Viduthalai 2 Review

 

Directed by Vetrimaaran and starring Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Manju Warrier, and Gautham Vasudev Menon, This film continues its exploration of oppression and resistance. With Ilaiyaraaja composing the music, the film builds its narrative around Marxist ideologies, focusing on the pain of the oppressed and their fight against domination.  

The story revolves around Vaathiyaar, played by Vijay Sethupathi, and his ideas. While the themes are thought provoking, the way they are conveyed feels repetitive. From start to finish, the ideologies are repeatedly emphasized. Vaathiyaar’s character is reduced to preaching, and the narrative feels like it is constantly trying to drive its message home, often at the cost of natural storytelling.

The visuals are a mix of good and underwhelming. While the cinematography captures the essence of the story, the limited budget shows in the locations, costumes, and makeup. The artificial look of certain props, especially the wigs, disrupts the authenticity of the setting. These flaws make the film feel dated, not in a good way but in a way that draws attention to its limitations.  

The performances are inconsistent. Some moments shine, but others feel unconvincing. Even Vijay Sethupathi who is known for his nuanced acting, delivers scenes that lack emotional depth. Soori, who had a significant presence in the first part is sidelined here and has little to contribute. Many of the supporting characters fail to leave an impact, with their appearances feeling more functional than meaningful.  

Ilaiyaraaja’s music despite his legendary reputation, does not live up to the film’s demands. The background score struggles to enhance the intensity of key moments, a flaw that was evident in the first part as well. While there are two love songs that stand out, the other tracks, especially those meant to create dramatic peaks fall short. This affects the overall emotional resonance of the scenes, making it hard to connect with the characters.  

The film does have moments of humor that is subtle and scattered. Though it is not a movie meant for comedy, a few reactions and interactions manage to evoke genuine laughter. These instances are brief but provide some relief amidst the heavy narrative.  

However the lack of quality in production, coupled with inconsistent acting and underwhelming music, creates a disconnect. The emotions do not fully reach, and the constant censorship of words and visuals further dilutes the impact. Blurred scenes and beeps break the flow, making it harder to invest in the characters or their struggles.  

The biggest drawback though is the way the ideologies are presented. Rather than allowing the story to naturally communicate its themes, the film force feeds its message, which becomes tiresome after a point. Vaathiyaar and his group spend most of their screen time delivering speeches, which overshadows the narrative and reduces its effectiveness.  

If you are planning to watch this for Vetrimaaran’s directorial brilliance, you might walk away disappointed. Perhaps it is the over saturation of films dealing with similar themes, or perhaps it is the way this one is executed. Either way, while it has its moments, "Viduthalai Part 2" is more of a decent watch than an unforgettable experience.

Rating: 6/10⭐️