Vettaiyan, the latest offering directed by TJ Gnanavel, emerges as a bold and uncompromising attempt to address some of the most pressing moral issues long hankered after by Tamil cinema’s ethical compass. Starring the charismatic Rajinikanth, the film takes an unwavering stance against the glorification of fake encounter killings, an age-old crime that has been glamorized in films over the years. Moreover, it takes a critical look at the failing aspects of the nation’s education system. Aimed at a society deeply entrenched in the hero-worship culture, Vettaiyan delivers a gutsy cinematic experience focused on strong narratives and engaging performances.
At the heart of the narrative is Sathyadev, portrayed by the legendary Amitabh Bachchan in his usual magnetic style. As a retired judge from the Bombay High Court, Sathyadev is on a mission to reform policing practices by advocating against unlawful encounter killings. His riveting speech at the National Police Academy sets the scene, intercut with a parallel plot where criminals conspire to assassinate a Superintendent of Police renowned for encounter killings. This sets the stage for Rajinikanth’s remarkable entrance as SP Athiyan, an entrance that stands as a testament to his undimming star power at the age of 73.
In a clever twist, Gnanavel swaps Rajini’s iconic cigarette flip for a pair of snazzy clip-on glasses, instantly reinforcing his larger-than-life appeal. This hero-worship introduction is deliberately crafted to mirror the conventional encounter specialist characters that the audience is familiar with. However, the film takes a daring turn when this supercop makes a grave mistake that has irreversible consequences while investigating the death of a government school teacher named Saranya, played by Dushara Vijayan. This error serves as the linchpin around which the entire plot revolves.
Accompanied by his competent team, which includes the characters ‘Battery’ Patrick (Fahadh Faasil), Roopa Kiran (Ritika Singh), and SP Harish Kumar (Kishore), Athiyan embarks on a journey to atone for their mistakes and bring justice to light. This character arc offers one of the most flawed portrayals of a Rajini hero fans have seen in a long time, challenging the platitudes often associated with his screen persona.
Yet, Vettaiyan grapples with a common hurdle often faced when crafting a film for a larger-than-life superstar. Despite Gnanavel’s innovative direction and electrifying staging of encounter sequences, there is a palpable struggle in finding a resonant narrative voice to convey the film’s central message. The movie’s core depends heavily on deceiving the audience’s perspective regarding the investigation, rather than building a compelling case against encounter killings through dialogues and scenarios.
. This renders Sathyadev’s initial sermon less impactful amidst the grandeur of its presentation, leaving viewers pondering whether more depth could have explored Rajinikanth’s inner turmoil of guilt and remorse.
Vettaiyan is not without its flaws. Questions arise regarding certain narrative choices, such as the police’s decision to reveal the identity of their informant, Saranya. In a plot that warrants appreciation for noble actions, this oversight in judgment stands out. Further complicating matters, Saranya’s tragic fate, marred by both murder and rape, points to a troubling narrative choice. It suggests a misstep in understanding that certain plot developments, such as rape, should not be employed gratuitously for shock value or emotional manipulation.
With a two-pronged objective — to convey a message while pleasing a star-driven audience — Gnanavel shoulders a formidable task. The inclusion of veteran actors inevitably affects A-list actors’ screen time, leaving talents like Rana Daggubati with a lesser-developed character. Nonetheless, noteworthy performances abound. Fahadh Faasil delivers yet another impressive act, effortlessly transforming into his character ‘Battery,’ offering both comic relief and emotional weight. His rapport with Rajinikanth brings forth memorable moments, establishing a genuine on-screen camaraderie.
Despite its narrative deviations, Vettaiyan surfaces as an entertaining film. With Rajinikanth’s stellar presence, Fahadh’s unique quirks, Amitabh’s towering performance, and Anirudh’s compelling soundtrack, it balances entertainment with thoughtful engagement. As the film concludes, viewers grapple with the duality of what remains more vivid in memory — the high-octane sequences featuring a gallant cop or his defiant stance against unjust encounter killings. Though the verdict lingers, Vettaiyan stands as a pivotal progression in the realm of Tamil cinema, daring to challenge the glorification of encounter justice. As echoed by Sathyadev’s poignant line, “Justice delayed is justice denied, but justice hurried is justice buried,” the film underscores the necessity for measured, thoughtful justice.
Vettaiyan is currently showcasing in theatres, providing audiences with both a cinematic spectacle and a call to introspect on societal justice.
