Raayan is an upcoming Indian Tamil-language action thriller film written and directed by Dhanush, in his second directorial venture. The film is produced by Kalanithi Maran under Sun Pictures. It stars Dhanush, leading an ensemble cast which includes Sundeep Kishan, Kalidas Jayaram, S. J. Suryah, Selvaraghavan, Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar and Saravanan.

Raayan
Theatrical release poster
Directed byDhanush
Written byDhanush
Produced byKalanithi Maran
Starring
CinematographyOm Prakash
Edited byPrasanna GK
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
company
Release date
  • 13 June 2024 (2024-06-13)
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

The film was officially announced in January 2023 under the tentative titles D50, as it is Dhanush's 50th film as the lead actor, and the official title was announced in February 2024. Principal photography commenced in July 2023. It was predominantly shot in Chennai, and wrapped by mid-December 2023. The film has music composed by A. R. Rahman, cinematography handled by Om Prakash and editing by Prasanna GK.

Raayan is scheduled to release worldwide on 13 June 2024 in theatres.

Cast edit

Production edit

Development edit

On 7 September 2018, Hema Rukmani and Murali Ramasamy, headers of Thenandal Studio Limited, officially announced that they were collaborating with Dhanush for his second directorial after Pa Paandi (2017). Touted to be a bilingual film released in Tamil and Telugu-languages, the project would feature an ensemble cast that includes Nagarjuna, Aditi Rao Hydari, S. J. Suryah, R. Sarathkumar and Srikanth. Music composer Sean Roldan, who also scored for Pa Pandi, cinematographer Om Prakash and editor Prasanna GK were brought on board to be a part of the main crew. Rukmani stated "It's an impressive story and is Dhanush's dream project that he's had in mind for a long time. He's very passionate about the film and when we heard the script, we understood why", during the press launch of the venture.[1][2] Tentatively titled DD2, the principal photography began the same month.[3]

In early March 2019, reporters claimed that the venture was shelved, citing that the venture was only shot in few bits, mainly due to the cast's schedule. Later, it was reported that it was not shelved, but was instead set on hold, as Dhanush was busy filming for Asuran (2019).[4] In June 2020, Dhanush's elder brother, Selvaraghavan, was reported to have been approached by the actor to direct a part of venture, as Dhanush was busy with his current commitments.[5] Following two-and-a-half years with no statements, in 2023, it was reported that instead of reviving the script, Dhanush would reportedly a new script, which would be funded by Kalanithi Maran, header of Sun Pictures.[6] The production house publicly announced the project on 18 January, and was tentatively titled as D50.[7] The film's official title, Raayan, was revealed on 19 February 2024.[8]

Casting edit

Vishnu Vishal was initially approached to play an important role in the film. However, due to his schedule conflicts, including his film with director Ram Kumar and Lal Salaam (2024), he could not be a part of it.[9][10] Sundeep Kishan, who acted alongside Dhanush in Captain Miller (2024), and Kalidas Jayaram were announced to be a part of the cast, as they were included on the first promotional look poster, which released on 19 February 2024.[11] S. J. Suryah, who was a part of the initial Dhanush's second directorial in 2018, was cast in a pivotal role. His inclusion was announced on 22 February by the production house.[12]

Selvaraghavan,[13] Prakash Raj,[14] and Dushara Vijayan were cast in prominent roles.[15] Dhanush had approached musician Deva to play the antagonist in the film as he wanted someone speaking the North Chennai dialect, however, Deva declined the role.[16] In September, it was reported that Nithya Menen, who previously acted with Dhanush in Thiruchitrambalam, had joined the cast and will be playing the female lead opposite Dhanush.[17] Varalaxmi Sarathkumar joined the cast the same month and was said to be seen in an important role. She had also acted with Dhanush in Maari 2 (2018).[18]

Filming edit

Principal photography commenced on 5 July 2023.[19] The first schedule was shot with a massive set in Aditya Ram Studios in Chennai. The schedule featured scenes involving Suryah and Sundeep.[20] On 14 December, Dhanush tweeted that the shooting had wrapped.[21]

Music edit

The music and background score is composed by A. R. Rahman, in his fourth collaboration with Dhanush after Raanjhanaa (2013), Maryan (2013), and Atrangi Re (2021).[22] The first single, "Adangadha Asuran", was released on 9 May 2024.[23]

No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Adangatha Asuran"DhanushA. R. Rahman, Dhanush4:04

Release edit

Raayan is scheduled to release on 13 June 2024 in theaters. Apart from the original Tamil language, dubbed versions in the Telugu and Hindi languages are also scheduled to be released.[24][25]

References edit

  1. ^ "Details of Dhanush's second directorial bi-lingual venture #DD2 revealed!". The Times of India. 7 September 2018. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Dhanush's second directorial starring Nagarjuna, Sarath Kumar goes on floors". The New Indian Express. 8 September 2018. Archived from the original on 5 September 2019. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Anu Emmanuel roped in to Dhanush's second directorial". The Times of India. 12 October 2018. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  4. ^ "Dhanush's second directorial dropped?". The Times of India. 2 March 2019. Archived from the original on 25 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  5. ^ "Selvaraghavan to direct a part of Dhanush's second directorial?". The Times of India. 27 June 2020. Archived from the original on 29 March 2022. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  6. ^ "Vishnu Vishal to star in Dhanush's directorial?". The Times of India. 5 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  7. ^ "Dhanush's 'D50' officially announced; touted to be a gangster drama". The Times of India. 18 January 2023. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  8. ^ "Dhanush's 'D50' is titled 'Raayan'. Actor's first-look poster out". India Today. 19 February 2024. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  9. ^ "Vishnu Vishal to star in Dhanush's directorial?". The Times of India. 5 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  10. ^ "Vishnu Vishal is not a part of Dhanush's 'D50'. Here's why | Exclusive". India Today. Archived from the original on 10 August 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  11. ^ "Dhanush's 'D50' is titled 'Raayan'. Actor's first-look poster out". India Today. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  12. ^ "SJ Suryah's first look from Raayan released; Dhanush says he had fun directing him". Hindustan Times. 22 February 2024. Archived from the original on 22 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  13. ^ Bureau, The Hindu (22 February 2024). "SJ Suryah joins the cast of Dhanush's 'Raayan'; Selvaraghavan confirms being a part of the film". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 22 February 2024. Retrieved 22 February 2024.
  14. ^ "Sun Pictures on X: "Introducing @prakashraaj from the world of #Raayan 💥 @dhanushkraja @arrahman @iam_SJSuryah @selvaraghavan ..." Sun Pictures (@sunpictures). 23 February 2024. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ "Sun Pictures on X: "Introducing @officialdushara from the world of #Raayan 💥 @dhanushkraja @arrahman @iam_SJSuryah @selvaraghavan ..." Sun Pictures (@sunpictures). 24 February 2024. Archived from the original on 24 February 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2024 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ "D 50: Dhanush approaches veteran musician Deva to play THIS role in his second directorial venture". OTTPlay. 2 September 2023. Archived from the original on 3 September 2023. Retrieved 2 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Dhanush to reunite with THIS famous co-star for his forthcoming directorial venture, reports". Pinkvilla. 3 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 September 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
  18. ^ "D 50: Varalakshmi teams up with Dhanush for the gangster drama?". OTTPlay. 5 September 2023. Archived from the original on 5 September 2023. Retrieved 5 September 2023.
  19. ^ "Dhanush's 'D50' shooting begins today". The Times of India. 5 July 2023. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  20. ^ Bharathi, Amurtha [@CinemaWithAB] (20 July 2023). "#D50 shooting current happening in AdityaRam Studios with a massive set of 600 houses" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 September 2023 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ "Dhanush's second directorial 'D50' shooting wrapped up". The Times of India. 15 December 2023. Archived from the original on 21 December 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
  22. ^ "AR Rahman to compose music for 'D 50'". The Times of India. 21 February 2023. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  23. ^ "Dhanush confirms June release for Raayan; first single by AR Rahman to release soon". Hindustan Times. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Raayan release date and first song: Makers of Dhanush starrer are set 'to raise D volume' and how". PINKVILLA. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Dhanush confirms June release for Raayan; first single by AR Rahman to release soon". Hindustan Times. 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.

External links edit