Rudhran review: A tried-and-tested formulaic film from Kathiresan

Kathiresan, who is known more as a producer than as a director, has directed the commercial mass entertainer Rudhran featuring Raghava Lawrence and Priya Bhavani Shankar in the lead.

The film, like most other commercial entertainers that worked a couple of decades ago, has all the elements that the makers of those times considered essential for a movie to appeal to the masses.

It has comedy, mother sentiment, punchlines by the hero, extremely violent blood-curdling action sequences, and fast-paced songs that are aimed at pleasing the fans of the actor and a loud message that cannot be disputed.

Despite all this, Rudhran fails to impress and only works in parts. Here’s why:

Synopsis

Rudhran (Raghava Lawrence) is on a killing spree, brutally butchering the members of the gang of well-known real estate tycoon-cum-don Bhoomi (Sarathkumar).

Bhoomi himself is unsure as to who is targeting his men for he has incurred the wrath of several people over the years.

So, while Rudhran continues to kill Bhoomi’s men one by one, the latter tries to find out who is terrorising his men to take him out.

Why is Rudhran after Bhoomi? Does Bhoomi find out that it is Rudhran who is after him? What happens when the two take on each other? Rudhran offers answers to all these questions and more.

Predictable and exaggerated

The film has a decent story as its plot. It also has a significant and valid message to convey. However, the problem lies in the manner in which it is narrated.

Granted, we all know that the climax of a commercial entertainer will feature a fight between the hero and the villain and that the hero will invariably win it. However, there is something called suspense that makes a revenge thriller work.

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Sadly, in Rudhran, that element takes a backseat as preceding scenes drop adequate hints as to what is to happen next. You can predict proceedings so much so that you know who is going to get killed next.

The movie also has Raghava Lawrence up to his usual tricks, portraying himself as someone with a soul that is as innocent as a child. This might appeal to his fans. But, for others, this might come across as annoying.

Rudhran has the hero delivering too many punchlines which makes you sigh. Then, there are highly exaggerated action sequences that show a lot of bloodshed.

As if the gory visuals weren’t enough, it has a loud background score which turns even louder during fight sequences.

The aim is to intensify the mood of the action sequences. However, all that the background music — which appears for painfully long periods — does is give you a headache.

That’s something HUGE for #Rudhran 🥵🔥

Kadal Raasa’s celebrate their favourite Master @offl_Lawrence on in their style 🥰👌@realsarathkumar @priya_Bshankar @gvprakash @SamCSmusic @RDRajasekar @kathiresan_offl @5starcreationss#RudhranFromTomorrow pic.twitter.com/jhIuLQ7cSv

— Five Star Creations LLP (@5starcreationss) April 13, 2023

Performances

In terms of performances, Priya Bhavani Shankar takes the spotlight. As the calm, composed, self-assured life partner of Rudhran, she delivers an impressive performance.

Other than the sequences where he behaves like a mischievous child, Raghava Lawrence does a neat job. His dancing, in particular, is extraordinary.

Thanks to his exceptional dancing skills, even songs that are out of tune appear enjoyable.

Sarathkumar as villain Bhoomi delivers what is expected of him.

Actors Redin Kingsley, Kaali and Poornima Baghyaraj come up with commendable performances that add value to the film.

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Verdict

In all, Rudhran is a commercial entertainer that works in parts.

(Views expressed are personal.)