Vettaiyan : A poignant cop drama that blends mass with good values!

After the smashing success of "Jailer", Superstar Rajinikanth teams up with acclaimed "Jai Bhim" director TJ Gnanavel for "Vettaiyan", a film that promises both style and substance. This collaboration has had fans buzzing with anticipation, and with a stellar cast and top-notch technical backing, the expectations have been sky-high. So, does "Vettaiyan" live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.

In "Vettaiyan" Athiyan (Rajinikanth) is the no-nonsense Superintendent of Police in Kanyakumari and a feared encounter specialist. With the help of Patrick (Fahadh Faasil), a reformed thief turned informer, Athiyan has eliminated numerous criminals. Standing in his way is DGP Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), an officer who opposes encounter culture and believes in due process. When Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), a schoolteacher who tips off Athiyan about a drug stash, is brutally murdered in Chennai, Athiyan sets off on a relentless mission to bring the culprit to justice, enlisting the help of Harish Kumar (Kishore) and Roopa Kiran (Ritika Singh).

Rajinikanth proves yet again why he’s a force to be reckoned with. His portrayal of Athiyan is powerful, yet restrained, as he lets the story shine without overshadowing it with his superstar persona. His natural charisma elevates the character, making Athiyan both formidable and relatable. Amitabh Bachchan is equally magnetic, providing the perfect counterbalance to Rajini’s intensity, while Fahadh Faasil and Dushara Vijayan deliver standout performances that linger long after the credits roll.

Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, and Kishore provide solid support, though their roles could have had more depth. Rana Daggubati, however, feels underutilized in a one-dimensional role that doesn’t quite match the film’s complexity. Unfortunately, Rohini, Abhirami, Rakshan, and Ramesh Thilak have little to work with.

What makes "Vettaiyan" stand out is its refusal to rely solely on Rajinikanth’s stardom. Instead, TJ Gnanavel crafts a gripping narrative that tackles weighty themes like justice and morality. The screenplay wastes no time, diving straight into the story after Rajinikanth’s epic intro. The film maintains a steady pace, striking a balance between gritty investigative sequences and moments of emotional resonance.

The film’s core strength lies in its message-driven content. It’s clear about what it wants to convey-justice shouldn’t come at the cost of ethics. But some commercial choices made in the writing contradict the film's theme. Gnanavel handles this with care, giving room for various characters to breathe and add layers to the narrative. Rajinikanth is presented in his coolest avatar since 'Petta', but without the overwhelming fanfare.

However, "Vettaiyan" isn’t without its flaws. The second half occasionally slips into preachy territory, and the antagonist’s arc feels underdeveloped, diluting the tension. A tighter, more focused climax could have sharpened the film’s impact, as some scenes begin to drag. Moreover, some sensitive scenes involving Saranya's character could have been handled better, especially considering the film's wide audience.

On the technical front, Anirudh’s score feels subdued, with only a few standout moments. The emotional song sung by Sean Roldan, though, leaves a lasting impression. SR Kathir’s cinematography is a visual treat, particularly in the high-energy action sequences, while Philomin Raj’s editing is effective but could have been crisper in the film’s final act. The stunt choreography, though adequate, left some action scenes feeling underwhelming.

Verdict: "Vettaiyan" is a refreshing cop drama from a typical Rajinikanth entertainer, prioritizing a compelling story and solid performances.