Rathnam Review: Hari's Loud Action Formula Wears Thin

This Rathnam review looks at a Tamil action film that wants to hit hard and hit often. Director Hari, who also wrote the script, builds the story around a loyal henchman and the young woman he swears to protect. The film runs a long 159 minutes, so it matters whether the formula still feels fresh.

Rathnam Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Rathnam plot starts in Vellore, where Rathnam works for a local MLA named Panneer Selvam. He is the muscle who gets things done. His routine changes when Malliga, a medical student, arrives in town and a few rowdies try to kill her.

Rathnam saves her and becomes her guardian angel. Research notes say she resembles his late mother, which explains his devotion. The land-grabbing Rayudu brothers push the conflict forward, and the film keeps asking how long one man can shield her. That is the whole setup, and I will leave the rest alone.

What Works in Rathnam

The core idea is simple and gives the action a clear emotional engine. A violent man with a soft spot for one person is a dependable hook in Indian action cinema. When the film trusts that hook, it moves with purpose.

Vishal is the main reason to stay. Some critics who disliked the film still praised his performance, and he brings real physical force to the fight scenes. Devi Sri Prasad's music also drew praise and gives the bigger moments extra punch.

The Hindu was more measured than most outlets. It noted that Hari tries to adapt some of his usual tropes for a modern audience. That effort shows in places, even if it does not always land.

Rathnam Cast and Performances

The Rathnam cast is led by Vishal Krishna as Rathnam, and he carries the film on his shoulders. He plays the role with a brooding intensity that suits the material. Priya Bhavani Shankar plays Malliga, the young woman at the centre of the story.

Samuthirakani appears as Panneer Selvam, the MLA. Murali Sharma and Hareesh Peradi play the Rayudu brothers, and Muthukumar plays a further member of that rival circle, per the known cast list. The villains are suitably menacing, though they are written with broad strokes.

• Vishal: Commanding in action, less nuanced in quieter beats.

• Priya Bhavani Shankar: Sympathetic, though the script keeps her mostly in need of rescue.

• Samuthirakani: A steady presence in a world of political muscle.

Where Rathnam Stumbles

The biggest problem is pacing. Critics described the film as long-winded and repetitive, and at 159 minutes the same beats of threat, chase and brawl return too often. Rotten Tomatoes shows a 20% score from five reviews, which signals how the early press reacted.

The violence is another sticking point. Reviewers called it excessive, and the film is loud from start to finish. A content advisory on one streaming listing mentions violence, alcohol use, smoking and foul language.

The writing also feels dated. Hari has built his reputation on high-energy action dramas, and this one leans on familiar tropes instead of reinventing them. Fans of his earlier work may feel at home. Newcomers may find the formula tiring.

Is Rathnam Worth Watching?

Rathnam is worth watching only if you already love loud, old-school Tamil action. Vishal's performance and the music have genuine appeal. But the repetition and the heavy violence will test anyone who wants a tighter story.

Audience scores are middling. IMDb shows 5.4/10 from about 3.8K users, and TMDB shows 5.1/10 from a small number of votes. That fits my own view: this is an uneven film with a few strong ingredients. You can read more Action movie reviews on this site if you want to compare similar picks.

The Rathnam release date was 26 April 2024 in India. For background on the film, see the Rathnam page on Wikipedia). A Prime Video listing also exists, though availability can vary by region.

Who Will Enjoy Rathnam

• Fans of Vishal who want him in full action-hero mode.

• Viewers who enjoy Hari's brand of loud, high-energy Tamil action.

• Action fans who forgive a long runtime for big set pieces and a strong score.

If you prefer a different flavour, try our Crime movie reviews for tighter, more grounded stories.