Tamil movie Analysis

Ratchasan

                "Ratsasan" (also spelled "Ratchasan") is a 2018 Tamil psychological thriller directed by Ram Kumar. The film became a significant hit, praised for its tight screenplay, intense performances, and gripping narrative. Here's an analysis of the movie:

Plot Overview

     "Ratsasan" follows the story of Arun Kumar (played by Vishnu Vishal), an aspiring filmmaker who is forced to become a police officer after his father's death. Arun had been working on a script about a serial killer but abandons his dreams due to familial obligations. When a series of brutal murders of schoolgirls occur in his jurisdiction, Arun begins to suspect that the killer he had been researching might be real.

Themes

1.Psychological Horror:

     The film delves deep into the psyche of a serial killer, exploring the disturbed mind of the antagonist,

Christopher. The use of psychological horror rather than gore to build tension is effective, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

2.Persistence and Dedication:

      Arun’s relentless pursuit of the killer, despite facing numerous setbacks and personal losses, highlights his

dedication to justice. The film portrays how his background x in filmmaking and research into criminal psychology aids his investigation.

3.Society’s Neglect of Mental Health:

     The film subtly critiques how society often neglects mental health issues, which can lead to tragic

consequences. The backstory of the killer is rooted in his traumatic past, which was ignored and untreated, leading to his transformation into a psychopath.

Character Development:

Arun Kumar:

    Vishnu Vishal’s portrayal of Arun is one of the film’s

highlights. His transition from a reluctant cop to a determined investigator is well-handled. His vulnerability, combined with his sharp intellect, makes him a relatable and compelling protagonist.

Christopher:

  - The antagonist, Christopher, is terrifying due to his

unpredictability and the sheer brutality of his actions. The film slowly reveals his backstory, explaining but not justifying his transformation into a monster.

Supporting Characters:

    The supporting cast, including Amala Paul as the

female lead, adds depth to the narrative. The police team, Arun’s family, and the victims are all given enough screen time to make their presence felt without detracting from the main plot.

Cinematography and Music:

Cinematography:

    P. V. Shankar’s cinematography enhances the suspenseful atmosphere of the film. The use of lighting, especially in the night scenes, adds to the tension. The framing of certain shots, particularly during the chase and crime scenes, is meticulously planned to maximize suspense.

Music and Sound Design:

    Ghibran’s background score is another standout element. The music is haunting and elevates the intensity of crucial scenes, contributing significantly to the film's eerie atmosphere.

Narrative Structure:

     The film's pacing is a major strength. It starts slowly, building up Arun’s character and his frustrations, before plunging into the investigation. The gradual unraveling of clues and the killer’s identity is handled expertly, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

      The screenplay cleverly intertwines Arun’s abandoned film script with the real-life investigation, making the story more layered and complex. The narrative keeps the audience guessing, with several red herrings and twists that maintain the suspense until the very end.

Criticism:

      Some critics pointed out that the film’s second half, especially the climax, feels slightly rushed. The revelation of the killer’s identity and the subsequent confrontation, while thrilling, may seem a bit over-the-top to some viewers.

       Additionally, the depiction of the killer’s backstory, though essential to the plot, might come across as overly dramatic or implausible to some.

Impact:

       "Ratsasan" had a significant impact on Tamil cinema, particularly in the thriller genre. It set a new benchmark for psychological thrillers with its tight screenplay, strong performances, and technical brilliance. The film's success also highlighted the potential for stories rooted in psychological horror and realistic crime investigation.

Conclusion:

           "Ratsasan" is a masterfully crafted thriller that combines a compelling narrative with intense performances and top-notch technical execution. It stands out as one of the best Tamil films of its genre and continues to be a reference point for filmmakers in the industry. The film’s exploration of the dark recesses of the human mind, coupled with its thrilling narrative, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

 Movie Genres

1. Psychological Thriller

The film delves deep into the disturbed mind of the antagonist, Christopher, and explores how his psychological trauma drives him to commit gruesome murders. The tension in the film is largely psychological, as Arun tries to understand and outsmart the killer.

2. Crime Thriller

The movie revolves around a series of brutal murders targeting schoolgirls, with Arun, a police officer, investigating the crimes. The film's narrative is driven by the investigation, the clues, and the eventual confrontation between Arun and the killer.

3. Horror

While not a traditional horror film, "Ratsasan" contains elements of horror, especially in its portrayal of the killer's gruesome acts and the terrifying suspense that builds up during the investigation. The scenes involving the murders and the stalking of the victims are particularly chilling.

4. Mystery

The mystery in the film revolves around the identity of the serial killer. The audience, along with Arun, is kept guessing throughout the movie, with various red herrings and twists leading up to the final revelation.

5. Drama

The film also functions as a drama, especially in the way it portrays Arun’s personal struggles. His transition from an aspiring filmmaker to a reluctant police officer, his relationship with his family, and his determination to catch the killer add depth to the character and provide an emotional core to the film.

Conclusion:

     "Ratsasan" is a complex film that successfully blends elements of psychological thrillers, crime thrillers, horror, mystery, and drama. This combination of genres is one of the reasons for its wide appeal and critical acclaim. The film’s ability to maintain tension, develop its characters, and unravel a compelling mystery makes it a standout example in each of these genres.