Review: Raman Aandalum Ravanan Aandalum (RARA)

Film: Raman Aandalum Ravanan Aandalum  
Director: Arisil Moorthy
Cast: Mithun Manickam, Ramya Pandian, Vani Bhojan, Vadivel Murugan and others
Music: Krish
Cinematography: Sukumar
Producer: 2D Entertainment
Rating: 3.5 stars

Arisil Moorthy’s Raman Aandalum Ravana Aandalum is an engaging and entertaining comedy drama that holds a mirror to society.

In its own sweet, unassuming way, the film shows the actual state of affairs in rural India even as it narrates the story of a poor young couple from an agrarian family that is in distress over the fact that their bulls that have gone missing.

Synopsis:
Kunnimuthu (Mithun Manickam) , a 35-year-old simple and innocent farmer, and his wife Veerayi (Ramya Pandian) are emotionally shattered after their bulls — Karuppan and Vellaiyan — go missing. The couple leave no stone unturned to trace their bulls as they consider the farm animals to be nothing less than their own children.

He is aided in the search for his bulls by his witty and street smart friend Manthinni (Vadivel Murugan). At every point, they face failure and anyone whom they turn to for help only goes on to exploit their situation for their own gain.

In the process of finding his bulls, Kunnimuthu and his friend, with the help of a journalist (Vani Bhojan) unearth a number of scandals. Does Kunnimuthu get his bulls back? Does the village get the developmental activities that the politicians say it already has recieved? Raman Aandalum, Ravanan Aandalum gives you the answers…

Arisil Moorthy manages to deliver a film that is both meaningful and entertaining. His comedy drama leaves you not just laughing but also thinking.

The film, while narrating an endearing story, also makes a compelling statement about the sad state of affairs in the country, especially in the rural parts.

Raman Aandalaum Ravanan Aandalum takes a potshot at everything from demonetisation to the rampant corruption in the so-called developmental activities being carried out by the government.

It shows how even as the government and politicians make tall claims on paper, the actual state of affairs on the ground is different and pathetic, with people having to struggle for even basic amenities.

The film has some brilliant performances to offer. The first of these comes from Mithun Manickam, who plays the hero. Mithun delivers a performance that is so good that two minutes into the film, you don’t see him as anything else other than as a farmer in distress.

His expressions are just apt and that is one reason that the film strikes an emotional chord with its audiences. Ramya Pandian as Veerayi his wife also comes up with a brilliant performance.

Two other performances that steal the limelight come from Vadivel Murugan who plays Manthinni, the hero’s friend, and Vani Bhojan, who plays a journalist Narmadha Periyasamy.

Vadivel Murugan in particular is just brilliant in the film. His witty retorts and observations provide comedy relief at every point in the film, which otherwise could have become a heavy subject.

Vani Bhojan comes up with a neat, measured, dignified performance that adds value to the film.

On the technical side, cinematographer Sukumar does a fantastic job capturing the scenic landscape with his camera. His skilled use of natural lighting makes the visuals more rustic and enhances their beauty.

Krish’s music is just mellifluous. All the songs in the film work big time and they add that much more value to the film.

Raman Aandalum Ravanan Aandalum is a big winner, any which way you look at it. If you are looking for a good meaningful film, which is entertaining and informative, this is your film.