“Raayan,” a 2024 Indian Tamil-language action crime film, marks Dhanush’s 50th appearance as a leading actor and his second venture as a director. Produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, this film is a significant milestone in Dhanush’s illustrious career. Let’s dive into the details of this remarkable project.
Plot Synopsis
Set in the 1990s, “Raayan” centers around Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” the eldest of four siblings. His family faces a tragic turn of events when his parents leave, never to return, leaving Raayan to raise his siblings alone. Moving from their hometown to North Chennai, Raayan becomes a fast-food hotel owner. The narrative explores themes of family, loyalty, and revenge as Raayan and his siblings navigate the treacherous underworld of Chennai.
Character Analysis
Dhanush as Kathavaraayan “Raayan”: As the titular character, Dhanush delivers a powerful performance, showcasing his range as an actor. Raayan is a complex character, embodying strength, resilience, and vulnerability.
Supporting Characters:
- S. J. Suryah as Sethuraman “Sethu”: A formidable antagonist with a thirst for revenge.
- Prakash Raj as Sargunam: The cunning police commissioner orchestrating conflicts.
- Selvaraghavan as Sekhar: Adds depth to the narrative with his unique portrayal.
- Sundeep Kishan as Muthuvelraayan “Muthu”: Raayan’s hot-headed brother.
- Kalidas Jayaram as Manickavelraayan “Manickam”: The studious sibling, bringing balance to the family dynamics.
- Dushara Vijayan as Durga: The beloved sister, central to Raayan’s motivations.
Production Journey
The journey began with an announcement in January 2023 under the tentative title D50. As Dhanush’s dream project, it faced several delays but finally commenced principal photography in July 2023. Filming locations included East Coast Road in Chennai and Adhitya Ram Studios, with additional schedules in Karaikudi.
Casting Decisions
The casting process saw several notable inclusions:
- Kalidas Jayaram replaced Vishnu Vishal due to scheduling conflicts.
- Dushara Vijayan and S. J. Suryah played pivotal roles, enhancing the film’s dynamic.
- Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Saravanan were confirmed in late February 2024, adding to the film’s star-studded ensemble.
Filming Process
The filming began with an inaugural puja ceremony on 5 July 2023. The major sets, including a massive setup with 500 houses, were built at Adithya Ram Studios in Chennai. The second schedule in mid-November in Karaikudi wrapped up by mid-December, marking the end of principal photography.
Post-Production Details
Post-production saw significant contributions from visual effects supervisors Sumesh Gopal and Anish Dayanandan. The dubbing was completed by early March 2024, and A. R. Rahman concluded the re-recording session in May.
Music and Soundtrack
A. R. Rahman composed the music marking his fourth collaboration with Dhanush. The soundtrack includes:
- “Adangaatha Asuran”
- “Water Packet”
- “Raayan Rumble” The album was launched on 6 July 2024, featuring a blend of powerful and melodic tracks.
Marketing Strategy
The marketing campaign for this film included the release of first-look posters on 19 February 2024 and character posters throughout late February. The trailer, launched on 16 July, garnered significant attention, boosting anticipation.
Release and Distribution
Initially set for 13 June 2024, the release was postponed to 26 July 2024, coinciding with Dhanush’s birthday week. The film was released in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, with Sun Pictures handling distribution in Tamil Nadu and various other distributors managing other regions.
Critical Reception
“Raayan” received mixed reviews. Critics praised Dhanush’s performance, direction, and Rahman’s score but critiqued the storyline and post-interval writing. Notable reviews include:
- Times Now: 3.5/5 stars, highlighting the film’s intensity.
- The Times of India: 3/5 stars, appreciating the raw setting and character vulnerabilities.
- Pinkvilla: 3/5 stars, noting the blend of modern twists with traditional elements.
Box Office Performance
Film had a strong opening, grossing ₹12 crore worldwide on its first day, making it the second-highest first-day gross for a Tamil film in 2024. It surpassed “Karnan” to become Dhanush’s biggest opening film.
Raayan: Dhanush’s Career-Best Opening with Rs. 23.75 Crore Worldwide First-Day Collection
“Raayan,” the latest Tamil film starring Dhanush, has achieved an exceptional opening at the Indian box office, marking the actor’s career-best collection. On its first day, the film grossed Rs. 16 crore domestically and an additional USD 900K (Rs. 7.50 crore) from overseas markets, totaling a staggering Rs. 23.75 crore worldwide.
Record-Breaking Performance in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, this film set a new benchmark for Dhanush by grossing nearly Rs. 11 crore on its opening day. This impressive figure surpasses the previous first-day record held by “Karnan” in 2021, which grossed Rs. 11.25 crore. Despite facing competition from Hollywood releases like “Deadpool” and “Wolverine,” which occupied several screenings in larger multiplexes, this film managed to dominate the box office.
Strong Start Across India and Overseas
Domestic Performance:
- Tamil Nadu: Rs. 11.00 crore
- Andhra Pradesh/Telangana: Rs. 2.25 crore
- Karnataka: Rs. 1.80 crore
- Kerala: Rs. 0.85 crore
- Rest of India: Rs. 0.35 crore
Overseas Performance:
- Middle East: USD 325,000
- United States: USD 90,000
- Canada: USD 65,000
- Malaysia: USD 125,000
- Singapore: USD 70,000
- Rest of Asia: USD 35,000
- UK: USD 80,000
- Rest of Europe: USD 50,000
- Oceania: USD 50,000
- Rest of World: USD 10,000
Overall Box Office Collections
- India: Rs. 16.25 crore
- Overseas: USD 900,000 (Rs. 7.50 crore)
- Worldwide Total: Rs. 23.75 crore
Reception and Future Prospects
The initial audience reception for “Raayan” appears positive, indicating strong weekend collections that could surpass Rs. 30 crore in Tamil Nadu alone. The Telugu dubbed version performed decently with Rs. 2.25 crore in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Karnataka and Kerala also reported record numbers for a Dhanush film. However, the Hindi dubbed version was less successful, earning only Rs. 25 lakhs on its first day.
Conclusion
“Raayan” stands as a testament to Dhanush’s versatility as an actor and director. Despite mixed reviews, the film’s strong performances and captivating music make it a significant entry in Tamil cinema. Dhanush’s future as a director looks promising, with “Raayan” showcasing his potential to create compelling narratives.
FAQs
- Who directed “Raayan”?
- directed by Dhanush, marking his second directorial venture.
- What is the plot ?
- “Raayan” follows Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” a fast-food hotel owner in North Chennai, who seeks revenge on the gangs that ruined his family.
- Who composed the music ?
- The music was composed by A. R. Rahman.
- How was “Raayan” received by critics?
- Film received mixed reviews, with praise for Dhanush’s performance and Rahman’s score, but criticism for the storyline and post-interval writing.
- What was the box office performance ?
- grossed ₹12 crore on its opening day, becoming the second-highest first-day gross for a Tamil film in 2024.