What Is the Story About?
Set in the 1980s, during the rise of the Naxal movement across the country, Ratha Saatchi takes a look at the revolution in a small village in Tamil Nadu. Appu (Kanna Ravi), a gold medalist from university, takes the revolutionary path and finds him at crossroads with the police and also people of his own. The movie’s core plot is where his path takes him and how it ends.
Performances?
Kanna Ravi has come up with a sincere act. We can feel it in every scene he is part of. The dialogues, which mostly are about the ideology and mix of humanity, are delivered with believability and conviction. And that’s a job well done. There are a few emotional blocks which, too, have been done with ease. But, it is the revolution-based dialogues which stand out in the end.
Analysis
Rafiq Ismail directs Ratha Saatchi. It is a hard-hitting tale of the rising Naxal movement in Tamil Nadu and the harsh steps the police take to nip it in the bud.
The opening sequence sets things in motion with a gruesome incident. It is sure to boil one’s blood. But, more importantly, it sets things up perfectly for the ‘revolutionary act’ that follows. It is impactful, and one sides with the words of the Appu.
There are a few more such incidents which prove to be right instigation points highlighting the necessity to revolt. They are neatly done. But, a narrative consisting of only such moments would amount to nothing than showcasing brutal violence. What we have in Ratha Saatchi is the director focusing on the ideological aspects after briefly, yet strongly, showcasing the brutality on both sides.
The key aspect of conflict with the ideology and revolution and its approach is what separates Ratha Saatchi from similar films made in the past. Of course, it isn’t a new thought, but it has been handled neatly.
The violence in the aftermath plays a big role in shaping the narrative after the initial half an hour. The slow pace helps in registering vital emotional blocks that add depth to the proceedings.
It brings us to the problematic part. There is no doubt related to the propaganda in Ratha Saatchi. We have the communist propaganda throughout, with the climax literally turning over a cop. It works fine within the narrative but is sure to not go well with a section and divide the opinion.
Overall, Ratha Saatchi is a well-made drama on a small scale but with a powerful and intense drama. It is all political and sure to polarise the final view. If you like hard-hitting dramas and remain apolitical while watching, give it a try.
Other Artists?
Elango Kumaravel easily stands out among the artists after the hero. He gets a compelling role, playing a police officer witnessing the brutality first-hand. The kind of psychological effect it has been subtly yet impactfully enacted. Kalyan Kumar is the other actor who registers despite a short screen time. The rest of the supporting cast, too, do well even though they appear briefly, like Arjun Raam and others.
Music and Other Departments?
Javed Riaz’s background score is neat. It is largely serviceable but gets things right when necessary. The cinematography could have been better, given the period setting. A low-budget feel is there from the start. The editing is fine. The idea is to delve into small moments before the catastrophe strikes. The writing is good and related to the movement.
Highlights?
Intense Drama
Dialogues
Casting
Drawbacks?
Slow Pace
Political Setting
Meandering In Parts
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, But With Reservations
Rathasaatchi Movie Review by Binged Bureau
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