Rathnam  delves into the intricacies of the Andhra-Tamil Nadu border, where political tensions run high. The plot revolves around a brave youngster who fearlessly challenges the politicians from both sides. His mission? To protect the life of a young girl caught in the crossfire of political agendas and power play. As the story unfolds, the film promises a gripping narrative filled with suspense, action, and a strong message, making it a must-watch for all movie enthusiasts.

Story:

Rathnam (Vishal), earns the trust and becomes the right-hand man of MLA Paneerswamy (Samuthirakhani) in Chittoor. He is known for his loyalty and his willingness to help those in need.

Rathnam's life takes a turn when he meets Mallika (Priya Bhavani Shankar), a young woman who arrives in Chittoor for interviews and to prepare for the NEET exam. Rathnam is immediately drawn to her, but his fascination soon turns into a mission to protect her when he discovers that her life is in danger.

The threat to Mallika comes from the Lingam Brothers, a notorious gang from Thiruttani, played by Murali Sharma, Harish Peradi, and Ramchandra Raju. As Rathnam delves deeper into the situation, he uncovers a web of deceit and danger that puts Mallika's life at risk. Determined to save her, Rathnam embarks on a dangerous journey, facing off against formidable foes and risking his own life to ensure Mallika's safety. The film's narrative revolves around Rathnam's relentless pursuit to protect Mallika and the challenges he faces in his quest to do so.

Analysis:

In Rathnam, Vishal's portrayal of Rathnam may not have offered anything remarkably new, as he seemed to stick to his signature style seen in previous films. His expressions, emotions, dialogues, and stunts were reminiscent of his earlier roles, showcasing his familiar daredevil persona. Director Hari, too, appeared to have missed the opportunity to push Vishal towards a more innovative performance, opting instead for a safe, formulaic approach.

Priya Bhavani Shankar's performance stood out, showing depth in her emotional scenes. However, Murali Sharma, Harish Peradi, and Ramachandra Raju delivered stereotypical villainous roles, lacking novelty. Yogi Babu and Motta Rajendran's comedy failed to impress, feeling stale and out of sync. Other actors like Gautham Menon, Jaya Prakash, Tulasi, Vijaykumar, and Livingston also seemed to reprise familiar roles with similar emotional expressions.

Rathnam appears to be a film out of touch with modern cinema, with its story feeling outdated even for the 1980s era. Viewers were left wondering why Vishal and Hari did not adapt their style to current trends. Hari's direction, following the template of his successful "Singham" series, failed to inject freshness into the narrative. The plot, centered around a hero saving the heroine, felt cliched, and the screenplay appeared senseless and cliched.

Hari's failure to develop the character arcs and relying on outdated tropes left the actors struggling to connect with their roles. The film's attempts to incorporate contemporary issues like NEET felt forced and insincere. Flashbacks and other scenes failed to engage the audience, making the second half feel excessively prolonged. The actors seemed lost, delivering their dialogues in a loud, unconvincing manner.

Devi Sri Prasad's music for Rathnam was forgettable, with his background score being average at best. The editing by Jay left much to be desired, with several dragging sequences. Cinematographer Sukumar's work was also deemed average, with the production values meeting expectations.

Verdict:

Rathnam emerges as a polarizing mass entertainer, with some labeling it as outrageously over-the-top. Vishal and Hari's collaboration seems to have drawn inspiration from the 1980s era, but the film's style and approach feel out of sync with the contemporary audience sensibilities of 2024.

Their apparent disconnect from the viewers' evolving tastes and preferences calls for a critical reevaluation. An urgent introspection is necessary for them to realign their creative vision with the pulse of the audience, ensuring that future endeavors resonate more authentically with today's moviegoers.