Vidudhala Review: An Engaging hard-hitting thriller

Vijay Sethupathi has teamed up with critically acclaimed Tamil director Vetri Maaran, for the movie Vidudhala (Viduthalai in Tamil), which features popular Tamil comedian Soori in the lead role, while director Gautham Vasudev Menon is seen in a key role. The movie was released in Tamil on 31st March and has been released in Telugu today. Let’s see how the film has turned out to be.

Story:

Kumar is a new police recruit who works in a hill station, where there’s a lot of conflict going on between the police department and the local rebels. When Kumar saves the life of a tribal woman, he is entangled in this mess involuntarily and is forced to find the hiding place of the rebel leader. What happens and where does this all lead to forms the rest of the story.

On-Screen Performances:

Soori delivered a very commanding and honest performance in the film, showcasing his talent and flair for drama as well. As a low ranking police officer who is stationed in a highly volatile area, the audience gets to experience all the highs and lows, and the severity of the situations going on in the area. We feel the horror and the shock, and also the happiness and the justification of everything that’s going on. In this way, Soori has definitely excelled.

Vijay Sethupathi as the rebel leader is menacing, and is, as always, perfect in his role. Once again, he gives his all for the role and proves why he is considered as one of the most talented actors in the country. He carries his role with ease, which also helps justify his actions perfectly.

The remaining cast, comprising of Gautham Menon, Rajiv Menon, Bhavani Sre and many others, do what is required of them, and are good in their roles.

Off-Screen Talents:

Whenever Vetri Maaran is making a movie, there are huge expectations on his films, considering his body of work, which consists of films like Aadukalan, Vada Chennai and Asuran, among others. As such, there were good expectations on Vidudhala as well, and the director doesn’t disappoint. He manages to deliver an engaging and hard-hitting film, which explores reality, and also provides the right kind of commentary. The events leading up to the conflict of the movie may not be out of the box, but the way they have been handled and written by the director make all the difference. The way part 2 of the film (which is expected to be released in a few months) has been incorporated into the film is also quite good. The lack of nativity (for the Telugu audience) in a few areas is the only drawback of the film.

The background score by Ilayaraja is perfect for the tone of the film and helps elevate every scene and emotion to the next level. It perfectly complements what’s happening on the screen, which makes the entire film all the more relatable.

The production design of the film is good, and so is the editing.

Plus Points:

• Story
• Direction
• Background score
• Cast performances

Minus Points:

• Missing nativity

Verdict: Vidudhala is a film that is true to the real world and gives the audience a slice of life. However, there is a lack of native touch and it is a movie that can be watched without fail.

Telugubulletin.com Rating: 2.75/5