Raavan (2010) Review – Rating, Verdict & Box Office | Tollybo
Last updated: 8 May 2026
Raavan (2010) Review
A review of Raavan (2010) (Hindi action, adventure, drama), directed by Mani Ratnam. Starring Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram. A bandit leader kidnaps the wife of the policeman who killed his sister, but later falls in love with her. Our Rating: 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP. Released: 18 Jun 2010. Runtime: 2h 18m.
Raavan(2010)
Not just a story, a world.
Hindi · Action, Adventure, Drama
2h 18m · 18 Jun 2010
Music: A.R. Rahman | DOP: V. Manikandan, Santosh Sivan | Writer: Mani Ratnam, Vijay Krishna Acharya
Ratings
Our Rating
2.25
📖 Story
Raavan is a modern-day retelling inspired by the epic Ramayana, focusing on the complex character of Beera (Vikram), a tribal rebel who kidnaps Ragini (Aishwarya Rai Bachchan), the wife of a police officer Dev (Abhishek Bachchan). The story explores themes of love, revenge, and justice, blurring the lines between hero and villain as it delves into the motivations and emotions of its characters. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of Dev and Beera, creating a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic set against the backdrop of dense forests and rural India.
Raavan presents a visually striking and ambitious narrative that attempts to blend mythology with contemporary socio-political issues. The screenplay is layered but at times convoluted, which affects the overall pacing. The first half establishes the characters and their motivations with a slow build-up, rich in atmospheric tension and emotional depth. However, the second half struggles with maintaining momentum, occasionally losing narrative clarity and emotional engagement.
The film's music by A.R. Rahman stands out as a major highlight, with songs that complement the mood and setting beautifully. The background score enhances the emotional and dramatic moments effectively, adding to the immersive experience. Cinematography by V. Manikandan and Santosh Sivan is exceptional, capturing the raw beauty of the forest and the intensity of the characters' emotions.
Despite its strong technical aspects and ambitious storytelling, Raavan's complex narrative and uneven pacing may not appeal to all viewers. The film demands patience and attention, rewarding those who appreciate nuanced character studies and visual storytelling but may feel slow or confusing to others.
Abhishek Bachchan: Delivering a restrained and intense portrayal of Dev, balancing vulnerability and determination.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Captivating and emotive as Ragini, effectively conveying inner conflict and strength.
Vikram: Powerful and raw as Beera, bringing depth to the antagonist with a charismatic presence.
Govinda: A supporting role with limited scope, providing occasional comic relief.
Ravi Kishan: Solid supporting performance adding to the film's tension.
Priyamani: Brief but impactful appearance.
💪 Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ✓Stunning cinematography capturing natural landscapes
- ✓A.R. Rahman's evocative music and background score
- ✓Strong performances by lead actors, especially Vikram and Aishwarya Rai
- ✓Ambitious and layered storytelling with mythological undertones
Weaknesses
- ✕Uneven pacing, particularly in the second half
- ✕Complex narrative that may confuse some viewers
- ✕Lack of emotional payoff for certain character arcs
- ✕Limited commercial appeal due to unconventional storytelling
🎬 Direction & Writing
Mani Ratnam's direction is visually poetic and ambitious, focusing on mood and character psychology. His attempt to reinterpret an epic tale in a contemporary setting is commendable, though the screenplay occasionally falters in clarity and pacing. The writing is rich in symbolism but sometimes sacrifices narrative coherence for artistic expression.
- - Cinematography by V. Manikandan and Santosh Sivan
- - Music and background score by A.R. Rahman
- - Editing that struggles with pacing
- - Production design reflecting rural and forest settings authentically
📰 Ratings Sources
| Source | Rating |
|---|---|
| 2.75 / 5 | |
| 3.25 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 | |
| 3.00 / 5 |
Our Rating
💰 Box Office Collection
No collection data available yet.
🏛️ Centers & 🏅 Awards
No centers data available.
No awards data available.
😊 Sentiment Breakdown & 🧠 Critics
| Type | Value |
|---|---|
| Positive | 30% |
| Neutral | 40% |
| Negative | 30% |
Critics
Critics praised Raavan for its technical brilliance, especially the cinematography and A.R. Rahman's music. Performances, particularly by Vikram and Aishwarya Rai, were highlighted as strong points. However, many reviews pointed out the film's uneven pacing and complex narrative as drawbacks, which affected its overall impact. The film received a mixed to positive response, appreciated more for its artistic ambition than its commercial appeal.
Final Box-Office Result
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did Raavan release in theatres?▾
Raavan released on 18 June 2010 (2010).
Is Raavan a hit or flop?▾
Raavan is declared a FLOP at the box office.
What is the budget of Raavan?▾
Budget of Raavan is approximately ₹708726 Crore.
Where to watch Raavan online? OTT release date?▾
Raavan is available on Prime Video, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play. OTT date will be updated soon.
Who directed Raavan?▾
Raavan directed by Mani Ratnam. Produced by Mani Ratnam, Sharada Trilok.
Who are the main cast members of Raavan?▾
Raavan stars Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Vikram, Govinda, Ravi Kishan.
What is the Tollybo rating for Raavan?▾
Tollybo rates Raavan 2.25/5. Verdict: FLOP.
Who composed the music for Raavan?▾
Music for Raavan composed by A.R. Rahman.
What is the genre and runtime of Raavan?▾
Raavan — Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Runtime: 138 minutes, Language: Hindi.