“Raayan” is a 2024 Indian Tamil-language action thriller film, marking Dhanush’s second directorial venture. Produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures, the film stars Dhanush in the titular role, leading an ensemble cast including S. J. Suryah, Prakash Raj, Selvaraghavan, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, and Saravanan. The story follows Kathavaraayan “Raayan,” a fast-food hotel owner in North Chennai, who hunts down the gangs that ruined his family.
Officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative title D50 (as it is Dhanush’s 50th film as a leading actor), the film’s official title was revealed in February 2024. Principal photography began in July 2023 at East Coast Road in Chennai and Adhitya Ram Studios, with additional filming in Karaikudi. The shoot wrapped by mid-December. The film features music by A. R. Rahman, cinematography by Om Prakash, and editing by Prasanna GK.
Originally scheduled for release on 13 June 2024, “Raayan” was postponed for unknown reasons and was eventually released worldwide on 26 July 2024, coinciding with Dhanush’s birthday week. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising Dhanush’s performance, direction, screenplay, and Rahman’s score, while the storyline and post-interval writing drew criticism.
| Directed by | Dhanush |
|---|---|
| Written by | Dhanush |
| Produced by | Kalanithi Maran |
| Starring | Dhanush, S. J. Suryah, Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Dushara Vijayan, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar |
| Cinematography | Om Prakash |
| Edited by | Prasanna GK |
| Music by | A. R. Rahman |
| Production company | Sun Pictures |
| Distributed by | see below |
| Release date | 26 July 2024 |
| Running time | 145 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tamil |
| Budget | ₹100 crore |
Cast:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Dhanush | Kathavaraayan “Raayan” |
| S. J. Suryah | Sethuraman “Sethu” |
| Prakash Raj | Sargunam |
| Selvaraghavan | Sekhar |
| Sundeep Kishan | Muthuvelraayan “Muthu” |
| Kalidas Jayaram | Manickavelraayan “Manickam” |
| Dushara Vijayan | Durga |
| Aparna Balamurali | Mekhala |
| Varalaxmi Sarathkumar | Sethu’s love interest |
| Saravanan | Durai |
| Aranthangi Nisha | Police officer |
| Devadarshini | Cameo appearance |
Release:
Raayan was initially scheduled to release on 13 June 2024 in theaters, but was postponed due to reasons unknown. It was released worldwide on 26 July 2024, two days prior to Dhanush’s birthday, in theatres. Apart from its original Tamil language, dubbed versions in the Telugu and Hindi languages were also released.
