Raayan

"Raayan," directed by Dhanush in his second directorial venture, premiered on 26 July 2024, coinciding with Dhanush's birthday. The film, produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, features Dhanush in the titular role alongside a robust ensemble cast including S. J. Suryah, Selvaraghavan, Kalidas Jayaram, and Aparna Balamurali. Despite mixed critical reception, the film proved a commercial success, establishing itself as the second highest-grossing Tamil film of 2024 and the highest-grossing A-rated Tamil film of all time.

The plot centres around Kathavaraayan "Raayan," a fast-food hotel owner in North Chennai, who is thrust into a violent conflict between rival gangs. Raayan, who has been the sole guardian of his siblings since childhood, finds his life upended when his younger brother Muthu kills a member of rival gangster Sethu's crew. This incident ignites a deadly feud between Raayan's family and the gangs. As Sethu seeks retribution, Raayan is drawn into a whirlwind of violence and betrayal, culminating in intense confrontations and tragic personal losses.

Principal photography for "Raayan" commenced in July 2023, with key scenes shot at East Coast Road in Chennai and Adhitya Ram Studios. A significant portion of the film was also shot in Karaikudi. The film’s production was marked by challenges, including initial delays and a shift in the project's direction, but ultimately concluded successfully by mid-December 2023. The film’s music, composed by A. R. Rahman, received notable praise, complementing the film’s gritty narrative.

The film's initial release date was set for 13 June 2024 but was postponed, eventually hitting theatres on 26 July 2024. This delay aligned the film with Dhanush's birthday celebrations, boosting its promotional impact. Despite the film's A-rating and mixed reviews, "Raayan" managed to captivate audiences with its high-octane action sequences and strong performances, particularly from Dhanush and Rahman. The film grossed over ₹200 crore worldwide, a testament to its commercial appeal.

Critical responses were varied. While some reviewers praised the film's engaging performances and Rahman's score, others criticised the plot and pacing, especially in the post-interval portions. Rohit Panikker of Times Now and Divya Nair of Rediff found the film gripping, albeit violent, one-time watch. Conversely, critics like Janani K of India Today and B. V. S. Prakash of Deccan Chronicle noted emotional depth and narrative coherence shortcomings.

Regarding distribution, Sun Pictures released the film in Tamil Nadu through Red Giant Movies, with Asian Suresh Entertainment handling the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana markets. The film was also distributed internationally by Ayngaran International and other regional distributors. Home media rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video, where the film began streaming on 23 August 2024.

Overall, "Raayan" is a significant entry in Tamil cinema, demonstrating Dhanush’s multifaceted talent as an actor and director. While the film's reception highlighted areas for improvement, its success at the box office and Rahman's impactful music contribute to its standing as a noteworthy cinematic experience.