This year’s Diwali was a lackluster fare for Vijay fans as the most expected release of Vettaikaaran was postponed to a later date. Whatever might be the reason behind it, we knew that Vijay will overcome all hurdles and emerge out like never before very soon. Two months later, Dec 18 has marked the beginning of real Diwali for Vijay fans with Vettaikaaran hitting the screens worldwide, and most importantly, it is hunting box office collections and viewers’ hearts like never before, right from its first day.
We at OVF bring you the review of the film from a fan’s standpoint, because there are innumerable reviewers in movie websites who might give you their personal opinions and sometimes grudges in the name of unbiased reviews. Having said that, this review and hence the film makes less sense for those who watch Vijay movies only with the intent of finding faults or giving negative reviews, those whose logical senses and intellects wake up only while watching Vijay films, those who write reviews without even watching the film and those Vijay fans who are fed up with commercial entertainers of Vijay. If you are one in any of the above mentioned categories, the close button is there on the right top corner of this page.
With three average films in the past and the last film getting mixed response from his own fans, it requires lots of guts for a person to work in a film with a debutant director and a team, though comprising of talented people, does not boast of any ace names in the industry. Only Ilayathalapathy Vijay can make it possible with his extreme confidence and hardwork. And most important, to give an output with this team, that is exceedingly well done than films of recent past, definitely needs a hats off.
Spoiler alert
Vijay plays the role of a small town youth Ravi, who in his desire to join Police force rechristens himself as Police Ravi. Considering encounter specialist Devaraj(Srihari) as his role model, he makes sure everything in his life happens in the same way as it did for Devaraj. He moves to Chennai for his college studies where he falls in love with Suseela (Anushka). Driving an auto for his self earning with the help of his classmate Uma(Sanjitha Padukone), his life is all fun until he locks horns with local goon Chella(Ravi Shankar) which lands him up in jail.
Ravi is planned to be killed in encounter with the help of corrupt inspector Kattabomman (Shayaji Shinde) and Suseela comes to know that Ravi’s role model Devaraj is also a part of this plan. Does Vijay escape from the encounter? Is his role model Devaraj a baddie? How does Ravi take revenge on those who trapped him and pay them back? The rest of the plot of Vettaikaaran answers these questions.
Spoiler Alert Ends
Vettaikaaran is another racy commercial entertainer from Vijay like few of his earlier movies, but what makes it standing out is the handling of the subject and a fitting screenplay for which director Babu Sivan gets the credit. Right from choosing the cast, conceiving the scenes and making the screenplay engaging, his efforts to make the film successful are visible all over. His screenplay has all elements to satisfy Vijay fans and to keep the general audience glued to seats, considering that the film doesn’t even have a separate comedy track. His dialogues are also precise and not overdone. For a debutant, he has done a good job by mixing all commercial elements in right proportions for entertainment.
With respect to cast, Anushka does share a good chemistry with Vijay. She looks beautiful, dances gracefully and does her role perfectly. The Vijay-Anushka pair in songs is a lovely visual treat and they make a lively pair in the comedy and romantic scenes too. She shares a good amount of screen space in first half and makes a memorable presence in second half. Sanjitha Padukone, playing a sister-like friend to Vijay does a good job too, though we miss her in the second half.
Srihari as Devaraj has an important role to play especially towards the climax and performs well. Shayaji Shinde as the corrupt policeman impresses with his acting and provides some comic relief too in second half of the film. Salim Ghouse as the main villain Vedanayagam and Sai Kumar’s brother Ravi Shankar as his son Chella share meaty roles, pitted against Vijay. The other supporting cast including Sathyan, Sugumari and Manobala has done their roles to satisfaction.
Racy Music from Vijay Antony with songs already being chartbusters and a background score that suits the mood of the film are major credits for the film. The songs are all shot well with Puli Urumudhu topping the list. The song which shows the rise of Vijay in second half makes a big impact by giving the required adrenaline rush and placed perfectly in the film. The intro song “Naan Adicha” is very well choreographed by Shobi and towards the end when Junior Vijay aka Sanjay enters, the theatre is in splits. The kid does a very well stylish job true to the reputation of his father. Other songs are also visual treats and placed well in the film.
The brilliant cinematography by Gopinath who earlier impressed in Ghilli and Kuruvi is another plus, as the camera takes you through the fun-filled first half and fast-paced second half with the same ease. Editing by V.T.Vijayan ensures in keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end. Stunts by Kanal Kannan are mostly very good, unlike the past two films of Vijay and the unwanted elements have been avoided. The scene before interval where Vijay jumps off the waterfall is picturised very well. There are many good sequences in the film, especially the Vijay-Anushka scenes mixing romance with humor in the first half and the plots Vijay makes against the villains in the second half.
The review is not complete without talking about Ilayathalapathy Vijay who gives the blood and flesh to the skeleton of Vettaikaaran and makes it lively. Looking youthful as never before, dynamic and vibrant throughout, he has shouldered the biggest responsibility of satisfying his fans and general audience entirely. His dialogue deliveries, graceful and unmatchable dance movements in songs, hard hitting action and romance are always known for its brilliance. What is above these in Vettaikaaran is the gamut of expressions he brings in every frame, be it comic timing, anger, emotion or love. His hardwork is evident in every frame. This film proves why Vijay is exceptionally best in the school of casual acting. The minor changes in getup he has done for a few short sequences are impressive. His style and screen presence leave a big impact on you and it is one of the best performances of Vijay in recent years.
Though it is Sun Pictures’ Vettaikaaran that has made the film reach every nook and corner this time, it is Vijay’s Vettaikaaran that is going to stay in the minds of people in the coming months. While this is a perfect Christmas treat for Vijay fans, it is also a clean entertainer for anyone who likes watching Vijay onscreen.
With respect to the comeback part, Vijay has never gone away to make a comeback. His films might have taken a back seat due to failing screenplays or directors, but he has delivered constantly even in those bad times. But this time, it is that extra mile he has gone past his consistent delivery that makes Vettaikaaran worth all its watch.
Verdit: A wholesome Vijay entertainer
Rating: 4/5
By OVF Team
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