“A nosy reporter learns of a secret plan that leads to heinous crimes that seem easy to understand. But can he catch the sneaky boss before he hurts more people?”
In CS Amudhan’s Raththam, the murder of Chezhiyan, the editor of a media house, is not just the beginning of a typical investigation. Instead, it becomes a catalyst for a mind-boggling exploration of interconnected lives and twisted motives.
The killer was initially portrayed as a passionate fan who wanted revenge for a negative story about his beloved actor but later became far more complex.As the story unfolds, it is revealed that the killer, while motivated by his adoration of the actor, is also a victim of manipulation and deception.
Enter Ranjit Kumar (Vijay Antony), a seemingly ordinary man who is caught in the whirlpool of this murder mystery. But as he digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas that challenge his notions of truth and justice.
What sets Raththam apart is its bold exploration of the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, innocence, and guilt. As Ranjeet navigates the murky waters of fame, power, and obsession, he is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about society’s obsession with celebrities and its dire consequences.
Amid thrilling twists and turns, Ratham poses a thought-provoking question: who is truly responsible for the unfolding tragedy – the killer motivated by misplaced allegiance, or the system that exploits and manipulates its devotees?
As Ranjit races against time to solve the mystery, he realizes that the answers may lie in the most unexpected places, forcing him to confront his prejudices and beliefs.
With its unique blend of suspense, social commentary, and psychological depth, Ratham delivers a cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll, forcing audiences to rethink their notions of justice and morality in a world where truth is often the ultimate casualty.
Raththam is not just another crime thriller; it is a gripping story that deeply delves into the mindset of its characters and the dark structures of society.
Ranjit, once a renowned investigative journalist, had retreated from the hustle and bustle of the media world to raise his daughter Arumpavai on the quiet streets of Kolkata. However, fate pulls him back to the field of journalism when his dear friend Chezhiyan is brutally murdered.
Chezhiyan, being the son of his publisher and father figure Rathnam Pandian, Ranjit finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger.
As Ranjeet progresses in the investigation, he uncovers a sinister network operating behind the scenes – a network that thrives on hate crimes and manipulates individuals through psychological profiling and social media data mining.
But what really sends shivers down their spine is the realization that the mastermind behind these despicable acts appears to be someone unknown, someone whose mask hides a corrupt hunger for power and control.
With each revelation, Ranjeet races against time to unravel the intricate layers of deception before more lives are lost. But in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Ranjit must not only
“You’ll have to rely on your investigative skills, but also your resilience and determination to outwit a cunning opponent who relishes the thrill of the chase.
Ratham is not just about solving a series of murders; it is about confronting the demons that lurk in the shadows of society and the price one has to pay to expose them.
As Ranjit moves through a maze of danger and deception, he must confront his past and make choices that will not only determine the fate of those around him but also define the legacy he leaves behind.
In this pulse-pounding thriller, the line between hunter and hunted is blurred, and Ranjeet must stay one step ahead of his rival if he hopes to uncover the truth and bring to justice those who lurk beneath the surface and have become victims of darkness.
Despite its promising premise and interesting plot elements, Raththam fails to perform on screen due to several key factors.
Firstly, the monotonous tone of the narration fails to hold the audience’s attention and fails to enliven the excitement of the story. This lackluster approach extends to the visual scheme, with a dull blue color palette that not only adds artificiality to the sets but also contributes to making the proceedings look dull and uninspired.
Additionally, the cast’s performances do little to liven up the writing. Without dynamic and engaging depictions, even larger-than-life scenes, such as running away from the Commissioner’s office on horseback, appear far-fetched and detached from reality.
These shortcomings result in Raththam feeling dull and lacking the energy and momentum needed to keep the audience interested. Despite its potential, the film ultimately doesn’t live up to its promise, leaving viewers disappointed and underwhelmed by the execution of its ideas.
Despite its shortcomings, Ratham manages to salvage some memorable moments that stand out amid its lackluster execution.
One such moment is the verbal face-off between the protagonist and the antagonist. Despite appearing harmless on the surface, this exchange is charged with tension and underlying conflict, showcasing a battle of wits between the two characters as they attempt to outwit each other.
The protagonist’s efforts to stay one step ahead of the antagonist, and vice versa, also provide moments of intrigue and suspense. Their cat-and-mouse game adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of their relationship and the stakes involved in their conflict.
These moments of tension and psychological warfare offer glimpses of the film’s potential, showcasing the depth of its characters and the complexity of their interactions. While Raththam may fall short in many aspects, these standout moments leave a lasting impression, offering a glimpse of what could have been with stronger execution and direction.
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