'Raatchasan' Review: : A flawless, nail-biting thriller

The film opens with Arun (Vishnu), an aspiring filmmaker, dreaming about shooting a murder scene for his film. Later, he succumbs to the pressure from his family, who insist that Arun becomes a police officer like his late father. His uncle Doss (Muneeskanth) is a cop and Arun ends up being a sub-inspector in his uncle’s jurisdiction. The first 20 minutes into the film and we see a girl found murdered and the culprit leaves a clue on the spot. Arun’s research for the film comes in handy and he starts tracking down the murderer. However, the psycho kills one of Arun’s family members and infuriates him. We are also introduced to Amala Paul (Viji), who plays a school teacher. 

Initially, it appears like her role is typecast, but it gets stronger as the suspense grows. The background music and several characters give us the chills as the film inches towards being a gripping thriller even before the interval, which is almost 90 minutes from the start. But it will keep you on the edge of your seats. Performances from Vishnu, Amala especially Muneeskanth, who has slipped easily into the shoes of a decent character artiste from a comedian, earned applause from the audience. The first five minutes into the second half though begin slowly, it then picks up pace with a few more interesting characters. 

The strength of the film is that, we are introduced to a few characters, who are psychos in their own ways, which keeps us guessing. As we are introduced to the real psycho, the killer, it gives us jitters. Vishnu’s huge strength is not about experimenting but emerging successful out of it. He has made use of a script like Raatchasan to take his career to the next level. Amala Paul has shouldered the film along with him. The character of Christopher or Annabella George is another talking point. Filmmakers must make a note of this guy. Ghibran’s background music is mesmerising just like his work in Theeran Adhigaram Ondru. Full credits to cinematographer and stunt choreographers as well. Overall, Raatchasan is a winner and does a world of good to people, who are a part of it. 

Director: Ramkumar 

Cast:  Vishnu Vishal, Amala Paul, Muneeskanth, Kaali Venkat, Nizhalgal Ravi, Suzane Geroge and Radha Ravi

Music Director:  Ghibran

Synopsis: An aspiring filmmaker-turned-cop is on the hunt to track down a psychopath serial killer who murders school girls across the city. Can the inexperienced cop zero in on the killer before he plots the assassinations of a few more innocent girls?

Rating: 3.5/5