Following their successful commercial ventures such as “Bharani” and “Pooja,” the latest film by Hari and Vishal, titled “Rathnam,” has hit the screens. The movie sparked discussions right from the release of its motion poster. Given the absence of notable Telugu releases in recent weeks, the Telugu audience was eager for the excitement of a Hari and Vishal mass film. Now, let’s delve into how “Rathnam” captivated and entertained its audience!
Rathnam Story: In “Ratnam,” Vishal’s character Ratnam lost his mother at a young age and regards the man who raised him, played by Samudhirakani, as his paternal uncle. One day, Ratnam encounters Mallika (played by Priya Bhavani Shankar) on the street and intervenes when she is harassed by bullies. However, the threat continues when Lingam Brothers (portrayed by Murali Sharma & Co) target Mallika for unknown reasons, prompting Ratnam to defend her by visiting their village.
What motivates Ratnam’s strong desire to protect Mallika? What hidden purpose drives him? How does Lingam confront his brothers’ actions? These questions are central to Hari Mark’s screenplay in “Ratnam,” which unravels the mysteries behind Ratnam’s protective instincts towards Mallika and his confrontations with the antagonistic Lingam Brothers.
Performances: Vishal, Priyabhavani Shankar, Murali Sharma, Samudrakhani, and the rest of the cast delivered compelling performances in their respective roles. Priyabhavani Shankar, in particular, stood out with her exceptional portrayal. Her impactful screen presence, especially in emotional scenes, resonated deeply with the family audience, adding a special allure to the film.
Technical Aspects: The CBFC granted “Ratnam” a U/A certification despite its graphic violence. Director Hari stuck to a conventional formula with an unstoppable hero, a fierce villain, and other familiar character tropes, but this approach fell flat in this film. Despite intentions to modernize, inspired by directors like Atlee, Hari’s execution lacked innovation. The Telugu dialogues and lyrics undermined serious scenes, turning them into unintentional comedy with forced rhymes. Cinematography didn’t reflect Hari’s usual style, and Devi Sri Prasad‘s music, especially the background score, disappointed. Production design and sound engineering were also subpar.
Analysis: If you attend the theater expecting “Hari” to be a captivating movie with thrilling action sequences, the reality is more akin to being struck by disappointment rather than a sunburn this summer. Regrettably, this latest collaboration between Vishal and Hari did not leave a positive impression on the audience.
Verdict: “Rangula Raatnam” is a middling romantic drama with occasional bright spots. While the central conflict is promising, the pacing is sluggish, and scenes around the key twist evoke mixed emotions. Family audiences may appreciate the mother sentiment, but the film lacks other compelling elements. If you don’t mind a slow narrative, consider giving it a chance, but expect predictable plot developments.
Bottom Line: It’s a gem that doesn’t shine!
Rating: 1.5/5
