Vettaiyan Review: Quite a relevant drama

What is it about?

People hail Athiyan (Rajinikanth) as a super cop who delivers instant justice by eliminating suspected criminals under the guise of encounters. Satyadev (Amitabh Bachchan) promises to end Athiyan’s extrajudicial killings.

When Athiyan discovers the rape and murder of government teacher Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), everything changes. Athiyan knows Saranya and her commendable efforts in her city.

After identifying a suspect, Athiyan, as usual, eliminates the suspected perpetrator during an encounter, only to later realize that he has killed an innocent person. Will Athiyan discover the real culprit? Will he stop his encounter killings? And why was Saranya killed?

analysis

Indian cinema and filmmakers have so far praised police officers who eliminate criminals out of court under the pretext of encounters. These films portrayed the murders as heroic acts and portrayed the police officers as heroes. Given India’s court system, which is overburdened by excessive caseloads and often takes years to deliver justice, people and society typically praise the police who kill suspected criminals kills. However, human rights activists, academics and respected judges have denounced these extrajudicial killings. Amitabh Bachchan’s role in the film takes the view that in encounters it is predominantly disadvantaged people who are killed and not those from the privileged class.

‘Vettaiyan’, directed by TG Gnanavel and starring Rajinikanth in the lead role of a police officer who specializes in encounters, deals with the theme of encounters. Gnanavel presents two perspectives: a police officer who justifies his actions and another who condemns such actions without due process. This is certainly a relevant topic.

The film takes time to reach its central theme, but once it’s established it moves on in an engaging way. As long as the film focuses on the main theme of police encounters and plays out like a crime drama, it will be quite exciting. But the moment the film turns the other half and the drama shifts to another relevant topic of EdTech app fraud, it completely falters. These two themes could not fit together seamlessly in this narrative and the over-simplification ends up ruining the entire compelling narrative. The second half cannot maintain the intensity set in the first half, reducing the effect.

Rajinikanth’s portrayal of the menacing encounter specialist reflects the legendary actor’s iconic style and charisma. He’s great as always. Amitabh Bachchan’s character helps add moral weight to the story and the great actor does full justice to his supporting role. The character of Fahadh Faasil is assured. Rana Daggubati as the main villain is apt, even if his character lacks depth. Ritika as a young police officer, Dushara as a government teacher and Manju Warrier as Rajinikanth’s wife have done good work.

Anirudh Ravichander’s music is in keeping with his usual style. Technical and production values ​​are good.

Conclusion: “Vettaiyan” is a relatively nice drama that tackles relevant issues. The message it conveys is solid. The captivating first half and Rajnikanth’s swag look great, but the problem lies in the halting second half. Overall it’s a good watch.

Rating: 2.75/5

Film:Vettaiyan
Cast: Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Kishore, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan and others
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Cameraman: SR Kathir
Production Designer: K. Kadhir
Action: Anbariv
Editor: Philomin Raj
Screenplay: B. Kiruthika
Produced by: Subaskaran
Writer and Director: TJ Gnanavel
Release date: October 10, 2024