Raavanan: A peek into the mind of Indian Mythology's most flamboyant Villain

I was fully prepared to be disappointed, thanks to all the reviews being posted everywhere, describing what a bad debacle "Raavan" has been. But then my southern loyalties prevail and I decide to watch "Raavanan", to see Vikram take on the biggest role of his life, to see if the "young gun" Prithviraj can pull it off, to watch Mani Ratnam's much awaited masterpiece....and over and above to see what the director does to one of the most complex, less explored and may be most misinterpreted villains’ of our mythological heritage - the one with ten heads "Raavanan".

"Raavanan" as we know him from our grandmas' tales, is the epitome of flamboyance, ego, absolute power, sheer grit, and he is the ultimate "bad" guy. So, we learn to dislike him, and in the process exalt Ram, the warrior prince, the avatar of justice, truth, compassion and power. And then we grow up and get to see a epic being played out on the IMAX movie screens...which will question your our sensibilities and force us to revisit the epic of Ramayana from a human point of view. So, what is the movie all about :

It seems to be the story of a man governed by his passions, his love for his people, his eccentricity, and his love for disguises. But at the same he is painfully aware of his fallings, the perception the society has of him. As the movie opens, we are taken into the tribal kingdom of rain forests where "Veeriya" reigns supreme with his band of kin and outlaws. As an act of revenge (for a reason later reveled) Veeriya abducts the leading lady, Ragini, wife to the "Ram" like police officer......DEV. Chaos follows the event with lives being lost, guerilla war tactics being exercised, and in the process we see the characters for who they really are.

While this modern version of the epic demystifies the character of Raavanan "Veeriya", it is equally goes about deglorifing Rama, “Dev” in this version. Dev is the punisher who believes in achieving his goals with out an emotional attachment. While his captive wife fights her fears, maintains her dignity and faith, Dev goes about the task of finding her with a staunch face of an encounter specialist. The moment where he shows emotions are extremely fleeting, and leaves you in a confused state. Only to understand that this falls in place for the final Catharsis. Dev’s character does everything opposite to Rama, be it the lack of emotion, affinity to cruelty, integrity towards one’s enemy, refuting to unjust tactics. He is the Rama of the new era, the one who has no qualms using his wife in order to achieve his ultimate goal…Veeriya’s downfall. He is unapologetic for the rape of Veeriya’s sister by policemen, and has no hesitation in killing his brother who sought to bring peace between these warring protagonists. This is what sets Dev in contrast with Rama, the godly one.

In one of the most riveting moments in the film where Veera shows his vulnerable sides, He asks Ragini about her husband, whom she covets so much and believes, will come to her rescue…. “Does he make you laugh” asks Veera….to which Ragini nods…..the sheer beauty of the scene is when one is exposed to the pain which the character experiences in the self-realization that he can never be the “god” like man, she loves. For he shall never get someone like her to love him….for she is unattainable…he goes on to ask her “if you were not married would you stay with me”. He desperately wishes this fearless, strong willed, enticing woman to want him, as he wants her. She also in moment of desperation offers herself to him, in return to spare her husband. He hopes against hope that she will come back to him, which she eventually does, though not because of the same reasons as his thinks. She comes to validate her chastity which is being questioned by her God-like husband. The realization comes late, as Dev uses her as his means to get to Veera.

As we walk out of the theatre, we have difficulty accepting the new version of Rama, but our heart goes out to Veeriya, whom we learn to love during the period of the film. The movie scores on character sketches through out, the cinematography is superb and gives you a real taste of the mesmerizing beauty of kerala. The movie is superbly packed and does not allow you to let your guards down. But it falls short on the original screenplay as one is left high and dry by the abrupt ending. Music is not worthy of Rahman’s talent as if offers no inspiration. Overall, an amazing experience to see Vikram portray Raavanan, even if that is the one reason to go watch this saga.