Saamaniyan (2024)
Saamaniyan
- -Three young men plan a heist but find the bank already hijacked by elderly men. The public supports the elderly, exposing corruption among bank officials and igniting a wave of community fervor.
Photos
Storyline
Details
Box Office
Company Credits
Technical Specs
Saamaniyan Movie Review
Title: Saamanian
Director: Rahesh
Cast: Ramarajan, Radha Ravi, M.S. Bhaskar, others
Music: Ilayaraja
Cinematography: Arul Selvan
Release Date: May 24, 2024
Saamaniyan Plot Summary
Saamaniyan follows the story of Sankara Narayanan (Ramarajan), a retired army officer who moves to Chennai with his friend Mookan (M.S. Bhaskar). They stay with their Muslim friend, Basil Bhai (Radha Ravi), and the trio concocts a plan to rob a bank. The narrative delves into why these elderly men decide to fight against the bank, revealing their struggles and motivations.
Key Highlights
- Ramarajan‘s Return: The 63-year-old actor makes a notable comeback after a long hiatus, embodying the role of an old man with visible signs of his age. Despite this, his performance remains charismatic, and he delivers a solid portrayal that resonates with his fans.
- Supporting Cast: Radha Ravi and M.S. Bhaskar provide strong performances, enhancing the overall viewing experience and adding depth to the narrative.
- Social Commentary: The film tackles the issue of bank scams and the plight of common people ensnared by high-interest loans. This theme is reminiscent of other recent Tamil films addressing similar societal concerns.
- Ilayaraja’s Music: The legendary composer’s soundtrack is a significant asset to the film, enriching its emotional and narrative layers.
- Cinematography: Arul Selvan’s work captures the essence of village life beautifully, offering visually appealing scenes that add to the film’s charm.
Pros
- Engaging Performances: The veteran actors, especially Ramarajan, deliver engaging performances that keep the audience invested.
- Relevant Themes: The film’s focus on bank scams and loan issues is timely and resonates with contemporary societal issues.
- Musical Score: Ilayaraja’s music and songs elevate the film, adding emotional depth and nostalgic value for the audience.
- Visuals: The cinematography effectively showcases the village setting, creating a visually rich backdrop for the story.
Cons
- Pacing Issues: The first half of the film feels slow and may test the patience of viewers, with the main plot taking a while to develop.
- Logical Inconsistencies: There are several logic flaws and complications in the storyline that may detract from the overall believability and coherence.
- Late Emotional Connect: The emotional core of the story only comes into play in the second half, which may affect audience engagement early on.
Verdict
Saamanian is a commendable attempt by director Rahesh to bring Ramarajan back to the silver screen. While the film has its share of flaws, including pacing issues and logical inconsistencies, it shines in its performances, music, and relevant social commentary. For fans of Ramarajan, Saamanian offers a nostalgic treat and a chance to see their beloved star in action once again. However, whether it will appeal to a broader audience remains uncertain due to its uneven execution.
Media Rating (Average): 3/5
