Shot 1, Take 1, Lights, Camera, Action!
My first attempt at a movie review, quite unsurprisingly starts with a 'Madras Talkies' home production. A movie I was waiting for with increasing frustration as I sat through some other productions (Housefull, Singam to name a few) that simply insulted the intelligence of the movie going public.
So when Raavan came along, I was all excited. And to summarize how I felt after sitting through the movie, I came off wanting to watch it again - albeit in another language.
For those who want to see a remake of the Ramayan, with the characters etched in similar colours, I would advise that you rent a copy of Sampoorna Ramayanan and quietly watch it at home. For those who don't mind a bit of tinkering around with the original, and for those who don't mind an abstract version of the same being presented to you in a very different perspective, yet on a colourful canvas, book yourself a ticket to see Raavan.
To start with, let me get the negatives out of the way.
As I said earlier, its very abstract. Its like reading a RK Narayan short story - with no beginning and no end. Had there not been a Ramayan written ever, this movie would never raise an eyebrow when it comes to the portrayal of the characters or the thin, short, story line it follows. There has been an attempt to fit in a few characters to the original Ramayana, a few depictions too direct (Like Hanuman) and a few too indirect (like Surpanaka). Its a bit of a hotch potch. It would have been better off if a direct mapping of the characters was not attempted. Yet, what you expect from the movie is important. If you view this with the Ramayan at the back of your mind, you will come off with a few questions only Mani Sir can answer. If you see this as another story, you might rest easy.
And from a strict Mani movie sense, there are a few clichés that will remind you of a Roja or even Guru. Roja for the placement of songs, the movement of the Army, the lighting etc and Guru for some Abhishek-Mani trademarks respectively. Some parts of the BGM also may remind you of Roja.
The action scenes need special mention here. Yes, they were fantastic in one scene and ghastly in another. The trick shots, what we lay men call 'cut and paste' are a bit too evident and could have well been replaced by simpler shots.
On to the positives.
The background for the titles at the beginning is a work of art. The best I have seen so far in Indian movies. I know the titles don't make a movie, but this is worth paying attention to.
The treatment for the entire movie is very Raw and earthy. Its something one can easily relate to. One wont feel alienated throughout the span of the movie. You can feel the pulse. You can feel the surroundings and its easy to be part of it. Maybe the music played a part or maybe it was the cinematography.
Mention cinematography and I am bubbling here. This one single aspect of the movie can be a seller in itself. One can watch the movie just to see the forces of nature captured from angles only Mani and his team of camera men can pull off. The sets blend perfectly into the locations. The characters merge in seamlessly. A couple of scenes worth mentioning are the initial boat crash from under water and the scene with Abhishek spinning on the coracle - with the camera spinning at a slower speed (So far I have never seen the subject as well as the camera spinning together, its usually one or the other).
Abhishek's performance - I sometimes wonder if he is the best actor we have, in spite of all the Khans. Mani's persistence with him is not surprising. He has brought out the best in him till date. As for Ash, though plastic in some scenes, she has done justice to Mani's addiction to her as well. Vikram - as Dev has had limited scope. I want to see him as Raavanan for sure. The casting overall is very pleasing.
The very fact that the story is abstract in itself adds a beauty to it. A limited space has been explored thoroughly. Its like reading an abridged version of an epic. The highlight is on three characters. Making it easier and simpler to follow. A different perspective to any story is always welcome and that's what has been provided. Each perspective presents you with a unique understanding. What you see is what you believe. Raavan is worth it!
My take on Raavan's 10 heads:
Abstract :-)
Bold :-|
Raw :-)
Scenic :-)
Distinct :-)
Abridged :-|
Clichéd :-(
Assorted :-(
Techniquement au point :-)
Maniratnam :-)
