Rathnam: A Movie Review

Rathnam Movie Review: A Predictable Action Drama That Lacks Innovation

A Familiar Action Formula

Director Hari, known for his adrenaline-pumping action films like Saamy and Singham, takes a different route with Rathnam. Starring Vishal in the lead role, the film attempts to blend action with a social message but ultimately falls short due to a lack of originality. Despite some well-choreographed fight sequences, Rathnam struggles with outdated storytelling and predictable execution, making it a disappointment for those expecting a fresh take on the action genre.

A Tale of Power and Morality

The movie follows Rathnam (played by Vishal), the son of a vegetable vendor, who becomes the right-hand man of local rowdy Paneer Selvam (Samuthirakani). Together, they establish a kangaroo court, an extrajudicial system where justice is served outside the legal framework. As Paneer Selvam rises to the position of MLA, their hold over the area strengthens, but their moral compass is put to the test when they go up against corrupt land-grabbing tycoons.

The story also weaves in Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), an aspiring medical student who finds herself caught in the crossfire. As Rathnam takes on the role of her protector, the film attempts to add emotional depth, but it is overshadowed by repetitive action sequences and an all-too-familiar narrative structure.

Performances: Vishal Delivers, But the Script Fails Him

Vishal does his best to bring energy to the film, portraying Rathnam as a loyal yet ruthless enforcer. His screen presence is commanding, and he performs the action sequences convincingly. However, his character lacks depth, making it difficult for the audience to emotionally invest in his journey.

Priya Bhavani Shankar plays the damsel in distress but has limited scope in the narrative. Yogi Babu provides occasional comic relief, but his humor fails to land effectively. Samuthirakani, portraying the morally ambiguous Paneer Selvam, gives a solid performance, though his character remains largely one-dimensional.

Positives: What Works in Rathnam

1. Well-Choreographed Action Sequences

Director Hari’s signature style of intense, fast-paced action remains intact. The fight sequences are creatively choreographed and maintain the film’s overall energy. Fans of commercial action films may find these moments engaging.

2. Vishal’s Strong Screen Presence

Despite a weak script, Vishal manages to hold the film together with his performance. His ability to portray a rugged, fearless enforcer suits the role well.

3. A Different Tone from Director Hari

Hari attempts to tone down the over-the-top action and excessive loudness that characterized his previous films. While this change is noticeable, it does not necessarily elevate the storytelling.

**Negatives: Where Rathnam Falls Short**

1. Outdated and Predictable Storytelling

The biggest flaw of Rathnam is its reliance on clichés. The “rowdy with a golden heart” trope has been done to death, and the film fails to introduce anything new to the formula. The conflict between good and evil is simplistic, making it feel like a rehash of countless action dramas from the past.

2. Weak Character Development

Apart from Rathnam, no character has a compelling arc. Paneer Selvam’s rise to power lacks depth, and Mallika’s role is underdeveloped. Even the antagonists, who should have been menacing, feel generic and forgettable.

3. Slow-Paced First Half

The film takes too long to establish its premise. The first half, filled with repetitive scenes and unnecessary drama, drags down the momentum. The second half picks up the pace, but by then, the audience’s interest may have waned.

4. Lack of Innovation in Cinematography and Music

While the film avoids excessive loudness, the cinematography and background score do little to enhance the overall impact. The visuals are standard, and the music by Bheems Ceciroleo fails to leave a lasting impression.

Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag

Aspect	Verdict
Direction	Hari makes an attempt to break away from his usual formula but doesn’t fully succeed.
Cinematography	Lacks innovation; action sequences are well-shot but overall visuals feel dated.
Music	Bheems Ceciroleo’s background score is underwhelming and forgettable.
Production Design	Sufficient for the film’s setting but doesn’t stand out.
Editing	Could have been tighter, especially in the first half.

Audience Expectations vs. Reality

With Hari’s reputation for delivering high-octane action dramas, Rathnam was expected to be another engaging film in the genre. However, its outdated storytelling and lack of fresh ideas left many viewers disappointed. The film’s reliance on old tropes, without adding any new twists, makes it predictable and uninspiring.

Critical Reception and Box Office Prospects

With an average rating of 1.5 stars, Rathnam has failed to impress critics. Many have pointed out its lack of originality, repetitive storytelling, and weak character development as major flaws. The film’s underwhelming reception is likely to impact its box office performance negatively, making it difficult for it to recover production costs.

A Forgettable Action Drama

Despite Vishal’s commendable effort and well-choreographed fight scenes, Rathnam struggles due to its outdated narrative and lack of innovation. Hari’s attempt at a more subdued approach does little to elevate the film, making it feel like a missed opportunity.

For fans of commercial action films, Rathnam might offer brief moments of excitement, but for those looking for something fresh and engaging, this film falls short.

⭐ Final Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐

FAQs

What is Rathnam about?
Rathnam follows the journey of a man who becomes the right-hand man of a local rowdy-turned-MLA and navigates a world of crime and politics.

Who are the lead actors in Rathnam?
The film stars Vishal in the lead role, alongside Priya Bhavani Shankar, Yogi Babu, and Samuthirakani.

Is Rathnam worth watching in theaters?
Unless you’re a hardcore fan of Vishal or action-packed films with no expectations of originality, Rathnam might not be worth a theater visit.

How does Rathnam compare to Hari’s previous films?
Unlike Saamy or Singham, Rathnam tones down the action but fails to bring anything new to the table. It lacks the engaging storytelling that made Hari’s previous films successful.

What are the biggest flaws in Rathnam?
The film suffers from a predictable storyline, weak character development, slow pacing in the first half, and a lack of innovation in action and cinematography.

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Last Updated on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 3:13 pm by Admin