Vettaiyan review and rating: A star-studded disappointment
Introduction:
Directed by T.J. Gnanavel, who earned critical acclaim for Jai Bhim, Vettaiyan promised an intriguing mix of action, drama, and social commentary. Starring the legendary Rajinikanth as a no-nonsense cop and Amitabh Bachchan as a seasoned lawyer, the film aimed to explore the moral dilemmas surrounding police encounters. Let’s see how the film is.
Story:
The plot centers around Rajinikanth, who plays a super cop known for his strict sense of justice, often taking the law into his own hands to uphold what he believes is right. Amitabh Bachchan portrays a senior lawyer who champions human rights and the sanctity of the legal system. The story follows Rajinikanth’s journey as he reopens an old case that haunts him with guilt. His investigation leads him to a powerful corporate tycoon, played by Rana Daggubati, who has been causing harm to innocent people. The film questions the ethical implications of police encounters and explores whether such actions are justified or not.
Performances and Technical Aspects:
Rajinikanth delivers a performance that is fitting for his age, but his character lacks the dynamism and energy that fans expect from the superstar. The mass appeal elements, such as fight sequences and commercial beats, feel repetitive and underwhelming. His character lacks depth, making it one of his least impactful roles in recent times.
Amitabh Bachchan, who is given the role of a senior lawyer, makes periodic appearances throughout the film. Despite his stature and acting prowess, his role is underdeveloped, and his interactions with Rajinikanth fail to create the dramatic tension expected from such iconic actors.
Fahadh Faasil, another respected actor, plays a supporting role, but his character adds little to the film. While his comic bits provide some relief, they are not enough to leave a lasting impression. Manju Warrier and Rithika Singh, despite being part of the ensemble cast, suffer from poorly written roles, further diminishing the film’s overall impact.
Rana Daggubati, who plays the antagonist, is portrayed as a stereotypical corporate villain. His character, though integral to the plot, lacks originality and fails to bring anything new to the table. The villain’s motivations and actions are predictable, and his presence adds little to the film’s overall narrative.
On the technical side, Anirudh Ravichander’s music is a major letdown. His background score, which is usually a strong point in his compositions, feels uninspired and drags the film down further. Only one song, Manasilaayo, stands out, but even that fails to elevate the overall experience. The cinematography by SR Kathir adds to the dullness of the film, giving it an uninspired, documentary-like look. Editing by Philomin Raj could have been tighter, as several scenes feel unnecessarily drawn out, contributing to the excessive runtime of 2 hours and 43 minutes.
Analysis:
Director T.J. Gnanavel, known for his impactful storytelling in Jai Bhim, struggles to replicate the same emotional depth in Vettaiyan. The film touches on a significant social issue—police encounters and their justification—but it does so without proper character development or narrative coherence. The first half, which introduces the central conflict, feels like a missed opportunity. Amitabh Bachchan’s character appears intermittently, while Rajinikanth’s character follows familiar tropes without any real stakes or drama.
The second half, though slightly more dramatic, is still underwhelming. The sudden admission of guilt by Rajinikanth’s character feels rushed and lacks the emotional weight that the story needs. Even the interactions between the two acting giants—Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan—are devoid of any real tension or dramatic flair.
Rana Daggubati’s villainous role as a corporate magnate is just another recycled antagonist character. His inclusion in the second half adds little to the narrative, as his portrayal fails to stand out amidst a lack of well-defined characters.
Ultimately, Vettaiyan misses the mark due to poor writing, formulaic commercial elements, and a lack of emotional resonance. Despite the talented cast, the film never manages to hit any high notes, leaving the audience disengaged.
Verdict:
Vettaiyan is a missed opportunity to deliver an emotionally gripping narrative on a relevant social issue. While it has its moments, particularly in the interval twist, the film is let down by weak character development, clichéd commercial tropes, and uninspired performances.
Bottom Line:
You might not need to Vettaiyan your time with this on!
Rating: 2/5
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