Raayan

In an unnamed village, a teenage Kathavaraayan "Raayan" lives with his family consisting of his parents; brothers Manickavelraayan "Manickam" and Muthuvelraayan "Muthu"; and newborn sister Durga, on whom he dotes. One day, his parents disappear on the pretext of going to the Chennai. Through this, he starts taking care of the rest of his family. A priest tries to abduct his infant sister; while trying to save her, Raayan kills the priest. The siblings flee to the city and meet a market businessman named Sekhar, who takes care of the siblings. Raayan starts working for Sekhar.

Years later, Raayan works as a food truck owner in North Chennai. Manickam is a college student, while Muthu is a hot-headed alcoholic who is in love with Meghalai. Sekhar supports Raayan and his family as a good family friend.

Durai and Sethuraman "Sethu" are two gangsters who are rivals in the area and have a feud with each other after Durai killed Sethu's father. R. Sargunam, a recently transferred police commissioner who has a personal enmity with Durai due to the murder of his father by Durai, wants to create a conflict between Sethu and Durai and kill them both in an encounter. One day, Sargunam sends a group of hired goons to ambush an attack on Sethu, who kills all of them. Sethu, believing that Durai was responsible for the recent attack on him, sends his men to kill Durai's son, who was at the local bar. Muthu, who was also present at the bar, gets into a broil with Durai's son and his gang. Seeing this, Sethu's gang infiltrates their altercation with weapons and amidst the chaos kills Durai's son. Muthu ends up being the sole survivor. While most people believe that Sethu killed Durai's son, Durai finds out about Muthu and tells Raayan to hand over Muthu within 24 hours. However, Raayan, together with Muthu and Manickam, kills Durai and his gang.

Sethu, who is confused about Durai's death, finds out about Raayan and his brothers' involvement in his death and calls Raayan for a meeting. He requests Raayan to join his side and promises him and his family protection from the police, but Raayan refuses. Sethu begins to threaten Raayan, who in turn, also begins to threaten Sethu indirectly without outrightly stating that he is indeed the killer. Sethu then tries to assassinate Raayan by sending his goons, but one remaining henchman flees back to Sethu with the news that he witnessed Raayan singlehandedly killing all his henchmen there. Around that time, Raayan was planning Durga's wedding with a government employee and agreed to shoulder the responsibility of the event expense around {{INR}}5 lakhs and dowry, leaving him in dire need of money. At the groom's family's request for dowry, Raayan agrees to hand over his profitable mobile hotel and all their bank savings to the groom's family.

Fearing for their future, Raayan plans to kill Sethu the night before Durga's marriage by entering Sethu's second wife, Annam's, house in an ambush attack. However, Raayan finds Durga tied up in that house, realizes it is a trap set by Sethu, and fights Sethu's henchmen who ambushed him. However, on escaping, Sethu's henchman Guru abducts and sexually assaults Durga. Meanwhile, it was revealed that both Muthu and Manickam, who were not able to land a job quickly, were now working for Sethu to supplement their household expenses; at realizing their target was their brother, they panicked and stabbed him. After escaping from Guru, Durga runs back to where she left Raayan and saves him by admitting in a nearby clinic.

Sethu's gang tries to kill Raayan in the clinic, but he is saved by Durga and Sekhar. The trio escapes to an isolated house far from the city, and there, Durga learns about Muthu and Manickam's betrayal. Meanwhile, Muthu and Manickam continue to work for Sethu, while Meghalai gives birth to Muthu's child. After almost a year, Raayan recovers from his injuries and kidnaps Annam; he asks Sethu to send Guru to him in place of Annam as he was behind Durga's rape. Sethu accepts, and Guru gets killed by Durga.

Manickam wanted to amend things with Raayan and Durga; therefore, he requests Sekhar to arrange a meeting with Raayan and plead for mercy. Overhearing the conversation, Sethu tricks Manickam and uses this opportunity to make Sekhar reveal Raayan's whereabouts, but he refuses and is killed by Sethu. His body is hung for public display and brings out Raayan and Durga from their hideout. Sargunam uses this chance to arrange a meeting with Raayan and Sethu for a public compromise; however, he was secretly planning on killing them all in a common location. However, Sargunam changes his plan as there were many goons of Sethu with him, and carries out his backup plan, that is a deal that he made with Raayan; in exchange for eradicating Sethu and his gang, Raayan and Durga were promised freedom, safety, and a new identity. During Bhogi celebrations, Durga stabs and kills Manickam for betraying Raayan. In the ensuing fight, Raayan kills Sethu and his gang brutally, and finally, but hesitantly, killing Muthu.

The next day, Sargunam waits for Raayan with the money, but his real intention was to kill him so that Sargunam's deals would not be leaked. However, Raayan was clever enough to figure out his plan and not arrive at their meeting spot. Meghalai gives her child away to Raayan and Durga citing that she does not want a child of his bloodline. Raayan and Durga pack their belongings and leave to Coimbatore for a peaceful life.

{{Cast listing|

• Dhanush as Kathavaraayan "Raayan"
• Raghul R. as young Raayan
• Dushara Vijayan as Durga
• Dharsikha as young Durga
• S. J. Suryah as Sethuraman "Sethu"
• Sundeep Kishan as Muthuvelraayan "Muthu"
• Avanish as young Muthu
• Kalidas Jayaram as Manickavelraayan "Manickam"
• Dhanush Karthik as young Manickam
• Selvaraghavan as Sekhar
• Prakash Raj as Commissioner R. Sargunam
• Aparna Balamurali as Meghalai
• Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Sethu's first wife
• Saravanan as Durai
• Dileepan as Guru
• Divya Pillai as Annam Sethuraman
• Ilavarasu as Meghalai's father
• Bose Venkat as Inspector Sengundran
• Dr. Karthik Anjaneyan as K. Anjaneyan
• Devadarshini as Shalini
• Namo Narayana as Jagannathan
• Cell Murugan as Murugan
• Geetha Kailasam as Durai's wife
• Aranthangi Nisha as Sargunam's assistant
• Anbu Mayilsamy as Sethu's henchman
• Kiccha Ravi as Raayan's father
• M. Soundarya Saravanan as Raayan's mother

}}

On 29 December 2017, Dhanush announced that for his second directorial after Pa Paandi (2017), he would collaborate with Hema Rukmani and Murali Ramasamy, headers of Thenandal Studio Limited.{{Cite news |date=29 December 2017 |title=Dhanush's next directorial with Sri Thenandal Films |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhanushs-next-directorial-with-sri-thenandal-films/article22326386.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214200520/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/dhanushs-next-directorial-with-sri-thenandal-films/article22326386.ece |archive-date=14 December 2022 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |agency=IANS}} He further stated that he would play the lead and the production would begin the following year.{{Cite web |date=29 December 2017 |title=Dhanush to play the lead in second directorial venture |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/dhanush-play-lead-second-directorial-venture-73912 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912132857/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/dhanush-play-lead-second-directorial-venture-73912 |archive-date=12 September 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=The News Minute |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=29 December 2017 |title=Dhanush spills the beans on his second directorial venture |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanush-spills-bean-on-his-second-directorial-venture-1118310-2017-12-29 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225083419/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanush-spills-bean-on-his-second-directorial-venture-1118310-2017-12-29 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} To which, on 7 September 2018, a muhurat puja was held in Chennai.{{Cite news |date=7 September 2018 |title=Dhanush's second directorial goes on the floors |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-second-directorial-goes-on-the-floors/articleshow/65716549.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128100013/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-second-directorial-goes-on-the-floors/articleshow/65716549.cms |archive-date=28 November 2022 |access-date=28 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Touted to be a bilingual film released in Tamil and Telugu-languages, it would feature Nagarjuna, Aditi Rao Hydari, S. J. Suryah, R. Sarathkumar and Srikanth.{{Cite web |date=7 September 2018 |title=Nagarjuna to star in Dhanush's second directorial |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/nagarjuna-star-dhanushs-second-directorial-87962 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528171244/https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/nagarjuna-star-dhanushs-second-directorial-87962 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |access-date=28 May 2024 |website=The News Minute |language=en}} Music composer Sean Roldan, cinematographer Om Prakash and editor Prasanna GK were brought on board. 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.{{Cite news |date=7 September 2018 |title=Details of Dhanush's second directorial bi-lingual venture #DD2 revealed! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/details-of-dhanushs-second-directorial-bi-lingual-venture-dd2-revealed/articleshow/65717168.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225054020/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/details-of-dhanushs-second-directorial-bi-lingual-venture-dd2-revealed/articleshow/65717168.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=25 December 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=8 September 2018 |title=Dhanush's second directorial starring Nagarjuna, Sarath Kumar goes on floors |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/sep/08/dhanushs-second-directorial-starring-nagarjuna-sarath-kumar-goes-on-floors-1868991.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905050628/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2018/sep/08/dhanushs-second-directorial-starring-nagarjuna-sarath-kumar-goes-on-floors-1868991.html |archive-date=5 September 2019 |access-date=20 December 2023 |website=The New Indian Express}} Tentatively titled DD2, principal photography began the same month.{{Cite news |date=15 September 2018 |title=Anu Emmanuel roped in to Dhanush's second directorial |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/anu-emmanuel-roped-in-to-dhanushs-second-directorial/articleshow/65820921.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225054025/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/anu-emmanuel-roped-in-to-dhanushs-second-directorial/articleshow/65820921.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=25 December 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=The Times of India}}

In early March 2019, some reporters claimed that the venture was shelved, saying it was only shot in few bits, mainly due to the cast's schedule. Others reported that it was not shelved, but was instead put on hold, as Dhanush was busy filming for Asuran (2019).{{Cite news |date=2 March 2019 |title=Dhanush's second directorial dropped? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-second-directorial-dropped/articleshow/68229660.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225054023/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-second-directorial-dropped/articleshow/68229660.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=25 December 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=The Times of India}} 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 other commitments.{{Cite news |date=27 June 2020 |title=Selvaraghavan to direct a part of Dhanush's second directorial? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/selvaraghavan-to-direct-a-part-of-dhanushs-second-directorial/articleshow/76656836.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329151827/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/selvaraghavan-to-direct-a-part-of-dhanushs-second-directorial/articleshow/76656836.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=29 March 2022 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=The Times of India}} The project was later put on hold. However, it was reported that it would begin after the COVID-19 pandemic ends, which was later proven false.{{Cite web |date=10 June 2020 |title=Dhanush to resume work on directorial post lockdown? |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/Jun/10/dhanush-to-resume-work-on-directorial-post-lockdown-18853.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516031337/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2020/Jun/10/dhanush-to-resume-work-on-directorial-post-lockdown-18853.html |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} In January 2023, it was reported that instead of reviving the script, Dhanush would write a new script, to be funded by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Pictures.{{Cite news |date=5 January 2023 |title=Vishnu Vishal to star in Dhanush's directorial? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-to-star-in-dhanushs-directorial/articleshow/96752887.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802100634/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vishnu-vishal-to-star-in-dhanushs-directorial/articleshow/96752887.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2 August 2023 |work=The Times of India}} The production house officially announced the project on 18 January, and was tentatively titled D50.{{Cite news |date=18 January 2023 |title=Dhanush's 'D50' officially announced; touted to be a gangster drama |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-d50-officially-announced-touted-to-be-a-gangster-drama/articleshow/97094659.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802100632/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-d50-officially-announced-touted-to-be-a-gangster-drama/articleshow/97094659.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2 August 2023 |work=The Times of India}} The film's official title, Raayan, was revealed on 19 February 2024.{{Cite web |date=19 February 2024 |title=Dhanush's 'D50' is titled 'Raayan'. Actor's first-look poster out |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanushs-d50-is-titled-raayan-actors-first-look-poster-out-2504232-2024-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223034941/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanushs-d50-is-titled-raayan-actors-first-look-poster-out-2504232-2024-02-19 |archive-date=23 February 2024 |access-date=19 February 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

Dhanush would sport a tonsured head and stubble with a thick handlebar mustache for his character.{{Cite web |date=10 May 2024 |title=Dhanush's new avatar in Raayan intriguing |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/thala-vanchi-eragade-song-from-dhanushs-raayan-out-893338 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515181147/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/thala-vanchi-eragade-song-from-dhanushs-raayan-out-893338 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}} Sundeep Kishan was cast in an important role,{{Cite news |date=14 April 2024 |title='Raayan' first single to be out soon; confirms Dhanush |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-first-single-to-be-out-soon-confirms-dhanush/articleshow/109287898.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516160005/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-first-single-to-be-out-soon-confirms-dhanush/articleshow/109287898.cms |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} collaborating with Dhanush again after Captain Miller (2024).{{Cite web |date=25 May 2023 |title=Dhanush's directorial film D50 gets bigger as Sundeep Kishan joins cast |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanushs-directorial-film-d50-gets-bigger-as-sundeep-kishan-joins-cast-2384006-2023-05-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227094518/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanushs-directorial-film-d50-gets-bigger-as-sundeep-kishan-joins-cast-2384006-2023-05-25 |archive-date=27 February 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} Kalidas Jayaram was confirmed to play an important role,{{Cite news |date=6 July 2023 |title=Kalidas Jayaram confirms being a part of Dhanush's 'D50' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalidas-jayaram-confirms-being-a-part-of-dhanushs-d50/articleshow/101537949.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719174332/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/kalidas-jayaram-confirms-being-a-part-of-dhanushs-d50/articleshow/101537949.cms |archive-date=19 July 2023 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} replacing Vishnu Vishal who was initially approached for the role but had to decline due to scheduling conflicts.{{Cite web |date=1 July 2024 |title=ആ നടന്‍ ചെയ്യേണ്ട റോളിലേക്കാണ് ധനുഷ് എന്നെ വിളിച്ചത്; കാളിദാസ് ജയറാം |url=https://www.doolnews.com/kalidas-jayaram-saying-that-vishnu-vishal-was-considered-for-his-role-in-raayan-64-144.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250417053742/https://www.doolnews.com/kalidas-jayaram-saying-that-vishnu-vishal-was-considered-for-his-role-in-raayan-64-144.html |archive-date=17 April 2025 |access-date=17 April 2025 |website=DoolNews |language=Ml}}{{Cite web |date=17 July 2023 |title=Vishnu Vishal is not a part of Dhanush's 'D50'. Here's why {{!}} Exclusive |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanush-d50-vishnu-vishal-is-not-a-part-of-dhanushs-d-50-heres-why-exclusive-2407698-2023-07-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810225559/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/dhanush-d50-vishnu-vishal-is-not-a-part-of-dhanushs-d-50-heres-why-exclusive-2407698-2023-07-17 |archive-date=10 August 2023 |access-date=22 February 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} Dushara Vijayan also joined the film in an important role,{{Cite news |date=25 February 2024 |title=Dushara Vijayan: 'Raayan' is a goal come true moment for me! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dushara-vijayan-raayan-is-a-goal-come-true-moment-for-me/articleshow/107981018.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515181142/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dushara-vijayan-raayan-is-a-goal-come-true-moment-for-me/articleshow/107981018.cms |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} whilst S. J. Suryah was also cast in an important role.{{Cite news |date=25 December 2023 |title=SJ Suryah praises his 'D50' director, saying, 'Dhanush is a super director' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sj-suryah-praises-his-d50-director-saying-dhanush-is-a-super-director/articleshow/106267759.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515181151/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/sj-suryah-praises-his-d50-director-saying-dhanush-is-a-super-director/articleshow/106267759.cms |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

Selvaraghavan,{{Cite news |date=22 February 2024 |title=SJ Suryah joins the cast of Dhanush's 'Raayan'; Selvaraghavan confirms being a part of the film |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sj-suryah-joins-the-cast-of-dhanushs-raayan-selvaraghavan-confirms-being-a-part-of-the-film/article67874194.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222112110/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sj-suryah-joins-the-cast-of-dhanushs-raayan-selvaraghavan-confirms-being-a-part-of-the-film/article67874194.ece |archive-date=22 February 2024 |access-date=22 February 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN}} Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali,{{Cite news |date=25 February 2024 |title=Aparna Balamurali on working with Dhanush in 'Raayan': 'From being a huge fan to working with you, is a dream come true! You are an inspiration sir' - See post |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/aparna-balamurali-on-working-with-dhanush-in-raayan/articleshow/107988633.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515181152/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/aparna-balamurali-on-working-with-dhanush-in-raayan/articleshow/107988633.cms |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Varalaxmi Sarathkumar,{{Cite news |date=27 February 2024 |title=Varalaxmi Sarathkumar joins the 'Raayan' world! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/varalaxmi-sarathkumar-joins-raayan-cast-dhanushs-upcoming-directorial-creates-sensation/articleshow/108035324.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240320173241/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/varalaxmi-sarathkumar-joins-raayan-cast-dhanushs-upcoming-directorial-creates-sensation/articleshow/108035324.cms |archive-date=20 March 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} and Saravanan would reportedly play prominent roles.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2024 |title=Raayan: Dhanush's directorial comeback elevates excitement with Saravanan joining the cast |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/raayan-dhanushs-directorial-comeback-elevates-excitement-with-saravanan-joining-the-cast-1282188 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515181151/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/raayan-dhanushs-directorial-comeback-elevates-excitement-with-saravanan-joining-the-cast-1282188 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}} Varalaxmi would collaborate with Dhanush again after Maari 2 (2018) with this film.{{Cite web |date=26 February 2024 |title=Raayan: Dhanush starrer gets another exciting addition as Varalaxmi Sarathkumar joins cast |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/dhanushs-raayan-gets-another-exciting-addition-as-varalaxmi-sarathkumar-onboards-the-project-1281783 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515181156/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/dhanushs-raayan-gets-another-exciting-addition-as-varalaxmi-sarathkumar-onboards-the-project-1281783 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}} All of their inclusion were confirmed by the production house in late-February 2024.{{Cite web |date=27 February 2024 |title=Raayan: Prakash Raj, Aparna Balamurali and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar join Dhanush's film |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/raayan-prakash-raj-aparna-balamurali-and-varalaxmi-sarathkumar-join-dhanushs-film-9184225/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229010444/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/raayan-prakash-raj-aparna-balamurali-and-varalaxmi-sarathkumar-join-dhanushs-film-9184225/ |archive-date=29 February 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Dhanush had approached musician Deva to play the antagonist in the film as he wanted someone who could speak the North Chennai dialect; however, Deva declined the role.{{Cite web |date=2 September 2023 |title=D 50: Dhanush approaches veteran musician Deva to play THIS role in his second directorial venture |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/d-50-dhanush-approaches-veteran-musician-deva-to-play-this-role-in-his-second-directorial-venture/dfff0786f183 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903133135/https://www.ottplay.com/news/d-50-dhanush-approaches-veteran-musician-deva-to-play-this-role-in-his-second-directorial-venture/dfff0786f183 |archive-date=3 September 2023 |access-date=2 September 2023 |website=OTTPlay}}

Principal photography began with an inaugural puja ceremony on 5 July 2023 at East Coast Road in Chennai with the presence of the film's cast and crew. Filming also went on there for a while,{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=13 June 2023 |title=Dhanush cuts his hair short for D50; Aparna Balamurali on board |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/dhanush-cuts-his-hair-short-for-d50-aparna-balamurali-on-board-718112 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516031337/https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/dhanush-cuts-his-hair-short-for-d50-aparna-balamurali-on-board-718112 |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=DT Next |language=en}} before they moved to a massive set with around 500 houses at Adithya Ram Studios in ECR, Chennai, where the rest of the schedule continued to be shot at.{{Cite news |date=5 July 2023 |title=Dhanush's 'D50' shooting begins today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-d50-shooting-begins-today/articleshow/101520454.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802100633/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-d50-shooting-begins-today/articleshow/101520454.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2 August 2023 |work=The Times of India}} The schedule featured scenes involving Suryah and Sundeep.{{Cite tweet |number=1681850034965602305 |user=CinemaWithAB |title=#D50 shooting current happening in AdityaRam Studios with a massive set of 600 houses |first=Amurtha |last=Bharathi |access-date=2 September 2023}} The second schedule commenced in mid-November in Karaikudi, which went on for a week. The team had invested {{INRconvert|30|c}} in the sets of the backdrop of Royapuram, where the events in the film would mostly take place at.{{Cite news |date=26 July 2024 |title=Dhanush's 'Raayan' makers recreated Royapuram sets by spending a whopping price; Deets inside |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-raayan-makers-recreated-royapuram-sets-by-spending-a-whopping-price-deets-inside/articleshow/112037696.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727040918/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-raayan-makers-recreated-royapuram-sets-by-spending-a-whopping-price-deets-inside/articleshow/112037696.cms |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Times of India}} The filming reached near ending, as stated by Dhanush, on 1 October.{{Cite news |date=1 October 2023 |title='D 50' final schedule shooting; Dhanush shares a new post |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/d-50-final-schedule-shooting-dhanush-shares-a-new-post/articleshow/104080877.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515195314/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/d-50-final-schedule-shooting-dhanush-shares-a-new-post/articleshow/104080877.cms |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} On 14 December, Dhanush tweeted that the shooting had wrapped.{{Cite news |date=15 December 2023 |title=Dhanush's second directorial 'D50' shooting wrapped up |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-second-directorial-d50-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/106010644.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221021139/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-second-directorial-d50-shooting-wrapped-up/articleshow/106010644.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=21 December 2023 |access-date=20 December 2023 |work=The Times of India}}

Sumesh Gopal and Anish Dayanandan are the visual effects supervisors,{{Cite news |date=16 August 2023 |title=Digibricks VFX Studio triumphs with Kerala Film State Award for Outstanding Visual Effects in 'Vazhakku' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/digibricks-vfx-studio-triumphs-with-kerala-film-state-award-for-outstanding-visual-effects-in-vazhakku/articleshow/102761360.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709203913/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/digibricks-vfx-studio-triumphs-with-kerala-film-state-award-for-outstanding-visual-effects-in-vazhakku/articleshow/102761360.cms |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=The Times of India}} under Digital Bricks Entertainment Pvt Ltd., the film's principal visual effects studio. The dubbing began works in late February 2024,{{Cite web |last=Manu |first=Hridyambika A |date=22 February 2024 |title=Raayan plot revealed! Fans claim that the storyline of Dhanush-starrer is similar to THIS Vijay movie |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/raayan-plot-revealed-fans-claim-that-the-storyline-of-dhanush-starrer-is-similar-to-this-vijay-movie/d302beb838308 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709203916/https://www.ottplay.com/news/raayan-plot-revealed-fans-claim-that-the-storyline-of-dhanush-starrer-is-similar-to-this-vijay-movie/d302beb838308 |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} and was completed by early March.{{Cite web |last=Manu |first=Hridyambika A |date=3 March 2024 |title=Raayan - Dhanush's son Yatra opts for an unconventional debut role? Here's what we know |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/raayan-dhanushs-son-yatra-opts-for-an-unconventional-debut-role-heres-what-we-know/83eaca17b228 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709203914/https://www.ottplay.com/news/raayan-dhanushs-son-yatra-opts-for-an-unconventional-debut-role-heres-what-we-know/83eaca17b228 |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Rahman concluded the re-recording session on 28 May, which was confirmed by Dhanush through his social media pages.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2024 |title='Raayan': Dhanush gives his fans a sneak peek into the making of background score with AR Rahman - See photo |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-dhanush-gives-his-fans-a-sneak-peek-into-the-making-of-background-score-with-ar-rahman-see-photo/articleshow/110506207.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709203913/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-dhanush-gives-his-fans-a-sneak-peek-into-the-making-of-background-score-with-ar-rahman-see-photo/articleshow/110506207.cms |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

{{Main|Raayan (soundtrack)}}

The music and background score is composed by A. R. Rahman, in his fourth collaboration with Dhanush after ‘’Maryan’’(2013), Raanjhanaa (2013) and Atrangi Re (2021).{{Cite news |date=21 February 2023 |title=AR Rahman to compose music for 'D 50' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ar-rahman-to-compose-music-for-d-50/articleshow/98125682.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802100633/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ar-rahman-to-compose-music-for-d-50/articleshow/98125682.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=2 August 2023 |access-date=2 August 2023 |work=The Times of India}} The first single, "Adangaatha Asuran", was released on 9 May 2024,{{Cite web |date=6 May 2024 |title=Dhanush confirms June release for Raayan; first single by AR Rahman to release soon |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/dhanush-confirms-june-release-for-raayan-first-single-by-ar-rahman-to-release-soon-101714999166261.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517082626/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/dhanush-confirms-june-release-for-raayan-first-single-by-ar-rahman-to-release-soon-101714999166261.html |archive-date=17 May 2024 |access-date=6 May 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} the second single "Water Packet" on 24 May,{{Cite web |date=22 May 2024 |title=Raayan's second single to be out on this date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/May/22/raayans-second-single-to-be-out-on-this-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523060606/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/May/22/raayans-second-single-to-be-out-on-this-date |archive-date=23 May 2024 |access-date=23 May 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} and the third single, "Raayan Rumble" released on 5 July.{{Cite web |date=4 July 2024 |title=Raayan third single titled Raayan Rumble, to be out tomorrow |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Jul/04/raayan-third-single-titled-raayan-rumble-to-be-out-tomorrow |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806133745/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Jul/04/raayan-third-single-titled-raayan-rumble-to-be-out-tomorrow |archive-date=6 August 2024 |access-date=5 July 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} The audio launch was held on 6 July 2024 at Sri Sai Ram Engineering College in Chennai, releasing the album.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=4 July 2024 |title=Dhanush's Raayan audio launch to take place on this date? |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/dhanushs-raayan-audio-launch-to-take-place-on-this-date/61f0e40a18482 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240716235254/https://www.ottplay.com/news/dhanushs-raayan-audio-launch-to-take-place-on-this-date/61f0e40a18482 |archive-date=16 July 2024 |access-date=4 July 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}

Raayan was initially scheduled to release on 13 June 2024 in theatres, but was postponed due to reasons unknown.{{Cite news |date=10 May 2024 |title='Raayan': Dhanush's 50th film confirms release in June |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/raayan-dhanushs-50th-film-confirms-release-in-june/article68161430.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526051858/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/raayan-dhanushs-50th-film-confirms-release-in-june/article68161430.ece |archive-date=26 May 2024 |access-date=5 June 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN}} It was released worldwide on 26 July 2024, two days prior to Dhanush's birthday, in theatres.{{Cite web |date=10 June 2024 |title=Raayan new release date: Dhanush-led action thriller to arrive in theaters two weeks after Kamal Haasan's Indian 2 |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/raayan-new-release-date-dhanush-led-action-thriller-to-arrive-in-theaters-two-weeks-after-kamal-haasans-indian-2-1315209 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610192016/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/raayan-new-release-date-dhanush-led-action-thriller-to-arrive-in-theaters-two-weeks-after-kamal-haasans-indian-2-1315209 |archive-date=10 June 2024 |access-date=10 June 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}} Apart from its original Tamil language, dubbed versions in the Telugu and Hindi languages were also released.{{Cite web |date=6 May 2024 |title=Raayan release date and first song: Makers of Dhanush starrer are set 'to raise D volume' and how |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/raayan-release-date-and-first-song-makers-of-dhanush-starrer-are-set-to-raise-d-volume-and-how-1302732 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506131226/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/raayan-release-date-and-first-song-makers-of-dhanush-starrer-are-set-to-raise-d-volume-and-how-1302732 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |access-date=6 May 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=6 May 2024 |title=Dhanush confirms June release for Raayan; first single by AR Rahman to release soon |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/dhanush-confirms-june-release-for-raayan-first-single-by-ar-rahman-to-release-soon-101714999166261.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506132717/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/dhanush-confirms-june-release-for-raayan-first-single-by-ar-rahman-to-release-soon-101714999166261.html |archive-date=6 May 2024 |access-date=6 May 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} The release date was also initially scheduled to release on 11 April, but was postponed to May due to general elections. This was followed by it postponing again to June due to unspecified reasons.{{Cite web |last=Manu |first=Hridyambika A |date=6 March 2024 |title=Raayan - Release date of Dhanush directorial to be postponed? Here's what we know |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/raayan-release-date-of-dhanush-directorial-to-be-postponed-heres-what-we-know/f53f0e085c582 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516031339/https://www.ottplay.com/news/raayan-release-date-of-dhanush-directorial-to-be-postponed-heres-what-we-know/f53f0e085c582 |archive-date=16 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} The film received an A (adults only) certificate from the censor board, being the first Dhanush film since Vada Chennai (2018) to do so.{{Cite web |date=10 July 2024 |title=Dhanush's 50th film, 'Raayan', gets A certificate |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/tamil/dhanushs-50th-film-raayan-gets-a-certificate/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723064116/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/tamil/dhanushs-50th-film-raayan-gets-a-certificate/ |archive-date=23 July 2024 |access-date=9 December 2024 |website=The South First |language=en}} The film also received a 15 by the British Board of Film Classification for strong violence and bloody images.{{Cite web |title=Raayan |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/raayan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiyodm1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241210035231/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/raayan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdiyodm1 |archive-date=10 December 2024 |access-date=10 December 2024 |website=British Board of Film Classification |language=en}}

Sun Pictures released the film in Tamil Nadu themselves through Red Giant Movies.{{Cite web |title=Distributed |url=https://www.redgiantmovies.in/distributed.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241207024945/https://www.redgiantmovies.in/distributed.php |archive-date=7 December 2024 |access-date=7 December 2024 |website=Red Giant Movies}} Asian Suresh Entertainment acquired the distribution rights of the film in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for reportedly {{INR}}5 crore.{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=B. V. S. |date=17 May 2024 |title=Dhanush's Raayan Telugu Rights Sold For Rs 5 Cr in AP, Telangana? |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/dhanushs-raayan-telugu-rights-sold-for-rs-5-cr-in-ap-telangana-894361 |access-date=18 May 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518225248/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/dhanushs-raayan-telugu-rights-sold-for-rs-5-cr-in-ap-telangana-894361 |url-status=live }} Sree Gokulam Movies bought the distribution rights for Kerala,{{Cite web |date=18 May 2024 |title=Dhanush Movie Rayan: ധനുഷ് ചിത്രം 'രായൻ'; കേരളത്തിൽ ശ്രീ ഗോകുലം മൂവീസ് വിതരണത്തിനെത്തിക്കും |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/dhanush-film-raayan-shree-gokulam-movies-will-be-distributed-in-kerala-196483 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727110124/https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/dhanush-film-raayan-shree-gokulam-movies-will-be-distributed-in-kerala-196483 |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=Zee News |language=ml}} and AV Media Counsultancy did so for Karnataka.{{Cite news |date=13 May 2024 |title=Dhanush's 'Raayan' to have a Kannada release |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-raayan-to-have-a-kannada-release/articleshow/110075480.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515162234/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/dhanushs-raayan-to-have-a-kannada-release/articleshow/110075480.cms |archive-date=15 May 2024 |access-date=15 May 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Ayngaran International acquired the overseas distribution rights.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}} Home Screen Entertainment acquired the distribution rights for Singapore and the Middle East, DMY Creations for Malaysia, Prime Media for North America, and MKS Talkies for Australia and New Zealand.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

The film began streaming on Amazon Prime Video from 23 August 2024 in Tamil, alongside Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada languages.{{Cite web |date=16 August 2024 |title='Raayan' OTT release date: When and where you can watch Dhanush's 50th film |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-ott-release-date-when-and-where-you-can-watch-dhanushs-50th-film/articleshow/112561004.cms |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816082844/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-ott-release-date-when-and-where-you-can-watch-dhanushs-50th-film/articleshow/112561004.cms |url-status=live }} It had its television premiere on 31 October the same year at Sun TV.{{Cite news |date=24 October 2024 |title=Dhanush and Sundeep Kishan starrer 'Raayan' set for world television premiere |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/dhanush-and-sundeep-kishan-starrer-raayan-set-for-world-television-premiere/articleshow/114547532.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250117143728/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/dhanush-and-sundeep-kishan-starrer-raayan-set-for-world-television-premiere/articleshow/114547532.cms |archive-date=17 January 2025 |access-date=17 January 2025 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite tweet |number=1851655306247385594 |user=SunTV |title=Nothing can stop him!🔥 RAAYAN {{!}} OCT 31 {{!}} WORLD TELEVISION PREMIERE {{!}} 6.30 PM |author=Sun TV |author-link=Sun TV (India) |access-date=14 May 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250514104224/https://x.com/SunTV/status/1851655306247385594 |archive-date=14 May 2025 |url-status=live}}

Raayan grossed {{INRConvert|23.75|c}} worldwide on its opening day, which was the second highest first day gross for a Tamil film, with over {{INRconvert|16|c}} from India and behind Indian 2.{{Cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title=Raayan box office collections: Biggest opening for Dhanush with 23cr worldwide first day |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/raayan-box-office-collections-career-biggest-opening-for-dhanush-with-23cr-worldwide-first-day-1332737 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728122008/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/raayan-box-office-collections-career-biggest-opening-for-dhanush-with-23cr-worldwide-first-day-1332737 |archive-date=28 July 2024 |access-date=29 July 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en}} The film surpassed Karnan (2021) to become the biggest opening for one of Dhanush's film.{{Cite web |date=27 July 2024 |title=Raayan box office collection day 1: Dhanush delivers biggest opening of his career, action-thriller out-performs Karnan |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/raayan-box-office-collection-day-1-dhanush-delivers-biggest-opening-of-his-career-action-thriller-out-performs-karnan-9478500/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727110632/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/raayan-box-office-collection-day-1-dhanush-delivers-biggest-opening-of-his-career-action-thriller-out-performs-karnan-9478500/ |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=27 July 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} It grossed an estimated {{INRConvert|75.42|c}} worldwide on its opening weekend of three days.{{Cite news |date=29 July 2024 |title='Raayan' Declared as 2024's Biggest Blockbuster in Kollywood, Earning Rs 75 Crores in 3 Days |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-declared-as-2024s-biggest-blockbuster-in-kollywood-earning-rs-75-crores-in-3-days/articleshow/112099462.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240908180626/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/raayan-declared-as-2024s-biggest-blockbuster-in-kollywood-earning-rs-75-crores-in-3-days/articleshow/112099462.cms |archive-date=8 September 2024 |access-date=29 July 2024 |work=The Times of India}} The film earned {{INRConvert|122.75|c}} in ten days and {{INRConvert|126.75|c}} in next two days days.{{Cite web |last=Arya |first=Bhawna |date=5 August 2024 |title=Raayan Box Office Collection Day 10: Dhanush Film Surpasses Vijay Sethupathi's Maharaja With Rs 122 Crore Worldwide |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/raayan-box-office-collection-day-10-dhanush-film-surpasses-vijay-sethupathi-maharaja-with-rs-122-crore-worldwide-article-112286173 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805160538/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/raayan-box-office-collection-day-10-dhanush-film-surpasses-vijay-sethupathi-maharaja-with-rs-122-crore-worldwide-article-112286173 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=8 August 2024 |title=Raayan OTT release date: When and where to watch Dhanush's thriller? |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/raayan-ott-release-date-when-and-where-to-watch-dhanushs-thriller-check-plot-cast/articleshow/112369023.cms?from=mdr |access-date=11 August 2024 |work=The Economic Times |archive-date=11 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811024420/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/raayan-ott-release-date-when-and-where-to-watch-dhanushs-thriller-check-plot-cast/articleshow/112369023.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} By the third weekend film total collection stands at {{INRConvert|109.50|c}} in India and {{INRConvert|149|c}} worldwide.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Jatinder |date=12 August 2024 |title=Raayan box office collections: Dhanush starrer tops 100cr in India, worldwide nears 150cr |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/raayan-box-office-collections-dhanush-starrer-tops-100cr-in-india-worldwide-nears-150cr-1338194 |access-date=12 August 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812090543/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/raayan-box-office-collections-dhanush-starrer-tops-100cr-in-india-worldwide-nears-150cr-1338194 |url-status=live }} Raayan grossed an estimated revenue of {{INRConvert|160|c}} in its final run, becoming the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year to that point,{{Cite web |date=28 August 2024 |title=Dhanush-starrer Raayan Now The Highest Grossing Tamil Film Of 2024 |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/dhanush-starrer-raayan-now-the-highest-grossing-tamil-film-of-2024-9030332.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110231812/https://www.news18.com/movies/dhanush-starrer-raayan-now-the-highest-grossing-tamil-film-of-2024-9030332.html |archive-date=10 November 2024 |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}} and the highest-grossing A-certified Tamil film of all time.{{Cite web |date=23 August 2024 |title=How Producer Kalanithi Maran Congratulated Dhanush For Success Of Raayan |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/how-producer-kalanithi-maran-congratulated-dhanush-for-success-of-raayan-9025055.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240927225745/https://www.news18.com/movies/how-producer-kalanithi-maran-congratulated-dhanush-for-success-of-raayan-9025055.html |archive-date=27 September 2024 |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}}

Raayan received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Dhanush's performance and Rahman's soundtrack, while the excessive violence received criticism.{{Cite web |date=28 July 2024 |title=Dhanush's 'Raayan' nears ₹50 crore at the worldwide box office despite mixed reviews |url=https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/tamil/dhanushs-raayan-nears-%E2%82%B950-crore-at-the-worldwide-box-office-despite-mixed-reviews/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814042532/https://thesouthfirst.com/entertainment/tamil/dhanushs-raayan-nears-%E2%82%B950-crore-at-the-worldwide-box-office-despite-mixed-reviews/ |archive-date=14 August 2024 |access-date=20 May 2025 |website=The South First |language=en}}

Rohit Panikker of Times Now gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Raayan is a bloodbath that even the most ardent fan of such blood and gore would find exhausting, especially since it falls in the line of a long spate of recent releases that are similarly-conceived."{{Cite web |last=Panikker |first=Rohit |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan Movie Review: Old Wine, Yet A Slightly Different And Interesting New Bottle |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/tamil/raayan-review-old-wine-yet-a-slightly-different-and-interesting-new-bottle-review-112039093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727041456/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/reviews/tamil/raayan-review-old-wine-yet-a-slightly-different-and-interesting-new-bottle-review-112039093 |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=Times Now}} Divya Nair of Rediff gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Raayan is an interesting one-time watch written for the masses with a little meat here and there for the critics to bite on."{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Divya |date=29 July 2024 |title=Raayan Review: Dhanush Works His Magic Again |url=https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/raayan-review/20240729.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240730182909/https://m.rediff.com/movies/review/raayan-review/20240729.htm |archive-date=30 July 2024 |access-date=30 July 2024 |website=Rediff.com}} M Suganth of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Raayan has a raw and rage-filled setting, and is populated by characters who are rugged, violent, deceptive and also vulnerable."{{Cite news |last=Suganth |first=M |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan Movie Review : A violent emotional drama that is engrossing despite its predictable plot |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/raayan/movie-review/112036906.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240726082142/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/raayan/movie-review/112036906.cms |archive-date=26 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

S. Devasankar of Pinkvilla gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Dhanush as the director brings a flair of the Tamil gangster action flicks from the late 2000s, but with a modern twist, which works out wonderfully on the silver screen. Everything said Raayan passes off as a good one-time-watch, guaranteeing an emotional yet fun ride that one can catch with their friends."{{Cite web |last=Devasankar |first=S. |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan Movie Review: Dhanush's highly awaited second directorial has a weak story held together by technical brilliance |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/raayan-movie-review-dhanushs-highly-awaited-second-directorial-has-a-weak-story-held-together-by-technical-brilliance-1332330 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en |access-date=9 December 2024 |archive-date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118083637/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/reviews/raayan-movie-review-dhanushs-highly-awaited-second-directorial-has-a-weak-story-held-together-by-technical-brilliance-1332330 |url-status=live }} Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Dhanush, the actor and director, stands tall in a film powered by AR Rahman’s brilliant music, and top-notch performances only to fall just short of realising its potential."{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Avinash |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan movie review: Dhanush crafts an almost compelling film that needed a lot more heft |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/raayan-movie-review-dhanush-crafts-an-almost-compelling-film-that-needed-a-lot-more-heft-9476996/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727032805/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/raayan-movie-review-dhanush-crafts-an-almost-compelling-film-that-needed-a-lot-more-heft-9476996/ |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} Anusha Sundar of OTTplay gave 3/5 stars and wrote "[...] Yes, the writing is bogged down by certain uncertainty and convenience, which does not let many characters to get developed, and in fact get eliminated before they are got to known. But Raayan is also a valiant effort of Dhanush’s that lets many departments shine through, and plays out a canvas for a experimentation in commercial cinema."{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan Movie Review: Dhanush underplays heroism valiantly, even as writing falter |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/raayan-movie-review-dhanush-underplays-heroism-valiantly-lets-direction-shine-even-as-writing-falters/53b4088a9c274 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727041430/https://www.ottplay.com/review/raayan-movie-review-dhanush-underplays-heroism-valiantly-lets-direction-shine-even-as-writing-falters/53b4088a9c274 |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}

Janani K of India Today gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Dhanush's 50th film is a simple revenge story. The interval block shows streaks of brilliance of his directorial skills. However, as a writer, 'Raayan' lacks emotional depth. For the revenge angle to work, emotions matter."{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=26 July 2024 |title='Raayan' Review: Dhanush's 50th film is riveting. Well, almost |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/raayan-review-dhanush-50th-film-riveting-well-almost-2572160-2024-07-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727041441/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/raayan-review-dhanush-50th-film-riveting-well-almost-2572160-2024-07-26 |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} B. V. S. Prakash of Deccan Chronicle gave 2/5 stars and wrote "Dhanush turned director for this film and relied on gore and violence revolving around a wafer-thin plot. This is truly disappointing since some of his films like Asuran and Karnan had boasted of bold themes in the past."{{Cite web |last=Prakash |first=B. V. S. |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan Review: Dhanush scores as an actor, fails as director |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/raayan-review-dhanush-scores-as-an-actor-fails-as-director-1812355 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727110632/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/dhanushs-raayan-review-rating-1812355 |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=Deccan Chronicle |language=en}} Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote "Dhanush’s Raayan totally packs a punch and is a must-watch for its captivating performances and unexpected story twists. It’s a stellar 50th career film for Dhanush."{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=26 July 2024 |title=Raayan movie review: Dhanush's gangster drama packs a powerful punch with unexpected twists, captivating climax |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/raayan-movie-review-dhanush-gangster-drama-packs-a-powerful-punch-101721978227771.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727110630/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/raayan-movie-review-dhanush-gangster-drama-packs-a-powerful-punch-101721978227771.html |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=26 July 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}} Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "In his sophomore directorial, Dhanush attempts to turn an ordinary story into something more with a well-written setting and measured storytelling, but falls disappointingly short."{{Cite news |last=Chandar |first=Bhuvanesh |date=26 July 2024 |title='Raayan' movie review: Dhanush's fiery bloodfest offers only dwindling returns |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/raayan-movie-review-dhanushs-fiery-bloodfest-offers-only-dwindling-returns/article68449302.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240727110631/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/raayan-movie-review-dhanushs-fiery-bloodfest-offers-only-dwindling-returns/article68449302.ece |archive-date=27 July 2024 |access-date=27 July 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}

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