Superstar Rajinikanth’s latest film, Vettaiyan, directed by T.J. Gnanavel, strikes a delicate balance between his trademark “Rajinism” and a socially relevant narrative. This film, which tackles the pressing issues of encounter killings and the educational mafia, offers Rajini fans plenty of goosebump-inducing moments while presenting a content-rich, message-driven story that he hasn’t embraced in recent years.
The film marks a significant departure from Rajinikanth’s usual larger-than-life roles, diving deeper into social issues. Vettaiyan poses an important ethical question: Should law enforcement take justice into their own hands, bypassing the judicial system? Rajinikanth plays SP Athiyan, a no-nonsense cop who must grapple with this moral dilemma, excelling in a role that allows him to showcase both his star power and acting prowess. His dialogue delivery and unmatched style win the hearts of his fans, while his action sequences, choreographed by Anbariv, are nothing short of electrifying.
The supporting cast adds further depth to the film, with legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan standing out as Justice Dr. Sathyadev Bramhadutt Pande, a member of the National Human Rights Commission of India. His role as Athiyan’s moral compass is portrayed with remarkable gravitas, and his screen presence is powerful. Bachchan’s mentor-mentee dynamic with Rajinikanth provides some of the most compelling moments in the film, a rare treat for fans of Indian cinema’s two giants. It’s hard to imagine anyone else delivering the same level of authenticity to this role.
Rana Daggubati steps in as the villainous Natraj, a corporate mastermind. Although his portrayal isn’t as menacing as some of his iconic roles like Bhallaladeva in Baahubali, his cold, calculating demeanor fits the narrative well. However, a few more scenes exploring Natraj’s criminal empire and the depths of his obsession with money could have added more menace to his character, making the cat-and-mouse chase between him and Rajinikanth more gripping.
The film’s comic relief is provided by the always-brilliant Fahadh Faasil, who plays “Battery” Patrick, a tech-savvy thief. His comedic timing, paired with his ability to shift into serious moments, brings balance to the intensity of the film. His scenes are a refreshing break in an otherwise intense narrative, and his natural flair for humor shines through.
The female cast is strong, though somewhat underutilized. Manju Warrier plays Thara Athiyan, Rajinikanth’s wife, but her role is largely limited to showcasing her dance moves in the viral song Manasilaayo! She has limited screen time, and her character doesn’t contribute much to the plot. In contrast, Ritika Singh, playing ASP Roopa Kiran, leaves a more lasting impact with her bold and energetic portrayal, particularly in the action sequences. Director Gnanavel wisely taps into Ritika’s athleticism to deliver impressive stunts that add excitement to the narrative.
Dushara Vijayan’s performance as Saranya, whose death drives the investigation, is pivotal to the film. Her portrayal is nuanced and emotional, proving her talent once again. Abhirami, playing Swetha Dhakshinamoorthy, Natraj’s ruthless associate, is equally convincing, embodying the corporate villainy of her character.
Technically, Vettaiyan is a triumph. Anirudh Ravichander’s music elevates the film, with his background score enhancing every Rajinikanth moment, ensuring that the action and emotional scenes resonate with the audience. The cinematography and art direction create a visually compelling landscape that mirrors the film’s moral and emotional complexity. Crisp editing ensures that the film’s pace never falters, leaving little room for dull moments.
The movie feels like two distinct halves: the first is content-driven, focusing on the film’s social themes and setting up the characters, while the second half transforms into a more traditional action-packed Rajini movie with a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase. Although the second half satisfies the hunger of fans looking for classic Rajinikanth moments, the transition from social commentary to high-octane action may feel abrupt to some.
Rana’s portrayal of Natraj, while fitting, lacks the intensity of some of Rajini’s most iconic villains like Mark Antony in Baasha or Neelambari in Padayappa. A more fleshed-out antagonist could have elevated the stakes, but despite this, the story holds its own, thanks to Gnanavel’s direction.
In essence, Vettaiyan is a Rajinikanth movie that serves both fans and general audiences. It may not be the “mass” masala blockbuster that his hardcore fans crave, but it delivers an engaging, thought-provoking story. T.J. Gnanavel has crafted a socially conscious film that, while not a cinematic spectacle like Jailer, still stands out as a well-rounded, emotionally grounded drama. It’s a movie that will appeal more to family audiences than just die-hard Rajinikanth devotees.
Rajinikanth’s decision to take on this script is commendable, proving that even after decades of superstardom, he’s willing to explore new territory. While Vettaiyan may not be the Biryani feast that fans expect from a Rajini film, it’s a satisfying, wholesome tiffin that showcases the Superstar in a meaningful, socially relevant narrative.