Rathnam review: This formulaic run-of-the mill drama is late by two decades

The story of Rathnam unfolds along the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, where Nagari MLA Panniru (portrayed by Samuthirakhani) relies on Rathnam (played by Vishal) as his trusted aide.

Just the mention of Rathnam’s name is enough to strike fear into everyone in the vicinity.

Meanwhile, in the Tiruthani region, Lingam (depicted by Murali Sharma) is pushing the boundaries of his influence.

Lingam’s henchmen attempt to kill Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar). Coincidentally, this attack is planned in the same area where Rathnam is located.

Despite the danger, Rathnam courageously intervenes to save Mallika. He is determined to protect Mallika at all costs, and shadows her every move, guarding her against further threats.

What is the backstory of Rathnam and his family? Where does he come from? What is the connection between Mallika and Rathnam’s mother Ranganayaki (also portrayed by Priya Bhavani Shankar)? What’s the future of Mallika?—is the story in short.

Analysis

While watching  Rathnam, it is hard to shake off the feeling of déjà vu because every frame is similar to director Hari’s previous flicks.

Offering nothing particularly innovative with the same familiar territory and the action sequences — though well-executed — the movie follows the same formula we’ve seen in countless films before.

Hari’s style of making is fast-paced, slick screenplay and adrenaline-pumping chase scenes. But all fell flat.

It is unclear why Hari deliberately wanted this cinematic style in the story which appears late by at least two decades.

And so is the portrayal of antagonists which makes you feel why this story arrived so late by two decades.

Overall, Rathnam may deliver on the expectations of fans of Hari’s signature style, but it falls short of offering anything truly groundbreaking or original compared to the current moviemaking trend.

Refreshing variation in Hari’s screenplay

Hari’s screenplay for Rathnam introduces a refreshing variation from the conventional hero-heroine dynamics that we typically get to watch in mainstream cinema.

Avoiding the usual romantic tropes, Hari has not included any duets or intimate scenes between the lead characters. Instead, he crafts a unique relationship between the lead pair.

The absence of a traditional romantic track is compensated by the episode of the maternal bond between the female lead and protagonist Rathnam. This unconventional setup adds depth to their interactions.

Not often do you see this fresh perspective getting explored in mainstream cinema?

Maintaining a consistent tempo throughout the narrative, this innovative approach emerges as the standout feature of the film, distinguishing it from the routine offerings of the genre.

The second half encounters a notable shift in the story’s tone. The comedy episodes lack emotional depth and fall short of connecting properly with the audience.

The narrative gets draggy after the first half. The plot and its twists can be easily predicted, rendering the climax unimpressive and formulaic.

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Technical crafts

Rathnam looks technically good.

Hari’s signature style is evident in the lighting and camera work and reminds his previous Tamil films.

However, the impact of the songs is negligible. The focus has been primarily on the background score. This Tamil movie atmosphere didn’t perfectly transform as a native Telugu film.

Performances

Yogi Babu’s dialogue evokes silly comedy. Most of the lines he spoke looked forced and lacklustre. The film’s duration appears overly extended.

The lag in the second half could have been avoided with tighter editing and pacing. Overall, Rathnam showcases technical competence, particularly in visual aesthetics. There are areas where refinement is needed.

Vishal seems to have carved out a niche for himself in Telugu and Tamil cinema alike. However, in this particular film, he falls short of bringing anything innovative to the forefront.

Priya Bhavani Shankar’s character, on the other hand, shines with significant depth and importance, while Samuthirakhani delivers a commendable performance in his supporting role.

Murali Sharma’s portrayal appears somewhat revitalised, injecting a fresh energy into the narrative.

Verdict

If you buy a ticket anticipating Hari’s trademark signature-style filmmaking, this Rathnam stroke is much heavier than the usual sunstroke this week. Regrettably, the third collaboration between Vishal and Hari is way late by two decades.

(Views expressed here are personal.)