Rathnam
Rathnam
- -Rathnam, a henchmen working for MLA Panneer Selvam in Vellore, protects Malliga, a medical student who bears a resemblance to Rathnam's late mother, from the relentless pursuit of land grabbers Rayudu brothers and becomes her guardian angel.
Photos
Storyline
Details
Box Office
Company Credits
Technical Specs
Movie Trailer
Movie OTT
“Rathnam” will be available in Tamil and dubbed in Telugu. Mumbai, Tamil movie “Rathnam”, starring Vishal in the lead role, will be available for streaming on Prime Video from May 23, the OTT platform announced on Tuesday.
Movie Review
Rathnam: An Action-Packed Spectacle with Room for Improvement
“Rathnam,” directed by Hari, stars Vishal as the volatile and troubled Rathnam, a muscleman for MLA Panneer Selvam (Samuthirakani) who enforces a twisted sense of justice through violence. Haunted by a dark past, Rathnam struggles to control his violent impulses. This is quickly evident when he learns of a schoolgirl’s abuse and exacts a gruesome vengeance on the perpetrator.
The arrival of Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a nurse who resembles his mother, complicates Rathnam’s life further. Rathnam’s protective instincts kick in as he discovers Mallika is being targeted by thugs sent by Beema Rayudu (Murali Sharma), a notorious land grabber from Andhra. Rathnam embarks on a bloody rampage, leaving a trail of battered and slain enemies as he strives to protect Mallika and thwart Rayudu’s plans.
“Rathnam” is essentially 90 minutes of action and violence, interspersed with moments of drama. The film doesn’t aim for a mind-blowing plot or deep character development; it’s all about Vishal’s relentless action. The setup with Mallika, an innocent soul attracting a horde of criminals, feels flimsy. The willingness of her parents to die over a piece of land also lacks logical consistency. However, the director makes it clear from the beginning—this is Vishal’s show, and he’s here to deliver brutal takedowns. The emotional bits merely serve to justify his violence.
The film could benefit from some trimming, as many action sequences feel repetitive, with only slight variations in setting and flimsy excuses for the villains to initiate the next round of mayhem. This is typical of Hari’s formula—action-packed, fast-paced, and unrelenting—but even by his standards, it feels sluggish at times. Reducing the family drama at Mallika’s place could have improved the pacing.
Once past the cheesy setup, viewers can settle in and enjoy the action spectacle. The film features knives, machetes, adrenaline-pumping car chases, and an impressive single-shot car chase sequence. Whether in Tamil Nadu, Andhra, or at Mallika’s college, the relentless pursuit by the villains sets the stage for Vishal’s over-the-top, brutal takedowns. In the groove, viewers won’t care about the story or logic.
Vishal dominates the screen as the film’s undisputed star. His portrayal of Rathnam is a perfect blend of agility, intensity, and rowdy charm. The fast-paced editing and liberal use of slow-motion elevate his action sequences, showcasing his fighting prowess with stylish flair. Priya Bhavani Shankar, while mostly confined to a role defined by concern and fascination with Rathnam’s protective nature, delivers a creditable performance. Samuthirakani brings his usual gravitas to the role of the MLA, primarily serving as the cleanup crew for Rathnam’s destructive exploits. Yogi Babu’s comic relief has its hits and misses. Murali Sharma, as the terrorizing villain, maintains a sense of danger throughout, presenting a convincing portrait of a middle-aged antagonist. Gautham Menon, unexpectedly, receives the loudest cheers from the audience in a cameo appearance. The remaining cast members fulfill their roles adequately, serving the narrative as needed.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, blends masala numbers with emotionally charged melodies. M. Sukumar’s camerawork captures the essence of Hari’s vision, bringing the fast-paced action to life.
“Rathnam” offers a relentless action-packed spectacle centered around Vishal’s impressive performance. While the film has its flaws, including a flimsy setup and some pacing issues, it delivers the high-octane action fans of the genre crave.
