Rajinikanth’s ‘Vettaiyan’ Delivers a Gripping High-Stakes Crime Thriller

Breaking Free from the Mold

Kollywood films with big stars often follow a predictable, sometimes boring formula that leaves many moviegoers disappointed. They usually kick off with rapidfire news bulletins, a crime spree, and ordinary people lamenting the sad state of affairs.

Then, in comes a dramatic monologue by a key character, setting the stage for the hero – usually the only one who can stop the chaos.

So, you can imagine this reviewer’s scepticism upon noting that the highly anticipated “Vettaiyan”, starring legendary actor Rajinikanth, opens with this very formula.

A Game-Changer in Store

Thankfully, “Vettaiyan”, directed by T J Gnanavel, subsequently breaks free from that mould. For the most part, this 163-minute crime thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat, inviting you to play detective and solve the mystery alongside the characters.

The Plot Thickens

At the heart of the story is Athiyan (Rajinikanth), a tough-as-nails cop tackling corruption and crime. After receiving a tip-off about drugs in a school, he takes down a dealer, earning praise but also attracting scrutiny from the authorities.

When the whistleblower is murdered, Athiyan teams up with his tech-genius informant Patrick (Fahadh Faasil) and fellow officers to uncover a deeper conspiracy.

A Tale of Two Titans

When Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan share very little screen time, but when they do, their chemistry is electrifying. (Lyca Productions pic)

A Movie Worth Solving

The brilliance of “Vettaiyan” lies in how it leads the audience to believe one thing before pulling the rug out from under them. Unlike many Tamil films, it doesn’t underestimate its viewers, keeping twists tightly concealed until the last moment. This makes for a taut and thrilling experience.

Deny, Denial, and the Ultimate Suspect

That said, issues in the writing and execution arise after the big villain is revealed. Instead of building up to a satisfying climax, the film lingers too long in its third act with unnecessary details and a dragged-out narrative.

If Gnanavel, who also wrote the script, was bent on keeping these extended scenes, perhaps revealing the villain closer to the end might have kept the audience more engaged.

A Different Kind of Action

Still, it’s refreshing to see only one song-and-dance number – perhaps to satisfy Indian audiences’ love for a good tune – without the usual scantily clad dancers.

And the soundtrack by Kollywood’s most-sought composer, Anirudh Ravichander, is nothing short of spectacular. His signature blend of electronic and classical Indian music elevates the film, intensifying the action sequences and heightening suspense.

Rajinikanth’s Nuanced Performance

Rajinikanth, of course, is as delightful as ever, exuding rizz (or charisma, for the non-Gen Z crowd). That said, he still plays a much younger character, which feels unnecessary when Athiyan could have easily been portrayed as an older officer.

Indeed, some suspension of disbelief is required as he sends bad guys flying with his punches, but, hey, it’s Rajinikanth! Thankfully, he gives a more nuanced performance here, proving he doesn’t always need to be larger than life.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Captivating Entrance

As Justice Sathyadev, Amitabh Bachchan is equally captivating, even though it’s a shame he doesn’t get more screen time, especially alongside Rajinikanth. But whenever these two legends do share the screen, it’s a real treat.

A Refreshing Departure from the Mold

All in all, “Vettaiyan” turns out to be a refreshing departure from the usual Kollywood formula, offering a crime thriller that’s both engaging and entertaining. If you’re in the mood for a movie that keeps you guessing while serving up action-packed thrills, this won’t disappoint.

As of press time, ‘Vettaiyan’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the plot of the movie Vettaiyan?
  The movie Vettaiyan is a crime thriller that follows the story of a tough-as-nails cop named Athiyan (played by Rajinikanth) as he takes on corruption and crime in his city.
• Who else is in the movie?
  Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and other notable actors also appear in the film.
• What is the overall tone of the movie?
  The tone of the movie is action-packed and suspenseful, with a fair amount of drama and twists and turns.
• Is the movie worth watching?
  Yes, the movie is a refreshing departure from the usual Kollywood formula and offers a gripping and entertaining crime thriller experience.