Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest ‘Vettaiyan’ movie review is here where we analyze what works and what doesn’t in this misbalanced commercial cinema with strong content. The film has Rajini teaming up with the critically acclaimed ‘Jai Bhim’ director T.J. Gnanavel which raised high expectations.
Story of ‘Vettaiyan’
Athiyan (Rajinikanth), a police officer known for mercilessly wiping out criminals through encounters , operates in Kanyakumari. Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), a young school teacher brings to his attention that a local drug kingpin stashes drugs in the government school classroom. Athiyan gets into action immediately by using his thief turned sidekick Battery aka Patrick (Fahadh Faasil) to infiltrate the gang. He then shoots down the drug traffickers and credits Saranya for boldly exposing them. Due to this, Saranya gets the public’s appreciation and as per her desire, shifts her job to Chennai. Meanwhile Justice Dr. Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan) a strong advocate against encounter killings is hot on the heels of Athiyan. In Chennai Saranya carries on her good work by helping underprivileged government school students. However by a shocking turn of events she is raped and murdered by a local slum dweller Guna (Asal Kolaar). Even though another SP Harish Kumar (Kishore) is dealing the case a guilt ridden Athiyan forces himself into the case. In a short span of time Athiyan traces the absconding Guna and based on the assurance by Harish that he is gulty beyond doubt guns him down. Dr. Sathyadev then gives a shock to Athiyan that there is strong evidence that Guna is innocent and may be framed. Athiyan then requests for some time and starts an investigation which pits him against a powerful corporate villain If not Guna then who killed Saranya? What is behind the murder? Did Athiyan find the real culprit? The rest of the story answers such questions while pitting Athiyan against an all powerful villain.
Acting performances in Vettaiyan
Rajinikanth has brought his energetic persona to ‘Vettaiyan’ and its enjoyable from start to finish as usual. He plays to the gallery when killing off the baddies with precision and style. He also scores when he realizes his folly and turns emotional ridden with guilt. Amitabh Bachchan’s towering screen presence easily passes him off as the straightforward and relentless judge. Fahadh Faasil is all charm and cute as Battery who takes pride in being a thief and his flirtations with both Dushara and Ritika Singh is hilarious to watch. Manju Warrier as Rajini’s wife has very little to do with she compensates with her energetic dance movements in the chartbuster ‘Manasilaayoo’ song. Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, Rohini and Abhirami are made to go through the motions with one dimensional roles. Asal Kolar on debut is quite effective when he is portrayed negatively and positively in the first and second half respectively.
Positives of Vettaiyan
The first half begins with the usual build-ups for Rajini and then turns into a thriller style with an investigation into a drug gang, a subsequent murder, and a related investigation. The entire first half is engrossing with the interval twist hitting hard and raising even more curiosity for the second half. The screenplay has a lot going for it in the first hour or so pitting Rajini against Amitabh, the fun plays between Rajini and Fahadh Faasil, Ritika Singh and Fahadh Faasil etc. The core theme of the film is also well established.
‘Vettaiyan’ raises questions regarding the authenticity behind encounters, the politics involved, and the delays in justice. It is supported in many places by sharp dialogues. Especially hard hitting is the comparison of the police and the public branding the underprivileged as criminals instantly while the benefit of doubt is given to the rich and powerful.
Negatives of Vettaiyan
Logical errors and length are major the major negatives of ‘Vettaiyan’. Gnanavel’s attempt to spell out his strong message clearly while also giving Rajini his mass moments falls flat. More than a few scenes in the second half are reminiscent of some other same genre films with nothing new to offer. The main villain played by Rana Daggubati’s characterization and his activities remain blandly within the typical corporate villain framework oft seen in Indian cinema. The more painful thing is that there are scores of missed opportunities in raising conflicts to make the film more interesting. For example the Amitabh and Rajini friction could have been sustained till the end of the film. Rajini’s character could also have had challenges from his own wife, the public and Guna’s mother Vasanthi who seem to forgive him just because he is the superstar and not the character Athiyan.
Technical Aspects of Vettaiyan
Anirudh’s songs keep the rhythm going. Background music is strong for visuals, sometimes doing more than what the action demands. SR Kathir’s cinematography and Philomin Raj’s editing make for a seamless visual experience. Lyca Productions has produced the film on a lavish budget.
Screenplay & Direction
T.J Gnanavel’s ‘Jai Bhim’ which shed light on police brutality on the underprivileged knocked at the Oscars and naturally a lot was expected from his collaboration with Rajinikanth in ‘Vettaiyan’. While as a creator, he has not lost sight of his commitment to the values ​​of human rights, equality and social justice, he seems to wanting when filming the masala mass moments for the Superstar. The screenplay, written by Gnanavel along with Krithika, has layers that shed light on several socio-political issues and contains interesting moments and hardcore Rajini fans may be satisfied with the out of place hero glorification.
Final Word : ‘Vettaiyan’ falls somewhere between being a Rajini potboiler and a Gnanavel socio political conscience.
Rating : 3/5