Raavanan-the modern Ramayana cinematic interpretation from Mani Ratnam, is about trying to tell the other side of the story, from the perspective of Raavanan, the antagonist according to the Hindu mythology.Selective nods to Ramayana are to be seen inthe movie. Like when Sita gets kidnapped it’s watched over by a garuda-hawk, the reference to the number 14, couplet reciting forest guard Hanuman and the conflict instigator by the side of Ram- the humiliation of Raavanan’s sister, although with a twist.
Tamil films are always over the top and Mani Ratnam’s films bring Tamil cinema to a level of believability with not as much high decibel actions as others. Raavanan that ways will be liked by the Tamil audience. I have seen both versions of the bilingual-Raavan and Raavanan and I watched it with my cousin who understands Tamil better than me. And Raavanan is better value for your money..because I think that Tamil is the language that the film was envisioned and dreamed in .In Hindi ..it just looses out in translation and secondly Vikram as Raavanan is way better than Abhishek Bachchan in Raavan.
This film is not plot driven..so much has been said about the plot being a modern interpretation that it those who entered knew it is going to be – ravaayana. Only we were looking for how the narration has been altered to tell the story of the Raavan who has always been painted as the beast .But most of the story runs parallel to the original except that Ram is not as good as we are told to be and he too is corruptible.Though there is just one surprise in the film towards the end …
In a Mani Ratnam film, the locales are a given and guaranteed treat and he prefers real life locations without artificial lighting . The shots of the Athirappilly waterfalls, with its triple thread falls, also seen previously in Dil Se and Guru are noteworthy. There are visually stunning images , reel after reel. I liked Raavanan ,but I have issues regarding its editing . It is just not right with its cuts and editing gets very jerky .Watch Raavanan ,even if with subtitles, that is a better option.
There are huge plot holes that just can’t be ignored .If you prefer a funny review highlighting the plot holes,follow this link. http://www.thevigilidiot.com/2010/06/22/raavan/
