Children, at some point, may momentarily resent their parents when they are strict, despite their unconditional love. However, they soon realize that their parents’ actions are for their own good. But what happens when a son fails to understand his father’s love, chooses to kill him, and tries to escape the troubles he himself invited? That is the story of Ramam Raghavam – a tale of a ruthless son.
Produced under the Slate Pencil Stories banner, presented by Prabhakar Aripaka, and produced by Prithvi Polavarapu, this film marks the directorial debut of well-known actor Dhanraj. Veteran Tamil director-turned-actor Samuthirakani plays the role of the father, while Dhanraj portrays the son. Other key roles are played by Pramodini, Harish Uthaman, Satya, Sunil, and Prithvi.
Samuthirakani, an accomplished director, has also been proving himself as a remarkable actor. In Ramam Raghavam, he portrays a father burdened with regret for failing to guide his son onto the right path. His performance, particularly in the way he expresses his paternal sacrifice and emotions, elevates him as an actor.
Dhanraj, as a first-time director, impresses with his ability to cast actors in roles that suit them, extract strong performances, and collaborate effectively with technical experts. His handling of the film is so refined that it’s hard to believe this is his debut as a director. However, the storytelling could have been more gripping by adding depth to the son’s hatred towards his father and establishing stronger reasons for his extreme resentment. A little more effort in these aspects would have strengthened the emotional impact of the film.
Personally, while Dhanraj does complete justice to the role of Raghava, I feel that if he had focused solely on directing rather than also playing the lead role, it would have enhanced his direction even more. Pramodini, who plays the mother, delivers a commendable performance. The cinematography, music, and production values are well-executed, leaving little room for criticism. However, with more attention to the screenplay, the film could have reached an entirely different level of success.
Rating: 3/5
