Imagine a cop so relentless that he’s earned the title of 'hunter' in the force. Sharp, decisive, and willing to use lethal force, he represents the complex nature of justice. But the film poses a critical question: is this really justice, or is it justifiable? To understand these, you should watch TJ Gnanavel's latest film 'Vettaiyan', starring Rajinikanth.
Rajinikanth is in top form here, bringing his trademark charisma and action prowess to the screen. While the opening scenes might evoke memories of his previous film, 'Jailer,' directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, 'Vettaiyan' carves out its own identity with a social theme at its heart.
But how effectively does it come together in the film? While the theme of encounter killings is undeniably substantial, it often feels like Rajinikanth's star power overshadows the narrative. Although the usual elements we expect from a Rajinikanth film, such as high-octane mass appeal, are notably toned down here, it seems like Gnanavel struggled to balance audience expectations with staying true to the film’s core message.
The film boasts an impressive lineup of A-listers, including Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, Rana Daggubati, and Fahadh Faasil. While their presence adds plenty of entertainment value, it often feels like their characters lack the depth they deserve. Take Fahadh’s character, for example. He plays Patrick, a loyal companion to Rajinikanth’s character. Although Patrick is fun and lovable, showing a more comedic side than we typically see from Fahadh, the character’s development and placement within the story feel somewhat off.
One of the film's strengths lies in its commentary on India’s education system. While revealing the specifics would spoil the plot, it effectively addresses the darker aspects of this issue. This theme primarily unfolds in the second half of the movie, whereas the first half takes a detour reminiscent of the Malayalam film 'Jana Gana Mana,' attempting to set the stage for the much graver topics it aims to explore.
Another recurring issue in the film is its reliance on rape as a device to elicit strong emotions from the audience. This raises an important question: is a rape scene really the only way to evoke empathy for a woman's suffering?
While Rajinikanth serves as the film's anchoring force, his character remains in a grey area. Amitabh Bachchan also delivers a powerful presence, but both actors lack the impactful dialogue that could foster a deeper connection with viewers. This invites a natural comparison to Gnanavel's 'Jai Bhim,' as both films tackle social issues. However, while 'Jai Bhim' effectively instils a sense of urgency and seriousness around these topics, 'Vettaiyan' falls short in that regard.
The film also suffers from a degree of predictability that detracts from its impact.Given the way the story unfolds and how the characters are portrayed, it's easy to anticipate their fates. As a result, the suspense is largely absent, making it straightforward to identify the plot twists and red herrings throughout the movie.
When it comes to the music and background score, Anirudh Ravichander delivers once again with vibrant tracks like 'Manasilaayo' and 'Hunter Vantaar'. The background score is equally impressive, brimming with energy and style. It complements the film perfectly.
While 'Vettaiyan' represents a commendable effort by Gnanavel to place Rajinikanth in a serious context, this ambition ultimately works against the film. The overwhelming star power can make it difficult for viewers to look beyond it. However, if you're a devoted Rajini fan seeking an enjoyable entertainer, 'Vettaiyan' could still be a solid choice for you.