Rathnam Movie Review

“Rathnam,” directed by Hari and starring Vishal, was released in theaters on April 26, 2024. Despite high expectations, the film has been met with critical disappointment, with many reviewers highlighting its outdated narrative and lack of innovation.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, “Rathnam” follows the story of Rathnam (Vishal), an orphan who becomes the trusted aide of MLA Panneerselvan (Samuthirakani). Their brand of vigilantism is portrayed as a force for good, operating under a moral code to assist those in need. The plot thickens when Rathnam encounters Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a nurse preparing for her NEET exam, who becomes entangled in a land dispute with the antagonistic Rayudu brothers. As Rathnam delves deeper into Mallika’s plight, connections to his own past emerge, propelling the narrative forward.

Critical Reception

The film has been critiqued for its reliance on clichéd tropes and a formulaic approach. Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times describes “Rathnam” as “old wine in an old bottle,” noting that while the film is replete with high-octane action sequences, it suffers from a lack of coherent storytelling and emotional depth. She points out that the narrative meanders, with scenes that fail to contribute meaningfully to the plot, resulting in a disengaging experience for the audience.

Similarly, Janani K of India Today assigns the film a rating of 2 out of 5 stars, criticizing its haphazard screenplay and logical inconsistencies. She observes that the non-linear narration and multiple subplots prevent viewers from forming a cohesive understanding of the story, leading to a lack of emotional investment. The film’s melodramatic tone and over-the-top background score further detract from its overall impact.

Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express echoes these sentiments, awarding the film 1.5 out of 5 stars. He remarks that “Rathnam” feels like a rehash of Hari’s earlier works, lacking the freshness and relevance needed for contemporary audiences. Despite attempts at creative action sequences, the film’s outdated storytelling and character development render it ineffective.

 

Performances and Technical Aspects

Vishal’s portrayal of Rathnam has been deemed adequate, though critics note that the material does not allow him to showcase his full potential. Priya Bhavani Shankar delivers a competent performance as Mallika, but the underdeveloped script limits the depth of her character. Supporting actors, including Samuthirakani and Murali Sharma, provide standard performances that align with the film’s conventional narrative.

The film’s music, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, has been criticized for its lack of memorable songs and an overbearing background score that overwhelms rather than enhances the viewing experience. The action sequences, while abundant, have been described as lacking innovation, contributing to the film’s overall sense of redundancy.

Conclusion

“Rathnam” attempts to deliver a mass-market action drama but falls short due to its reliance on outdated storytelling techniques and a lack of narrative cohesion. The film’s inability to engage audiences with fresh content or compelling character arcs results in a viewing experience that feels both familiar and uninspired. For viewers seeking innovative storytelling and dynamic performances, “Rathnam” may not meet expectations.