 Director Ameer who emerged from the shadows of Bala and proved his mettle in filmmaking with his debut venture Mounam Pesiyadhae. After almost a gap of two years, Ameer doubles up as a producer and comes up with a neat work in Raam.
A gripping story narrated in a pleasant manner is Raam, and in the process has brought to light many a talent in the Tamil film industry.
A simple story of mother-son affection forms the crux of the movie. A stout performance from Jeeva combined with extraordinary cinematography by Ramjhi, soul-stirring melodies by Yuvan Shankar Raja and an apt screenplay by Ameer are sure go down well the audience.
The entire story happens in Kodaikanal. The movie begins with Rama Krishna (Jeeva) being arrested by police on charges of murdering his mother Saratha (Saranya), a school teacher. The rest is a flashback. Rama Krishna is a mentally affected child who lacks maturity considering his age, and lives with his mother Saratha. An angry Ram is also easily cut up the wrongs going around him.
Ram, who gets arrested for murdering his mother, is interrogated by police inspector Umar (Rehman). Meanwhile, sub-inspector Malaichamy (Murali) and also a neighbor of Ram's family gets annoyed when his son and his daughter Karthika (Gazala) are summoned for interrogation by Umar. But every one's effort leads to tracking down of the real killer. The rest is all but how Ram goes kill his mother's killers. There are some unexpected twists in the tale and the surprise element is well maintained.
It's a different Jeeva altogether in the movie. Be it his looks or body language or dialogue delivery, he looks very composed. Jeeva who had acted as a lover boy in his earlier movies has played the heavy role with lot of conviction. His sincere efforts seem to have paid rich dividends on the screen. Jeeva is in fine form especially towards the climax when he avenges the killer of his mother. Equally supportive is Gazala. The petite actress seems to have expressed her acting skills lucidly.
The rest including Saranya (Jeeva's mother), Malayalam actor Murali (Gazala's father) and Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal fame Rehman (inspector Umar) have utilized their chances well.
Rehman making a comeback does a fair job. But impressive in the movie is debutant Kanja Karuppu, who plays Ram's friend. His natural portrayal and dialogue delivery evokes instant laughter.
The technical gloss in the film is very high - the camerawork and the music are of top quality. Ameer's patient wait for over a year to churn out Ram has eventually paid off. This emotional melodrama is sure to win over the hearts of audience.
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