Film- Rathnam
Director- Hari
Cast- Vishal, Priya Bhavani Shankar,Yogi Babu, Samuthirakani, Murali Sharma, Hareesh Peradi, Vijaykumar, Rajendran.
An outdated story line, over indulgence in violence and gore, overdone mother-sentiment that makes sure the narrative leaves no room for romance, and a futile attempt to give an age old plot a contemporary feel, makes this film a tiresome watch.
The plot revolves around Rathnam an orphan, mentored by Panneer a politician, Rathnam his trusted lieutenant. At a point Rathnam putting his life in danger, turns protector to Mallika, who was being hounded and assaulted by a gang of goons working for Bheema Rayudu ,a dreaded thug.
The screenplay has many wasted moments. But the one episode it could have done without is the Brahmin- angle, an add-on ‘twist’ that could have been totally dispensed with. For, apart from removing the most ridiculous part of the narrative, it would have also helped shorten the film’s runtime to a great extent.
Contemporary film makers are prone to use a lot of ‘slasher’ kind of violence to pep up their narrative. Hari indulges in it too. But it becomes a tad too much to take after a while, it seeming like the action moments were planned first and the scenes written around them
It’s a cakewalk for Vishal for whom action is not new territory. Priya Bhavani Shankar has fitted in suitably within the parameters of her role. For Samuthirakani, playing Rathnam’s mentor is no difficult task. The director towards the second half makes a futile attempt to add some humour to the scenario by bringing in Rajendran and team.
Rathnam’ (156 minutes) is a long tedious journey, that with its mindless violence, unleashed with a lot of sound and noise, leaves one with a drained exhausted feel.
Malini Mannath
Malini Mannath 