“Pavi Caretaker” follows the typical Dileep formula, blending slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romance, and action reminiscent of 90s movies, catering to the so-called family entertainment genre. However, Dileep’s character now includes a couple of pro-women dialogues, advocating for girls to complete their education and secure a job before marriage.

The story revolves around Pavi, a bachelor caretaker who doubles as the night security of a prestigious apartment. While the narrative could have explored the lives of various residents in the building, it primarily focuses on bringing romance into Pavi’s life.

“The movie embodies the quintessential Dileep style, serving as a platform for slapstick humor, heartfelt emotions, romantic interludes, and action sequences reminiscent of 90s cinema.”

Inspector Paruthi Ilamaaran, portrayed by Thaman Kumar, is confronted with two challenging cases. The first revolves around the disappearance of Sekaran, who owes a significant debt to the merciless loan shark Karimedu Thiyagu. Thiyagu operates under the protection of the arrogant and corrupt MLA Thirugnana Moorthy. Paruthi employs unconventional methods to extract information from Thiyagu’s associates, resorting to forceful interrogation tactics. Meanwhile, the murder of a young woman named Parvathy adds further complexity to the investigation. As Paruthi delves deeper into these cases, he grapples with moral dilemmas, finding honesty amidst the brutality of his methods. His quest to piece together the truth from fragmented confessions becomes his only hope of unveiling the true culprits behind the crimes.

“A more concise screenplay and a heightened sense of suspense throughout could have taken the film to the next level, creating a truly gripping and immersive experience.“

“It follows the classic Hari formula: action-packed, fast-paced, and relentless. However, even by his usual standards, there are moments where it feels a bit sluggish.“

Directed by Hari, Rathnam is primarily 90 minutes of action and violence, interspersed with moments of drama. It’s not a film focused on intricate plots or deep character arcs; rather, it’s about Vishal’s portrayal of raw aggression. The subplot involving Mallika feels somewhat contrived, especially with her parents’ extreme actions over land disputes. However, the film makes it clear that Vishal’s character is the central focus, showcasing his ability to unleash chaos upon his adversaries.

While Rathnam boasts adrenaline-fueled sequences, some may find certain action scenes repetitive, contributing to a sense of sluggishness in the film’s pacing. However, once you embrace the film’s style, the relentless action becomes its own spectacle, featuring knives, machetes, and thrilling car chases. Vishal’s dominance on screen is undeniable, portraying Rathnam with a mix of agility, intensity, and rugged charm. Priya Bhavani Shankar delivers a commendable performance despite her limited role, while Samuthirakani adds depth to the narrative as the MLA.

The film’s soundtrack by Devi Sri Prasad combines masala numbers with emotionally charged melodies, complementing the fast-paced action. M. Sukumar’s cinematography captures the essence of Hari’s vision, bringing the intense action sequences to life.