Vettaiyan (2024) – Rajinikanth’s Action-Packed Crime Drama That Falters in Execution
Starring: Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan
Director: T. J. Gnanavel
Producers: Subaskaran Allirajah
Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer: S. R. Kathir
Editor: Philomin Raj
Plot Summary:
Vettaiyan centers on Athiyan (Rajinikanth), an encounter specialist who operates on the fringes of morality to deliver justice.
His life takes a drastic turn when he encounters Sharanya (Dushara Vijayan), a school teacher who stands fearlessly against injustice.
Her tragic murder pulls Athiyan into a whirlwind of conspiracy, leading him to question how he became involved in a wrongful death case
and how Nataraj (Rana Daggubati) is connected to it all. The film follows Athiyan’s journey to uncover the truth and bring the real culprits to justice.
Positives:
Rajinikanth, as expected, shines in his role as Athiyan. His commanding presence and unmatched charisma breathe life into the character, making him the film’s
undeniable driving force. The action sequences, filled with Rajinikanth’s trademark style, deliver on the entertainment front, keeping fans engaged.
Amitabh Bachchan’s performance is another high point of Vettaiyan. His portrayal of a man who believes in swift justice contrasts well with Rajinikanth’s
more morally flexible approach, adding depth to their interactions. The chemistry between these two legends is a major selling point.
Rana Daggubati also holds his own, particularly in the second half, where his character’s depth is explored further. His scenes with Rajinikanth are a highlight of the film,
and their intense exchanges are compelling.
The supporting cast—Fahadh Faasil, Manju Warrier, and Ritika Singh—adds texture to the narrative. Dushara Vijayan, in particular, delivers a strong performance
that drives much of the emotional weight in the first half.
The film’s background score, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is nothing short of exceptional. It elevates the action sequences and helps build tension throughout the film.
Negatives:
While Vettaiyan has a solid premise, its execution is uneven. The pacing falters, particularly in the second half, where the story begins to drag. Scenes that should build
momentum end up feeling stretched, reducing the overall impact of the narrative.
The investigation scenes, which are crucial to the plot, lack the energy and urgency needed to maintain audience interest. While the first half builds a strong foundation with action and emotional beats,
the second half struggles to keep the same intensity, leading to a somewhat sluggish experience.
Moreover, Rana Daggubati’s character, though intriguing, lacks a well-developed conflict. A stronger backstory or a more cohesive arc for his character would have enhanced the stakes and
added more emotional depth to the film’s climax.
Technical Aspects:
On the technical front, Vettaiyan excels in several areas. Anirudh Ravichander’s background score amplifies the tension during key scenes and adds an extra layer of excitement to the action sequences.
Cinematographer S.R. Kathir captures the film’s intensity with his dynamic camerawork, particularly in the action-packed moments.
The editing by Philomin Raj, while competent, could have benefited from tightening up the second half to avoid some of the pacing issues that affect the film.
Nevertheless, the film’s production values, overseen by Subaskaran Allirajah, are top-notch, giving Vettaiyan a polished and grand visual appeal.
Conclusion:
Vettaiyan is an entertaining crime drama that works best when focusing on its leading man, Rajinikanth. His performance, along with Amitabh Bachchan’s and Rana Daggubati’s strong support,
helps elevate the film. However, the pacing issues in the second half, along with a somewhat underdeveloped conflict for key characters, prevent the film from reaching its full potential.
Verdict: A decent action thriller powered by Rajinikanth’s undeniable star power, Vettaiyan delivers enough spectacle for fans but falls short of being a truly compelling crime drama.
Vettaiyan Trailer
Watch the official trailer of Vettaiyan, starring Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan, directed by T.J. Gnanavel, with music by Anirudh Ravichander.
