Raavanan -- Amazing cinematography and a versatile Vikram.

Lots of film coming based on the stories of Indian epics. Two weeks after ‘Rajneeti’ was released, which was based on the epic, ‘Mahabharata’, here comes ‘Raavanan’, a film based on the epic, ‘Ramayana’. Perhaps this is the most anticipated film in recent times. Rightly so given the cast and crew assembled. Produced and directed by Mani Ratnam, ‘Raavanan’ stars Vikram, Aishwarya Rai and Prithviraj in the lead roles. The other cast comprises Prabhu, Karthik and Priyamani. This time retelling us the epic Ramayanam. As with any film of Mani Ratnam, the expectations are pretty high and when he combines with a power house of talent like Vikram the expectations only reach dizzying heights. The film also marks the reunion of Prabhu and Karthik with Mani Ratnam after 'Agni Natchathiram' nearly two decades ago.

The film is basically an attempt to forge the legendary Ramayana into today’s age but then, it is a very poor attempt. At one point, it looks like the makers got confused as to how they must portray the characters and it leaves a question mark on the audience’s face. Right at the start, we get the feeling of reaching half the plot so there is nothing much left to be desired. The movie revolves around the thief and cop chase after Vikram abrupts Ash. The plot takes the leaf out of Ramayana's most memorable chapter. Raavan abducted Sita, wife of Lord Rama, which resulted in a battle that ended with Rama vanquishing the ten-headed demon king. The twist in the plot comes in the form of Ragini questioning her own beliefs. Even though she wants to get rid of her abductor, she also sympathizes with him, developing a bond with Veera(Vikram) without knowing it. The first half of the film moves at snails pace and continues in the same vein till the climax when Dev and Veera face each other. Mani Rathnam's vision goes like this, Raaman can be a bad guy, Raavavan could be a good guy. Nothing really radical here by the way of treatment of narrative.

Mani Rathnam has often said that he lets his technicians do half his work and mind you he works only with the best in the country as in the lights of Santhosh Sivan and A.R Rahman. While the technicians have done a fabulous job, Mani sir hasn't kept his part off the bargain. It is more of a visual treat to the rain drenched forests and water falls of Athirampally and less of a love story. The technical finesse was highly impressive. The cinematography was the best till date in an Indian movie. It was mind blowing. Hats off to the Santhosh Sivan for his 'Cinematic Genius'. The song sequences were forced on the narrative but choreographed really well.

The film excels in the music department too with songs composed by A R Rahman. Vikram delivered one of his best performance and portrayed the character of Veera with consummate ease. With varied expressions, with a change of gait, with studied body language, Vikram portrays the protagonist so impressively that you cannot help admit this is the best he's been, in years. Aishwarya looks beautiful and she played her part well. Prithviraj was disappointing. He tried to outsmart Vikram in many combination scenes but the efforts were futile. Karthik didn't get the chance to show his mettle yet his body language and expressions proved he has got substance, Priyamani was good, Prabhu was effective, others didn't have anything to offer or add value.

Watch it if you are fan of all the big names attached to it. If Mani Sir's entire technical crew and Vikram’s acting skills are the positives for the movie; thin story line, sluggish narration and poor screenplay are the negatives. It is tough to rate this film, and yet to say that this film is going to be a great watch.

My Verdict : 3.2 / 5