All Rajinikanth films come with certain expectations—a larger-than-life hero, gravity-defying stunts, and a story designed to showcase his unparalleled charisma. With Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel (of Jai Bhim fame), audiences were anticipating a unique blend of social commentary and superstar magnetism. The result, however, is a film that struggles to balance both extremes, leaving Rajinikanth superb yet oddly out of place in a movie that could have been more.
The Plot:
At its core, Vettaiyan revolves around an ethical dilemma—vigilantism versus the rule of law. Rajinikanth stars as Athiyan, a notorious police officer known as “Vettaiyan” (Hunter) for his extrajudicial killings of criminals who evade justice. His foil is Amitabh Bachchan’s Sathyadev, a retired judge committed to exposing the dangers of encounter killings. When a botched investigation involving a schoolteacher (played by Dushara) leads to conflict between the two, their moral ideologies clash in a heated showdown.
Mismatch of Tone:
TJ Gnanavel, known for his realistic and socially relevant films, attempts to insert a grounded narrative into the typical Rajinikanth spectacle. However, this blend creates an awkward tonal mismatch. Vettaiyan wants to be a serious, thought-provoking critique of police brutality, but every time the film dives into its message, it pulls back with over-the-top action sequences meant to glorify the superstar.
For instance, the film opens with an exaggerated scene where Athiyan’s face is shown through a cigarette hole, reminiscent of Rajinikanth’s earlier blockbuster films. Moments like these offer that quintessential Rajini magic, but they feel out of place in a story that otherwise tries to hold a mirror to serious issues.
Rajinikanth’s Performance:
There’s no denying that Rajinikanth brings immense energy and swagger to the role. His screen presence is commanding, as always, and he nails the action scenes with ease. But the limitations of the script make his character feel formulaic. The film’s central conflict—a reflection of justice versus revenge—is overshadowed by Rajinikanth’s larger-than-life persona. While Athiyan is meant to be a morally complex character, he’s often reduced to a series of heroic poses and one-liners that detract from the film’s narrative depth.
Amitabh Bachchan and Supporting Cast:
On the other hand, Amitabh Bachchan delivers a strong performance as the retired judge Sathyadev, who is the moral compass of the film. However, his role is underutilized. The confrontation between Athiyan and Sathyadev could have been the film’s highlight, but it ends up being predictable.
Fahadh Faasil, as Battery, a reformed thief who assists Athiyan in technical matters, is the most intriguing character in the film. His comic timing and ability to bring levity to the story make him a scene-stealer. He brings much-needed balance to the film’s heavy-handed narrative with humor and heart.
Direction and Script:
Gnanavel excels in his portrayal of the police procedural elements of the story. These sequences are gripping, filled with tension, and reflect his strength as a storyteller. Yet, Vettaiyan feels like two films competing for dominance—the gritty realism of Gnanavel’s vision versus the fan-service moments designed for Rajinikanth’s die-hard audience.
The climax of the film, which features a wildly over-the-top helicopter scene, is a perfect example of this mismatch. The scene seems to exist solely to give fans a “theatre moment,” but it derails the more grounded aspects of the film. Gnanavel’s desire to marry his socially conscious narrative with the exaggerated superhero style of Rajinikanth doesn’t always land, leaving the film feeling uneven.
Music and Technical Aspects:
Anirudh Ravichander’s music elevates many scenes, particularly during Rajinikanth’s high-octane moments. The background score is pulsating, adding to the film’s overall energy. The cinematography is visually striking, but it too, at times, feels caught between serving the plot and showcasing Rajinikanth’s grandeur.
Final Words:
Vettaiyan is a noble attempt by TJ Gnanavel to create a film that addresses important issues while honoring Rajinikanth’s superstar image. However, the film’s two competing tones—serious social commentary and mass entertainment—don’t gel as seamlessly as they should. While Rajinikanth continues to shine, his larger-than-life presence overshadows the film’s narrative, making it feel more like a missed opportunity than a groundbreaking effort.
For die-hard fans of Rajinikanth, Vettaiyan offers the action and charisma they crave. But for those hoping for a more cohesive film, Gnanavel’s ambitious but flawed execution may leave them wanting more.
Vettaiyan The Hunter Trailer:
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