One of the much awaited movie of the year Raavanan finally hit theatres on june 18th. The movie is infact an adaptation of the Indian poemic epic Raamayana though it is only confined to the Ashokavanam chapter. The movie flows carrying along with itself a poetic theme. Maniratnam asusual is stunning with his screenplay. The movie quite lacks pace in the first half but is much more compensated for with the visually aestheic cinematography and art work. The sets in the rough Indian terrains and southern jungles are so well crafted that you actually cant make out that sets were put up. To top it all, as you can say that, Arr saves his best for Maniratnam.

Maniratnam's conviction of depicting an unachievable love story between the two leads (Raavanan and Sita) is tangible from the very begining of the movie. However that alone doesn't form the back bone of Raavanan. As the movie unfolds the narration shifts back and forth from romance to a cat and mouse chase (Prithvi wanting to hunt down Vikram). Maniratnam has presented it in such a way that becomes difficult for the audience to choose sides.

Vikram's performance in the movie is top notch. He is cruel and kind, gentle and harsh, romantic and vulnerable (after-all behind every man's downfall there's a woman too). The movie gains pace in the second half and narrates the flash back as to why Vikram wants to take revenge. As the movie reaches the climax the movie shifts away from Raamayana and Maniratnam has presented it superbly with his take on human psychology and emotions. Though Vikram has done his best, portraying not just ten but a hundred different emotions, it is Arr's bgm that adds credulence to the situations.

What to watch out for : Cinematography (including the sets and camera angles); Vikram's performance; Arr's bgms; the grasshopper scene (excellent frame in the movie); the climactic one on one fight.

Negatives: Lack of pace in first half; Prabhu's character is let off abruptly.

On the whole it is a stunning movie from Mani & Co. Maniratnam proves once again that when it comes to quality cinema he is amongst the best.