Dhanush, a name synonymous with powerful performances, ventured into film direction once more with Raayan. His first directorial venture, Pa Paandi, in 2017, was met with critical acclaim, so it comes as no surprise that his second one is just as compelling.

Raayan is a gangster drama that marks Dhanush’s 50th film as an actor. Streaming at No. 1 on Prime Video, Raayan showcases Dhanush’s ability to craft a gripping narrative both in front of and behind the camera.

At the heart of Raayan is the story of Kathavaraayan, or Raayan (played by Dhanush), the eldest sibling in a family that includes two brothers, Manickam (Kalidas Jayaram) and Muthu (Sundeep Kishan), and a sister, Durga (Dushara Vijayan). Abandoned by their parents, Raayan takes on the responsibility of caring for his siblings in a small Tamil Nadu town that is ruled by gangsters Sekar (SJ Suryah) and Saravanan.

The surface-level peace is disrupted by a new police commissioner (Prakash Raj) who is determined to finish off the two gangs. The plot kicks into high gear as the commissioner’s arrival sets off a chain of events, and Raayan and his family get sucked into the gang war. The first half of the film establishes this world and the characters’ relationships, while the second half delves into the consequences of their involvement in the violence that follows.

Dhanush is known for writing lyrics and scripts in addition to acting. With Raayan, he has penned a story that is high in emotions while staying rooted in the gangster genre. The first half of the film feels a bit routine, but the humour from well-timed dialogues keeps it from dragging. The second half more than makes up for it through unexpected twists and intense action sequences.

The writer-director has paid special attention to the supporting characters, making their arcs integral to the overall plot. As a result, Kalidas Jayaram, Sundeep Kishan and Dushara Vijayan have ample space to shine and Dhanush brings out nuanced performances from these actors. Dhanush’s portrayal of Raayan, with short hair and a rough beard, exudes a raw intensity that is particularly captivating during the climax.

Raayan also stands out for its technical brilliance. The film is heavy on violence, and the credit for the visceral experience goes largely to Om Prakash’s cinematography and Prasanna GK’s editing. A.R. Rahman’s music and background score enhance the tension and excitement, particularly during the action scenes.