“Vettaiyan” is what you get when you mix Rajinikanth’s unstoppable charisma with a story that tries to tackle a serious issue like fake encounter killings. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, the film makes an honest attempt to take a stand against these unlawful practices, even though it sometimes struggles to find its footing.
Vettaiyan Movie Review
Plot Overview
The movie kicks off with Amitabh Bachchan as Sathyadev, a retired judge who’s all about fighting fake encounters. His powerful speech at the National Police Academy gets interrupted by a scene where some thugs plot to take down SP Athiyan, played by none other than Rajinikanth. The moment Rajini swaggers in, sends goons flying, and flips his glasses in place of his iconic cigarette move, you know you’re in for a treat.
Also Read – Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video Movie Review: A Wild, Fun Ride But With Messy Plot
Rajini Effect
What makes “Vettaiyan” interesting is how it shows Rajini in a different light. He’s not just the unbeatable supercop but a character who actually messes up. When he stumbles in his investigation into the death of Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), you see a more vulnerable side to him—something rare in a Rajini film.
Hits and Misses
The film’s biggest issue is its struggle to stay on message. It starts strong, setting the stage for a conversation about the morality of encounter killings, but then shifts gears to focus more on action and twists. It’s like Gnanavel wanted to make a thought-provoking film but couldn’t resist the temptation to give Rajini fans their fill of hero moments.
And let’s talk about the treatment of Saranya’s character. The way her fate is handled feels unnecessary and outdated. We’ve seen it too often: adding extreme violence just to shock the audience. It’s a detail that could’ve been left out.
Performances
Rajinikanth, as always, lights up the screen with his larger-than-life presence. Fahadh Faasil as ‘Battery’ Patrick adds a nice touch of humor and humility to the mix, making you wish he had more screen time. Amitabh Bachchan is solid as the no-nonsense judge, although his character feels like it deserved more depth.
Final Words
“Vettaiyan” is a bit of a mixed bag. It tries to blend Rajinikanth’s mass appeal with a serious message about justice, but sometimes the spectacle overshadows the substance. Still, it’s refreshing to see a superstar like Rajini in a more flawed, human role. And the movie’s attempt to challenge the glorification of fake encounters in cinema is a step in the right direction.
Also Read – Jigra Movie Review: Alia Bhatt Shines in Vasan Bala’s Gripping Thriller
So, while “Vettaiyan” may not be perfect, it’s still a ride worth taking. After all, when Rajini says, “Justice delayed is justice denied, but justice hurried is justice buried,” you can’t help but listen.
Watch Trailer of ‘Vettaiyan- The Hunter’ here –
