I have seen RAAVAN and without being pretentious I can say I find this film thoroughly watchable and interesting, though not a great piece of cinema. What I observed in past few days is- almost all critics of the nation joined hands and together ripped apart a vulnerable film just because it has not given great box office results in its opening day. But honestly, when is a box office report a criteria of a good or a bad film? Yes, this point needs analysis, not the film.
You might find this review biased but so are all the reviews I have read about this film. This is not "Mani-Bhakti" either. But this North Indian vs. South Indian debate should stop. There are elements where this film scores above others. A lot of elements were better than expected and some are less than expected. The only thing is it is a kind of movie that did not met people's expectations. There are certain films which are seen, enjoyed & analyzed not for their content part. Their parameters are different. It is like a book which you read for its use of language and not the subject per se. In any case, why anyone even expects high quality content or great, fresh storyline in any of Mani's films or rather anyone films? Mani's films always have very thin, simple story lines (right from Roja) but very high on visual style & visual Opulence. I think that is his trademark and here it is in plenty. If one is aware of Mani style of narrative & filmmaking, then he should know what to expect from his films. This one is not his best film, neither one of his better films.
It is a film that finds its grammar, its language and its lyricism in an unusual way, of how its visuals are crafted. Though there is an interesting story also but that comes only in the last 20 minutes. It is sublime, with political overtones and context, and yes, one wished if it can be more explored. There is a twist given to the great mythological Ramayana also which might offend few but hey it is just a story. The film stays clear from making any definite statement. Call it if you could, a long, drawn visual gimmick but at least not a superficial one. Who else can take you right in the middle of dense forest, rocks, waterfalls, rivers, mud & make you smell and feel it. How many Indian filmmakers you know, would attempt something like this? The last one such film I can remember is 2000 released RGV's JUNGLE, another not so great film but yes another brave one. As far as performances are concerned, enough controversial statements have appeared and therefore I will not add to it except that actor Vikkram has acted very well. The cinematography and the sound design is world class. The stunt sequences (Sham Kaushal & Peter Hain) especially the pre-climax fight sequence on the bridge, is one of the best that you can ever get to see in any of Hindi film. Sorry, you don't watch films for that. Point taken! One more thing such films can be watched only on big screen but if you are worshiper of this U-tube or DVD fad, then sorry again, this one is not for you. If you are the one who watches a film once in three months in cinema houses (one probably being 3 Idiots & next may be a Housefull or something) again this is not for you. Because if you are looking for your usual territory of a Popcorn entertainment well my advice is watch those tried and tested, reused & recycled stuff like My Name Is Khan/ Atithi Tum Kab Jaogey & Housefull. For just plain entertainment, you can watch 3 Idiots for 10th time; at least a purpose is fulfilled. To me, entertainment is too personal. It is a way, how you define it.
On the contrary, it is one of the better films –better compared to most of the other films released this year. Undoubtedly, it could have been better. Dialogues are weak. But more than film it is an experience and a thorough one. Latest example in this context is - Hollywood blockbuster AVATAR which is more an experience or thrill than a great logical story telling. But it was refreshing. Sorry I was not keeping track of the story or characterization, I don't felt the need for the same. It surely is not the top thing in such type of lively jungle adventure. But I agree it is not a film for everyone. I agree that characters should have more neatly sketched but in this kind of setup I don't mind what I get it. One more thing, this is surely not a film about authenticity or reality. Please don't try to teach a Maestro how to write, shoot or edit a film. Please leave those jobs best in the hands of our capable directors and their efficient crew. In fact cinema is created from the alter-ego of its maker and nobody should be allowed to dictate terms. When he makes his trademark films, Mani or rather any filmmaker does not need to please everyone but only to himself.
To me, when one goes to watch a film and one should get surprises sometimes surprises in the form of visuals. A good film is about a surprise or a shock element not always story. This film definitely surprises, though for some it may be a shocking surprise is altogether a different issue. I measure the success of a film if that surprise makes you sit through. And that is a winner in true sense. Damn the BO!
You might find this review biased but so are all the reviews I have read about this film. This is not "Mani-Bhakti" either. But this North Indian vs. South Indian debate should stop. There are elements where this film scores above others. A lot of elements were better than expected and some are less than expected. The only thing is it is a kind of movie that did not met people's expectations. There are certain films which are seen, enjoyed & analyzed not for their content part. Their parameters are different. It is like a book which you read for its use of language and not the subject per se. In any case, why anyone even expects high quality content or great, fresh storyline in any of Mani's films or rather anyone films? Mani's films always have very thin, simple story lines (right from Roja) but very high on visual style & visual Opulence. I think that is his trademark and here it is in plenty. If one is aware of Mani style of narrative & filmmaking, then he should know what to expect from his films. This one is not his best film, neither one of his better films.
It is a film that finds its grammar, its language and its lyricism in an unusual way, of how its visuals are crafted. Though there is an interesting story also but that comes only in the last 20 minutes. It is sublime, with political overtones and context, and yes, one wished if it can be more explored. There is a twist given to the great mythological Ramayana also which might offend few but hey it is just a story. The film stays clear from making any definite statement. Call it if you could, a long, drawn visual gimmick but at least not a superficial one. Who else can take you right in the middle of dense forest, rocks, waterfalls, rivers, mud & make you smell and feel it. How many Indian filmmakers you know, would attempt something like this? The last one such film I can remember is 2000 released RGV's JUNGLE, another not so great film but yes another brave one. As far as performances are concerned, enough controversial statements have appeared and therefore I will not add to it except that actor Vikkram has acted very well. The cinematography and the sound design is world class. The stunt sequences (Sham Kaushal & Peter Hain) especially the pre-climax fight sequence on the bridge, is one of the best that you can ever get to see in any of Hindi film. Sorry, you don't watch films for that. Point taken! One more thing such films can be watched only on big screen but if you are worshiper of this U-tube or DVD fad, then sorry again, this one is not for you. If you are the one who watches a film once in three months in cinema houses (one probably being 3 Idiots & next may be a Housefull or something) again this is not for you. Because if you are looking for your usual territory of a Popcorn entertainment well my advice is watch those tried and tested, reused & recycled stuff like My Name Is Khan/ Atithi Tum Kab Jaogey & Housefull. For just plain entertainment, you can watch 3 Idiots for 10th time; at least a purpose is fulfilled. To me, entertainment is too personal. It is a way, how you define it.
On the contrary, it is one of the better films –better compared to most of the other films released this year. Undoubtedly, it could have been better. Dialogues are weak. But more than film it is an experience and a thorough one. Latest example in this context is - Hollywood blockbuster AVATAR which is more an experience or thrill than a great logical story telling. But it was refreshing. Sorry I was not keeping track of the story or characterization, I don't felt the need for the same. It surely is not the top thing in such type of lively jungle adventure. But I agree it is not a film for everyone. I agree that characters should have more neatly sketched but in this kind of setup I don't mind what I get it. One more thing, this is surely not a film about authenticity or reality. Please don't try to teach a Maestro how to write, shoot or edit a film. Please leave those jobs best in the hands of our capable directors and their efficient crew. In fact cinema is created from the alter-ego of its maker and nobody should be allowed to dictate terms. When he makes his trademark films, Mani or rather any filmmaker does not need to please everyone but only to himself.
To me, when one goes to watch a film and one should get surprises sometimes surprises in the form of visuals. A good film is about a surprise or a shock element not always story. This film definitely surprises, though for some it may be a shocking surprise is altogether a different issue. I measure the success of a film if that surprise makes you sit through. And that is a winner in true sense. Damn the BO!