Vettaiyan is a 2024 Tamil language action drama film written and directed by T.J. Gnanavel. This film is dubbed into Telugu as Vettaiyan- The Hunter. The film has Rajinikanth & Amitabh Bachchan playing the lead roles while Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Kishore, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, GM Sundar, Rohini, Abhirami, Rao Ramesh, Supreeth Reddy, Ramesh Thilak, Rakshan, Shaji Chen, Sabumon & others are seen in important supporting roles. The music is composed by Anirudh Ravichander while the film is produced by Subaskaran Allirajah under Lyca Productions banner.
Story:
Athiyan (Rajinikanth) is an encounter specialist who believes in delivering justice, even if it means bending the rules. His life changes dramatically when he meets Sharanya (Dushara Vijayan), a brave school teacher who fights against wrongdoing. Tragically, she is murdered, leaving Athiyan with many questions: Who killed her? How did he end up in a situation that led to an innocent person dying? What will he do to find the real killer? What role does Nataraj (Rana Daggubati) play in this story? These questions will be answered in the main film.
What about on-screen performances?
Rajinikanth as usual kills it with his swag and typical mannerisms in a role that is tailor-made for him. He delivers a superb performance as the formidable encounter specialist and once again plays a role that is appropriate to his age. He is exceptional in all the mass moments and does well in the action parts too.
Amitabh Bachchan equally shines in a role that is in contrast to Rajini’s and he leaves a huge mark with his performance as DGP Sathyadev. All his scenes with Rajinikanth have a good impact on the proceedings.
Fahadh Faasil as Patrick adds a good emotional layer to the film and he ably supports Rajini all through the film as his close aide. He also takes charge of the fun portions and makes us laugh whenever he comes on screen.
Dushara Vijayan once again proves her worth and gives out an exceptional performance as Saranya. The whole film revolves around her and she does her part very neatly.
Rana Daggubati is excellent as the baddie in the film. All his faceoff scenes with Rajini are superb and he underplays the role whenever required. But his character could’ve been written in a better way.
Kishore as SP Harish Kumar and Ritika Singh as ASP Roopa ably support the hero in the investigation portions and are good in their respective parts.
Manju Warrier as Rajini’s wife also gives out a decent performance in her limited space. Her dance moves in the Manasilaayo song are adorable and she also gets a major mass moment in the second half.
Abhirami, GM Sundar, Rohini, Rao Ramesh, Supreeth Reddy, Ramesh Thilak, Rakshan, Shaji Chen, Sabumon & all others contribute adequately in their respective supporting roles.
What about off-screen talents?
The story by T.J. Gnanavel is sincere and very well written. It is a serious investigation drama that talks about capital punishment. Also, the drama between the police encounter and the law is well-developed.
The screenplay by T.J. Gnanavel & B. Kiruthika is very gripping. The way all the investigation scenes are written is highly engaging. There are many characters in the film with a huge ensemble cast and all the characters are neatly developed which is appreciable. Except for the last climax portions which could’ve been ended in a more faster manner, the film keeps us glued to the plot.
All the scenes between Rajini and Rana are a treat for the superstar fans and mass lovers while all the scenes of Rajini and Fahadh Faasil are endearing. Also, all the scenes involving Rajini and Amitabh Bachchan will make us think about the issue that the film is based upon. There is a point where Rajini’s character makes a mistake and we are fully convinced when Rajini accepts his mistake only coz a man like Amitabh Bachchan questions it.
Director T.J. Gnanavel does an extraordinary job with his craft. He perfectly makes this a director’s film as well as equally satisfying the Superstar fans with all the required hero worship portions. The best thing about the film is that Rajini’s character never overpowers the storyline and director Gnanavel makes sure that he is just a character playing the lead role with his typical swag moments. Also, his casting choices are on point and everyone gets their due in the narrative.
The Telugu dialogues are well written and the dubbing is aptly executed for all the characters.
The songs by Anirudh Ravichander are too good. The ‘Hunter Entry’ track is kickass whenever it comes on screen while the Manasilaayo song is a peppy dance number. His background score too is spot on. He lifts the film whenever required with his thumping score.
The cinematography by R Kathir is first-rate. He keeps the film in a very realistic space with his lighting & framing and yet makes the film look grand.
The edit by Philomin Raj is on point. Though the film is about 3 hours long, it never bores you coz of the pacy edit. Only the last pre-climax sequences could’ve been a bit better.
The production values by Lyca Productions are top-notch.
What’s Hot?
* Rajinikanth’s Performance
* Amitabh Bachchan’s Performance
* Fahadh Faasil’s Performance
* Dushara Vijayan’s Performance
* Rana & Kishore’s Performances
* All Other Ensemble Cast Performances
* Gripping Narrative & Intriguing Investigation Scenes
* Well Written Characterizations
* All Face Off Scenes Between Rajini & Rana
* Hunter Entry Track & Manasilaayo Song
* Superb Background Score
* Cinematography & Production Values
What’s Not?
* Rana’s Character Could’ve Been Better
* Dragged Out Climax Portions
* Intensity In The Second Half Drops A Bit
Verdict: Overall Vettaiyan is a gripping investigative action thriller in a very realistic space of director TJ. Gnanavel along with a touch of Rajini’s swag and Anirudh’s thumping background score. Apart from the dragged-out climax portions, most of the film is engaging and is peppered with some good mass moments and will satisfy all the action thriller lovers.
Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.75/5