Raatchasan movie review: Intimidating and disturbing

Director: Ram Kumar

Cast: Vishnu Vishal, Amala Paul, Ramadoss, Kali Venkat.

Ram Kumar who gave us a rollicking comedy Mundasupatty has opted for a hardcore psychological thriller Raatchasan, which is intimidating and disturbing. And he has once again teamed up with Vishnu Vishal, Ramadoss and Kali Venkat.

Arun Kumar (Vishnu Vishal) is an aspiring filmmaker and has done intense research on serial killers across the globe for his maiden script and directorial venture. Unfortunately, several producers citing the reason that the script is being too serious and dark turn it down. This probably seems to the inspired by director Ram Kumar’s real life. To put it in his words –‘I wanted to make this script as my first film and I had at least met 20 producers who refused to make it as they felt it is grim and gloomy’.

Owing to the pressure from his mother and brother-in-law (Ramadoss) who is a cop, Arun takes up a job in the police department, which he gets out of compassionate quota. Though he reluctantly begins his job, a series of murders involving 15-year-old girls in a ghastly manner takes place in the city, and Arun decides to investigate the cases. With his research coming in handy, Arun quickly realizes that it is the work of a psycho killer. But his ego bloated superior officer Lakshmy (Susan) would not accept his theory and asks him to keep away from the case.

Meanwhile, Arun faces a personal loss and how he unravels the truth and pins down the killer forms the reminder, with the screenplay offering a good dose of twists and turns.

Vishnu Vishal who has the flair for choosing different scripts proves his versatility. With his fitting body to suit the role, he has given a remarkable feat. All the same, he uses his brain rather than brawn to investigate the case. He is equally impressive in emotional scenes. Amala Paul who plays a teacher and romantic interest (sans a romantic song) of Vishnu is just about adequate in a small role. Ramadoss is a revelation and is a scene-stealer. All others Susan, Kaali Venkat and the girls do their part well.

The first half is distressing and what’s the need for the character of a perverted male teacher Inbaraj and the scenes involving his female students? Perhaps, Ram Kumar wanted to divert the attention from the real culprit. However, there’s a message to parents in those segment. Also, the back-story of why the person turns a psycho killer in not very convincing. On the whole, the narrative is spine chilling and the climax action portions are captured in a thrilling manner.

Ghibran’s music especially his intriguing background score provides the ultimate thrill factor. PV Shankar’s cinematography raises the tension. The film is bit long and an urgent trimming is needed.