Vettaiyan Review

 

Vettaiyan, directed by Gnanavel Raja, hit the screens today with an massive cast led by Rajnikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Tushara, and Rithika Singh. With such a stellar lineup and the director’s proven track record of delivering hits, This movie arrived with massive expectations.

The story revolves around Athiyan, a SP in Kanyakumari, renowned for his aggressive approach to justice, earning him the name "Vettaiyan". When a school teacher files a complaint, Athiyan finds himself uncovering a larger network of crime. As the case progresses, it brings both public support and challenges from authorities. What happens next is for you to find out.

The first half of this film delivers well. There is a good balance of comedy, style and core. The plot remains engaging and just before intermission, the film ramps up with some thrilling moments. The investigation scenes are particularly gripping, setting the stage for an exciting second half.

However, post-interval, things take a downturn. With Rana Daggubati’s character entering the scene, the film’s pace slows considerably. The second half slips into familiar territory, tackling the well-worn subject of corporate control over education and its impact on students, something Tamil cinema has explored extensively. Unfortunately, this film falls into the "second-half curse" that affected so many Tamil films recently.

The character development, aside from Rajini and Fahadh Faasil, feels weak. Fahadh’s performance helps hold the movie together at times, but most of the other characters are not utilized properly, serving mainly to support Rajini’s role. However, one notable difference is that the usual "mass" moments you would expect from a Rajini film are toned down. When they do appear, they blend naturally into the script rather than feeling forced.

Gnanavel Raja’s intention to break away from stereotypes is clear, but the groundwork is not enough to carry the film through like his previous films like Jai Bhim. The story that felt promising in the first half quickly loses focus in the second. What begins as a sharp, well-constructed narrative soon becomes a fatigued experience.

Anirudh’s music, while enjoyable, could not save the movie. The songs and background score fit well in parts, but they alone are not enough to elevate the film from mediocrity. Despite Anirudh’s efforts, Vettaiyan falls short of becoming memorable.

The attempt to shift Rajini from a purely commercial formula to something more content-driven is praiseworthy. This could pave the way for other stars to try such roles in the future. However, the execution here is flawed. The story feels old and tired, and while it is watchable, this film ultimately lacks the second half and strength to make it stand out.

Rating: 6.5/10⭐️