Wikipedia

Raatchasi

Raatchasi (transl. Demoness) is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language social drama film, written and directed by Syed Gowthamraj, and produced by S. R. Prakashbabu and S. R. Prabhu under the banner of Dream Warrior Pictures.[1] The film stars Jyothika,[2] while Hareesh Peradi, Poornima Bhagyaraj, Sathyan, Nagineedu, and Aruldoss play supporting roles. The music was composed by Sean Roldan with editing by Philomin Raj and cinematography by Gokul Benoy. Upon the film's release on 5 July 2019, it received positive reviews and was successful at the box office.[3]

Raatchasi
Theatrical release poster
Directed bySyed Gowthamraj
Written bySyed Gowthamraj
Produced byS. R. Prakashbabu
S. R. Prabhu
StarringJyothika
Hareesh Peradi
CinematographyGokul Benoy
Edited byPhilomin Raj
Music bySean Roldan
Production
company
Distributed byDream Warrior Pictures
Release date
  • 5 July 2019 (2019-07-05) (India)
Running time
136 minutes
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil

Plot

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The film is about a headmistress (Jyothika) who converts a poorly run school into one of the best in the state. Lieutenant Colonel Geeta Rani is a trainer for new recruits in Indian Army. When she gets to know about a poorly functioning government school, Geeta Rani decides to take up the position of the school's headmistress to improve its state.

Upon arriving at the village, Geeta Rani hears people talking ill about the school, so she gradually makes new positive changes in the school. In this process, she makes a few friends and many enemies, including the local MLA of the village. The majority of the film focuses on how Geeta Rani tries to change the state of the school and makes it one of the best schools in the state.

Cast

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Production

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Raatchasi is the debut movie for the director Syed Gowthamraj.[5] Cinematography is handled by Gokul Benoy, editing by Philomin Raj and music is composed by Sean Roldan.[6] Jyothika is playing the role of headmistress of a Government school.[4]

Release

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Initially the producers announced that this movie would be released in June 2019, later they confirmed that the movie will be released on 5 July 2019.[7]

The film was dubbed and released in Hindi as Madam Geeta Rani in 2020 by Goldmines Telefilms and received well on YouTube, garnering over 180 million views within nine months.[8]

Music

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Raatchasi
Soundtrack album by
Sean Roldan
Released20 June 2019
Recorded2019
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length18:27
LanguageTamil
ProducerSean Roldan
Sean Roldan chronology
Mehandi Circus
(2019) 		Raatchasi
(2019) 		Dharala Prabhu
(2020)

The soundtrack, composed by Sean Roldan, released on 20 June 2019 and features 5 songs. The lyrics were penned by Yugabharathi, Thanikodi, Sean Roldan and Sy. Gowthamraj.

Track Song Singer(s) Duration Lyricist Notes
1 "Rekka Namakku" Srinidhi S 4:12 Sy. Gowthamraj
2 "Nee Yen Nanbanae" Brindha Sivakumar 3:28 Yugabharathi
3 "Kondatam" Sean Roldan, Bamba Bakya 4:22 Thanikodi
4 "Thadai Illai Odu" Rahul Nambiar 3:07 Yugabharathi
5 "Sigarame" Sean Roldan 3:18 Sean Roldan

Reception

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Critical response

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Raatchasi received positive reviews from critics.[9]

Behindwoods gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars and stated "Jyotika's performance is clean throughout and the clarity she brings to screen is impeccable. She steals the show with good dialogue delivery and body language. The film could have been way better if the story was treated well and the screenplay was more engaging."[10] Sify.com rated the film 3.5 out 5 stars and explained "Raatchasi works mainly because of Jyotika, as her performance is solid and sincere. She is in there in every frame and is in superb form. She has even put on a little weight to look convincing as a teacher. Though it takes some time to sync with her character, slowly she grabs our attention and makes us travel along with her. Watch it for the topical message, sharp dialogues and an earnest Jyotika."[11] The Times of India summarised the film by saying "Jyotika's performance as the dutiful teacher is the prime saving grace of this preachy film" and gave the film 3.5 out of 5 stars.[12]

Indiaglitz wrote "Sy. Gowthamraj makes a respectable debut armed with genuine knowledge of the issues he has taken up and filming it as honestly as he could. The lack of finesse can be forgiven for the strong content and messages".[13] India Today wrote "Jyothika's Raatchasi is a film that touches upon pressing issues that are plaguing government schools. Along with being predictable, the film lacks a strong screenplay to hold everyone's attention. Raatchasi is a one-time watch".[14] Ananda Vikatan wrote, "Teacher crush, Heroine, special wish for dealt the Educational Development".[15] Film Companion South wrote "When will our directors learn that good intentions cannot make a good movie? Or that relentless music (Sean Roldan is the composer) isn't enough to make us "feel" if there's no emotional connect with the characters?...it's great that Jyotika is cherry-picking projects that indulge in a fair bit of "heroine worship"...but she really needs better scripts".[16]

Firstpost rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, stating "Raatchasi skims through issues plaguing the education system and offers a one-woman army as the solution."[17] News18 rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Jyothika makes it bearable".[18] The Hindu stated "Raatchasi is well-intentioned no doubt — films like these are constant reminders of the need to upgrade our government schools - but it needs more finesse, more heart".[19]

The Indian Express rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "Raatchasi could have been a better film if the director understood the screenplay and characters were as important as ‘messages'".[20] Hindustan Times rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Despite an earnest effort by actor Jyotika, the film's dependence on melodrama and message-heavy dialogues makes it an effort to watch".[21]

Cinema Express rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "After an efficient beginning, Raatchasi settles into a dull, comfortable zone, where familiar demons get addressed, and not particularly in enterprising ways".[22] The News Minute rated 3 out of 5 stars stating "Jyothika's Geetha Rani is a refreshing character but the film does not rise above the predictable one-line story of a teacher turning a school around".[23] Deccan Chronicle rated 3.5 out of 5 stars stating "Jyothika has given earnest performance, Sean Rolden's music and Gokul Binoy's cinematography capture the right mood of the film".[24]

Publicity

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The film's release also had gone viral among Malaysian social media users because of the film's storyline, to the point where the Education Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Maszlee Malik praised the film for its social relevance after watching the film along with his officers. Lead actress Jyothika penned a letter thanking Dr. Mazlee for his support on the film through her husband Suriya Sivakumar's Twitter user account.[25][26][27][28][29] On September 30, the team of Raatchasi was invited by Dr. Maszlee for a special screening at TGV Setiawalk, Puchong which are also attended by deputy of Education Minister of Malaysia, Teo Nie Ching and other education officers.[30][31]

Accolades

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  • 2019  – Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Best Actor Lead Role (Female)[32]
  • 2019  – Edison Award for Best Actress[32][33][34]
  • 2019  – Director SY Gowtham Raj won the JFW award 2020 for the best director in a women-centric film for Raatchasi.[35]
  • 2019  – JFW Award for Best Actress - Women Centric Film 2020[36]
  • 2019  – Nominated - Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Actress[37][38]
  • 2019  – Screened in Indian film festival of South Korea (October 16 and 20 in Seoul)
  • 2019  – Zee Tamil Award Nominated for three Category (Favorite Heroine, Best actress and Best Child actor)[39]
  • 2019  – Vikatan Cinema Viruthugal - Nominated for five Categories (Actress, Debut Director, Child actor, Dialogue, Best production)[37]
  • 2019  – Raatchasi Special Screening for Malaysian officials with minister.[31]

References

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  1. ^ "First look of Jyotika's 'Raatchasi'". The Times of India. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  2. ^ Narayan, Adithya (17 March 2019). "Jyothika to Play School Teacher in Her Upcoming Film Ratchasi". SilverScreen India.
  3. ^ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (4 July 2019). "Jyotika goes back to school with 'Raatchasi'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  4. ^ a b "'Raatchasi' trailer: Jyothika goes back to school for her latest movie". Scroll.in. 1 June 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  5. ^ "Raatchasi trailer is a woman on a mission". The News Minute. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  6. ^ "Jyothika's Raatchasi movie official trailer video". Behindwoods. 31 May 2019. Retrieved 11 June 2019.
  7. ^ "Jyotika's 'Raatchasi' to release on July 5". Sify. 23 June 2019. Archived from the original on 23 June 2019. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
  8. ^ "Madam Geeta Rani (Raatchasi) 2020 New Released Hindi Dubbed Full Movie | Jyothika, Hareesh Peradi". YouTube. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
  9. ^ Upadhyaya, Prakash (5 July 2019). "Raatchasi movie review: Here is what netizens say about Jyothika-starrer". International Business Times.
  10. ^ "Raatchasi Movie Review". Behindwoods. 5 July 2019.
  11. ^ "Raatchasi review: Topical message, sharp dialogues and an earnest Jyotika". Sify.com. 5 July 2019. Archived from the original on 6 July 2019.
  12. ^ Menon, Thinkal (5 July 2019). "Raatchasi Movie Review". The Times of India.
  13. ^ "Raatchasi review". IndiaGlitz. 5 July 2019.
  14. ^ Janani K (6 July 2019). "Raatchasi Movie Review: Jyothika is the saving grace of this dreary film". India Today.
  15. ^ "சினிமா விமர்சனம்: ராட்சசி" [Movie Review: Rakshasi]. Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil). 11 July 2019.
  16. ^ "Raatchasi Movie Review: Jyotika Lectures Her Way Through A Patience-Testing Drama On Education". Film Companion South. 5 July 2019. Archived from the original on 9 July 2019.
  17. ^ "Raatchasi movie review: Jyothika's screen presence makes this predictable film watchable". Firstpost. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  18. ^ "Raatchasi Movie Review: Jyothika Can't Help This Poorly Executed Film". News18. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  19. ^ Ramanujam, Srinivasa (5 July 2019). "'Raatchasi' review: A well-intentioned drama that can't decide if it's a social-message film or a masala flick". The Hindu. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  20. ^ "Raatchasi movie review: A preachy, predictable premise is rescued by Jyotika". The Indian Express. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  21. ^ "Raatchasi movie review: Jyotika starrer is well-intentioned, relevant but not hard-hitting". Hindustan Times. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  22. ^ "Raatchasi Movie Review: This well-intentioned Jyotika film is tedious and preachy". Cinema Express. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  23. ^ "'Raatchasi' review: Jyothika holds together a preachy film". The News Minute. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  24. ^ "Raatchasi movie review: Solid themes make it worthwhile". Deccan Chronicle. 6 July 2019. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  25. ^ "Actress Jyothika thanks Maszlee over 'Raatchasi' support". The Star. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  26. ^ @Suriya_offl (5 September 2019). "With Respect and Gratitude to #Malaysian Education Minister Hon'ble Dr. Maszlee Malik from #Raatchasi Team & #Jyotika @maszlee @sy_gowthamraj @DreamWarriorpic @prabhu_sr @RSeanRoldan #MalaysianAudience" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  27. ^ "Maszlee says Tamil film 'Raatchasi' captures his aspirations for education in Malaysia". Malay Mail. 2 September 2019.
  28. ^ "Maszlee praises Tamil film 'Raatchasi'". New Straits Times. 3 September 2019.
  29. ^ "Raatchasi is a must-watch: Malaysian education minister praises Jyothika film to heavens". India Today. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
  30. ^ @prabhu_sr (30 September 2019). "It was an honour for #Raatchasi team to have met with the #Malaysia #education minister Shri. Maszlee Malik @maszlee . Thank you so much for inviting and appreciating personally. Meant a lot to all of us who have worked in the film" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  31. ^ a b "Raatchasi screened for Malaysian officials". The Times of India. 1 October 2019. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  32. ^ a b "Jyothika - Best Actor in a Lead Role for Raatchasi | 7th Behindwoods Gold Medals 2019 - Winners!". Behindwoods. 9 December 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2019.
  33. ^ "Home". The Edison Awards. Archived from the original on 19 December 2019. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  34. ^ "Edison Awards 2020 Vote Online - Check out the nominations and vote for your favourite stars". The News Crunch. 23 November 2019.
  35. ^ "Twin Birds Presents JFW Movie Awards 2020: An Unforgettable Night With Impeccable Style And Substance!". Just for Women Online. 16 March 2020.
  36. ^ "JFW Movie Awards 2020: Click to Vote". Just for Women Online.
  37. ^ a b "ஆனந்த விகடன் சினிமா விருதுகள்... கலந்துகொள்ள என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும்? 2 மினிட்ஸ் ப்ளீஸ்! #StepByStepGuide" [Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards... What to do to participate? 2 minutes please]. Ananda Vikatan (in Tamil).
  38. ^ @Suriya_Speaks (3 January 2020). "நடிப்புத் திறமையால் உங்களை கவர்ந்த நடிகை இந்த பட்டியலில் இருக்கிறாரா? - விகடன் விருதை அவர் வெல்வாரா?" [Is there an actress on this list who impressed you with her acting skills? - Will she win the Vikatan Award?] (Tweet) (in Tamil) – via Twitter.
  39. ^ Winters, Bryce J. (4 January 2020). "Zee Cine Awards Tamil 2020 Live Updates". The News Crunch.
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