Rating: ⭐⭐½ (2.5/5)
Cast: Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan
Director: TJ Gnanavel
Plot Breakdown 📜
“Vettaiyan” starts with a bang, focusing on the controversial topic of encounter killings, a hot-button issue in Indian cinema and real life. Rajinikanth, as the trigger-happy cop Athiyan, embodies the “justice delayed is justice denied” mentality. His character grapples with taking the law into his own hands while Judge Satyadev (Amitabh Bachchan) opposes such extrajudicial actions, highlighting the saying, “Justice hurried is justice buried.”
The film takes off with a strong premise but quickly falters as it dives into predictable storytelling, eventually overshadowed by the sheer weight of Rajinikanth’s superstardom. While it tries to balance social commentary with action, the focus on Athiyan’s heroics dilutes the message.
What Works: 🎯
- Central Conceit: The film dares to challenge the glorification of police encounters, a refreshing change from typical Indian cinema’s hero-worshipping approach.
- Educational System Commentary: “Vettaiyan” touches on India’s flawed education system, offering some sharp commentary that ruffles feathers.
- Anirudh’s BGM: The film’s background score by Anirudh Ravichander is subtle but effective, adding weight to key moments.
What Doesn’t Work: 🚧
- Rajinikanth’s Overbearing Star Power 🌟: As much as we love seeing Thalaivar in action, the film’s social message often gets lost in the larger-than-life persona of Rajinikanth. His presence, instead of elevating the film, overshadows its core message, making it feel more like a superstar showcase than a thought-provoking narrative.
- Predictability 🕰️: The storyline, despite the promise of tension and moral dilemmas, is painfully predictable. From the moment you’re introduced to the characters, the trajectory becomes obvious, making the plot twists less impactful.
- Graphic Violence: The portrayal of the assault on Saranya (Dushara Vijayan) is unnecessarily graphic and repeatedly shown, hammering the audience with the same imagery to the point of discomfort.
- Underutilized Cast 🎭: With a star-studded ensemble like Fahadh Faasil, Manju Warrier, and Rana Daggubati, you’d expect some memorable performances. Unfortunately, these talented actors are left with minimal roles that don’t tap into their full potential.
Rajinikanth and Amitabh: The Veterans in Action 👑
Watching Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan share screen space is a dream for cinema lovers. However, their interactions lack the explosive energy you’d expect. Rajini shines in his elevation scenes, but Amitabh’s character as the film’s moral compass doesn’t get enough powerful moments. The monologues, particularly from Rajinikanth, fall flat, lacking the gravitas necessary to leave a lasting impact.
Final Thoughts 🧐
“Vettaiyan” is a movie burdened by its attempts to balance social commentary with star power. Director TJ Gnanavel, who wowed audiences with Jai Bhim, struggles to find the same balance here. The movie, while bold in tackling important issues, never truly explores the complexity of its themes, making it feel more like a missed opportunity. It leaves you with the feeling that a smaller star might have served the story better, allowing the narrative to breathe and develop naturally.
In the end, while “Vettaiyan” ruffles some feathers and engages in thought-provoking commentary, it’s weighed down by the overwhelming presence of its lead star and a predictable storyline. As the credits roll, you’re left wondering whether the film could have hit harder if it didn’t have to carry the heavy baggage of Rajinikanth’s superstar status.
Verdict: Watch it for the social commentary and the chance to see Rajini and Big B on screen together, but don’t expect too many surprises.