10 heads

Raavanan is one of Mani Ratnam's best works so far. I think he's learned quite a few things from his previous ambitious project, the bi-lingual "Aitha Ezhuthu/Yuva" which fell flat on it ass.

Everyone knows the story of Raavanan - or at least the part which matters. He kidnaps Sita in revenge for the humiliation suffered by his sister Surpanakha's whose nose/ear is cut off by Raman's younger bro Lakshmana. Raman goes in search of Sita and then a bloody battle ensues...

The movie unabashedly transplants this story into the modern-day Indian forest, complete with references to the epic. The difference is that Mani chooses to explore the man behind the Raavanan mask, and maybe explore an "alternate future" where Raman character isn't really the Captain America/Barney/Ilaya Thalapathy Vijay whom everyone thinks he is. Or maybe it is an attempt to say that epics often get re-enacted in real life all the time, with alternate forms.

For most Tamil cinema viewers, there would seem to be a no story here - it's a "wafer-thin" plot which is predictable. However, it is precisely this wafer-thin plot that Mani Ratnam takes his time with, fleshing out each character, and lovingly painting a picture. No "Villu" here, sorry.

Vikram's acting as Raavanan (or 'Veera' as he is known in the movie) is unparalled. All the more that people can actually compare his performance with Abishek Bachan's protrayal of the same character in the Hindi "Raavan". Vikram totally transformed himself into a multi-dimensional character is capable of both bottomless hate and unselfish love. The little mannerisms he adds here and there add up to a larger-than-life Veera, respected headman of his people, fearless for his life and clear in his conscience.

The background score and songs supported the mood of the movie. AR Rahman composed a few outstanding songs, with the best of it unfortunately not being included in the CD album.

One of the movie's greatest strengths lay in its photography - there is something in the artistic human eye which cannot be captured by 3D technology.

If you enjoy watching Vikram and like great cinematography, and wouldn't mind Aishwarya trying to scowl, and love AR Rahman's music, this movie's worth it.