Introduction
Raayan, Dhanush's second directing project, is an action thriller in the Indian Tamil language set for release in 2024. In the Sun Pictures-produced movie, which is directed by Kalanithi Maran, Dhanush plays Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” a fast-food owner out to get revenge on criminals who have hurt his family. The ensemble cast of the film includes Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali, and S. J. Suryah. Initially scheduled for release in June 2024, this film—which was announced as Dhanush's 50th—debuted on July 26, 2024, which happened to be Dhanush's birthday. Although the movie had mixed reviews, the post-interval writing and plot were criticized, while the acting, direction, and A. R. Rahman's score were praised.
Plot
In the nineties, after their parents vanish, Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” the oldest of four siblings, is left to look after his younger brothers Muthu and Manickam as well as their sister Durga. They relocate to North Chennai, where Raayan operates a fast-food hotel. Years later, Muthu's careless actions cause him to collide fatally with the son of a criminal. The son of a murdered mobster, Sethuraman “Sethu,” is seeking retribution, and the newly appointed police commissioner wants to incite strife amongst the mobsters. Raayan and his siblings are trapped in a web of treachery and deceit, and they have to deal with perilous situations.
Cast
1. Dhanush as Kathavaraayan “Raayan”
2. S. J. Suryah as Sethuraman “Sethu”
3. Prakash Raj as Sargunam
4. Selvaraghavan as Sekhar
5. Sundeep Kishan as Muthuvelraayan “Muthu”
6. Kalidas Jayaram as Manickavelraayan “Manickam”
7. Dushara Vijayan as Durga
8. Aparna Balamurali as Mekhala
9. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Sethu's love interest
10. Saravanan as Durai
11. Devadarshini in a cameo
Production
Development
In the nineties, after their parents vanish, Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” the oldest of four siblings, is left to look after his younger brothers Muthu and Manickam as well as their sister Durga. They relocate to North Chennai, where Raayan operates a fast-food hotel. Years later, Muthu's careless actions cause him to collide fatally with the son of a criminal. The son of a murdered mobster, Sethuraman “Sethu,” is seeking retribution, and the newly appointed police commissioner wants to incite strife amongst the mobsters. Raayan and his siblings are trapped in a web of treachery and deceit, and they have to deal with perilous situations.
Casting
For the part, Dhanush will wear a handlebar mustache, a clean-shaven beard, and a tonsured head. Key characters are portrayed by Sundeep Kishan and Kalidas Jayaram, who have replaced Vishnu Vishal. S. J. Suryah and Dushara Vijayan both had significant roles. Leading roles go to Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Saravanan; Varalaxmi reunites with Dhanush following Maari 2. Dhanush tried to cast Deva as the adversary, but the part was turned down. The female protagonist will be played by Nithya Menen, who starred with Dhanush in Thiruchitrambalam before.
Filming
On July 5, 2023, in Chennai, there was a puja ceremony to kick off principal photography for the movie. Scenes starring Suryah and Sundeep were filmed at Adithya Ram Studios and East Coast Road. Midway through November, the second schedule took place in Karaikudi. The group spent ₹30 crore constructing Royapuram sets. On October 1st, Dhanush revealed that the filming was almost over. It was completed on December 14th.
Post-production
Digital Bricks Entertainment is the main studio behind the picture, and the visual effects supervisors are Sumesh Gopal and Anish Dayanandan. In 2024, dubbing began in late February and ended in early March. Dhanush posted on social media that Rahman concluded the re-recording session on May 28.
Marketing
On February 19, 2024, the movie's title and first look poster were made public. From February 21 to 27, character posters for Suryah, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara, Aparna, Varalaxmi, and Saravanan were unveiled. On July 16, the trailer made its debut.
Release
Theatrical
Raayan was originally scheduled to be released on June 13, 2024, but it was delayed and eventually released on July 26, 2024, which was Dhanush's birthday. Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi versions of the movie will be accessible. It was the first Dhanush film to obtain an A-certificate from the CBFC since Vada Chennai (2018).
Distribution
Red Giant Movies will manage the Tamil Nadu release for Sun Pictures. For Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Sree Gokulam Movies holds the rights, AV Media Consultancy for Kerala, and Asian Suresh Entertainment for Karnataka. Home Screen Entertainment handles Singapore and the Middle East, DMY Creations handles Malaysia, Prime Media handles North America, and MKS Talkies handles Australia and New Zealand. Ayngaran International is the owner of the international rights.
Pre-bookings
Raayan pre-booking opened in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on July 18, 2024. They had spread to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Sri Lanka by July 20. In India, nationwide pre-booking began on July 22. Tamil Nadu's pre-booking gross surpassed ₹50 lakh (US$60,000) on the first day of sales.
Home media
Sun TV obtained the satellite rights, while Sun NXT obtained the digital streaming rights.