", the only dance number was picturized on the protagonist and his bunch of friends. It was shot in and around the streets and the harbour of Thoothukudi. "Yenakkule" a short number, was shot on the lead pair with the first sign of blossoming love on the side of the protagonist. Locations mostly covers the houses, school and tea-stall. "Asathum" the first love song also follows the same trend and locations. "Yelle Pulla" was shot in Thiruchendoor and it is the pick of the lot. "Yeno" the pathos song, was shot based on the separation of the lead pair and the final song "Yaakkai Sutrum" comes during a pivotal time of the screenplay. The background score too sounds decent. With more opportunities, Manu Ramesan can come up with good scores.
The film manages to impress us to some extent, thanks to the apt casting and performance of the artistes involved. Kudos to the director in pulling it off. Also, K.S Thangasamy must be appreciated for sketching each characters well and making them look believable and natural instead of being cinematic. The plus point of the characters, is that they are not entirely black-or-white, which is often the case in Tamizh cinema. Whereas, they are filled with warm colors, which enables us to sympathize or even empathize with the characters. How the characters behave in particular situations, mirrors what really happens in real-life, which gives the movie a 'short-film' look. What makes the storyline different than the usual teenage love stories, is that the focus is on the families of the lead pair this time, instead on the pair themselves. The implications and after-effects of the decisions of the lead pair, on their family members, were captured very well and also written well by the director. Keeping the best for the last, the director comes up with a shocking twist in the climax and he should be lauded for this realistic portrayal. The small problem with the twist is that, it was not properly built-up and was presented in a jarring manner, which leaves the viewers dumbfounded.
'Raattinam' is a worthy-watch and director K.S Thangaswamy has the potential to develop into a good director. The film works for its simplicity, natural performance and the different point of view of the director. The movie would have been even better, if the climax was presented in a more convincing manner.
Ratings: 2.5/5 STARS
BY:TAMIL
The film comprises of newcomers and most of them did a commendable job. Though at times it looks amateurish, they are ought to be appreciated for delivering realistic and natural performances. Laghubaran, an assistant director to Bhoopathi Pandian makes his entry to Tamizh cinema as the protagonist of the film. Being an assistant director, he understood the nuances of acting and did his best to come out with a simple and neat performance. Swathi, the female lead did what was apt for the role she carried out and was convincing as a naive schoolgirl. Among the supporting characters, Ajay makes an impression with his comedy as the protagonist's friend. Also, the director K.S Thangaswamy himself plays a role, which is of a small-time politician-wannabe and elder brother of the protagonist. Both of them were the best among the lot but credits to each and every other artistes such as Raja, Tharun, director Kanagu, Revathi, Usha Elizabeth Suraj and etc.
Technical wise, the film carries simple and necessary work demanded by the script. 'Knock Out' Nandha's stunts was realistic which were mostly about struggles and hassles rather than punches and kicks. R. Shankar did a simple job with the choreography. Mani Karthik's art direction was spot-on. Be it the living room of the house of the characters, the office premises and etc. The necessary detailing were there. Gopi Krishna's editing could have been better, especially in the build-up towards the climax. P.Raj Sundar's cinematography captures the nook and corners of Thoothukudi and the color tone used for the film gave it a natural feel throughout. Could improve more. Manu Ramesan, the music director gave simple tunes which passes muster. All songs were shot in montage sequences. "Yethu Yethu", the only dance number was picturized on the protagonist and his bunch of friends. It was shot in and around the streets and the harbour of Thoothukudi. "Yenakkule" a short number, was shot on the lead pair with the first sign of blossoming love on the side of the protagonist. Locations mostly covers the houses, school and tea-stall. "Asathum" the first love song also follows the same trend and locations. "Yelle Pulla" was shot in Thiruchendoor and it is the pick of the lot. "Yeno" the pathos song, was shot based on the separation of the lead pair and the final song "Yaakkai Sutrum" comes during a pivotal time of the screenplay. The background score too sounds decent. With more opportunities, Manu Ramesan can come up with good scores.
The film manages to impress us to some extent, thanks to the apt casting and performance of the artistes involved. Kudos to the director in pulling it off. Also, K.S Thangasamy must be appreciated for sketching each characters well and making them look believable and natural instead of being cinematic. The plus point of the characters, is that they are not entirely black-or-white, which is often the case in Tamizh cinema. Whereas, they are filled with warm colors, which enables us to sympathize or even empathize with the characters. How the characters behave in particular situations, mirrors what really happens in real-life, which gives the movie a 'short-film' look. What makes the storyline different than the usual teenage love stories, is that the focus is on the families of the lead pair this time, instead on the pair themselves. The implications and after-effects of the decisions of the lead pair, on their family members, were captured very well and also written well by the director. Keeping the best for the last, the director comes up with a shocking twist in the climax and he should be lauded for this realistic portrayal. The small problem with the twist is that, it was not properly built-up and was presented in a jarring manner, which leaves the viewers dumbfounded.
'Raattinam' is a worthy-watch and director K.S Thangaswamy has the potential to develop into a good director. The film works for its simplicity, natural performance and the different point of view of the director. The movie would have been even better, if the climax was presented in a more convincing manner.
Ratings: 2.5/5 STARS
BY:TAMIL
