Raatchasi

The film is about a headmaster converting a poorly run school into one of the best in the state.

Raatchasi is the debut movie for the director Sy Gowthamraj.[4] Cinematography is handled by Gokul Benoy, editing by Philomin Raj and music is composed by Sean Roldan.[5] Jyothika is playing the role of headmistress of a Government school.[3] First look poster and trailer of this movie was released in May 2019. Initially the producers announced that this movie would be released in June 2019, later they confirmed that the movie will be released on Friday 5 July 2019.[6]

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.

The film opened to positive reviews from both critics and audiences.[7] Behindwoods gave the film 2.5 out of 5 starts 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."[8] Sify.com rated the film 3 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."[9] 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 2.5 out of 5 stars.[10] 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".[11] Indiatoday 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".[12] Ananda vikatan Says, "Teacher crush, Heroinsm, special wish for dealt the Educational Development".[13] 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".[14]Firstpost rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Raatchasi skims through issues plaguing the education system and offers a one-woman army as the solution".[15]News18 rated 1.5 out of 5 stars stating "Jyothika makes it bearable".[16]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".[17]The Indian Express rated 2 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’".[18]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".[19]Cinema Express rated 2 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".[20]The News Minute rated 2 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".[21]Deccan Chronicle rated 2.5 out of 5 stars stating "Sean Rolden’s music and Gokul Binoy’s cinematography capture the right mood of the film".[22]

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 alongside with his officers. Lead actress Jyothika penned a letter thanking Dr. Mazlee for his support on the film through her husband's Twitter account.[23][24][25][26][27] 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.[28][29]

The Tamil Nadu Teachers’ Association has demanded a ban on the movie, saying that the film portrays government school teachers in negative light, and discourages parents from enrolling their children to government schools in the state. The head of the association’s Chennai wing, and other office bearers – A Arjunan, T Ramajayam, S Gokulkrishnan, C Sreedhar, K Ramesh and B Jagan met the Chennai City Commissioner and demanded a stay order on the film and the removal of controversial scenes and dialogues.[30]

• 2019  – Behindwoods Gold Medal Award for Best Actor Lead Role(Female)- [31]
• 2019  –Edison Award for Best Actress [31][32][33]
• Director SY Gowtham Raj won the JFW award 2020 for the best director in a women-centric film for Raatchasi [34] Best women-centric film
• Raatchasi bagged the Best women centric film JFW award 2020 [34]
• 2019  – Nominated - Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Actress [35][36]
• 2019  JFW Award for Best Actress - Women Centric Film[37]
• Screened in Indian film festival of South Korea (October 16 and 20 in Seoul)
• Zee Tamil Award Nominated for three Category (Favorite Heroine, Best actress and Best Child actor) [38]
• Vikatan Cinema Viruthugal - Nominated for 5 Categories (Actress, Debut Director, Child actor, Dialogue, Best production) [39]
• Raatchasi Special Screening for Malaysian officials with minister [40]

• Raatchasi on IMDb