Cast: Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, and others
Director: T.J. Gnanavel
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
Editor: Philomin Raj
Cinematography: S.R. Khadir
Production House: Lyca Productions
Producer: Subaskaran Allirajah
Release Date: October 10, 2024
Superstar Rajinikanth plays the lead role in ‘Vettaiyan – The Hunter,’ directed by T.J. Gnanavel, known for ‘Jai Bhim’. Produced by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, the film features Amitabh Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Fahadh Faasil, Dushara Vijayan, and Ritika Singh in pivotal roles. The movie has been released in Tamil, Telugu, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam. However, the retention of the Tamil title in the Telugu version drew some criticism. Did the movie overcome these issues to receive positive talk? Did it bring Rajini another solid success after the blockbuster ‘Jailer’? Let’s find out in this review.
Plot
Police officer Adhiyan (Rajinikanth) serves as the SP of Kanyakumari and earns a reputation as an encounter specialist. Based on a complaint from school teacher Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), he takes down a drug mafia leader. Later, Saranya is transferred to Chennai, where she unexpectedly becomes a victim of sexual assault and murder. As teachers’ associations and the public protest on a large scale, the case is handed over to Adhiyan. He apprehends a person named Gunaa within 48 hours, claiming him to be the culprit, and executes him in an encounter. A judicial committee is then formed, headed by Judge Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), to investigate the matter. What did the committee find? What was the reason behind Saranya’s death? What role does the education mafia play in her murder? And how are characters like Patrick (Fahadh Faasil), Nataraj (Rana Daggubati), ACP Roopa Kiran (Ritika Singh), and Hanu Reddy (Sampath Raj) connected to the case? To find out, you must watch the movie.
Performance Analysis
As always, Superstar Rajinikanth delivers an exceptional performance. His mass moments, heroism, and elevation scenes make his character a visual treat. Especially, his dialogue delivery and mannerisms are sure to impress the audience. Amitabh Bachchan, in an equally important role, is fantastic, and their scenes together are electrifying. Fahadh Faasil, playing a police informer, is captivated by his witty performance. Rana Daggubati and Dushara Vijayan also got substantial roles and impressed with their performances. The rest of the cast has performed well within their scope.
Direction and Execution
Director T.J. Gnanavel, known for the socially conscious ‘Jai Bhim,’ attempts to deliver another strong message through ‘Vettaiyan.’ Adding mass moments, heroism, and commercial elements to the story was a major plus. The film boldly addresses how people exploit under the guise of “smart education.” The director starts the movie on a commercial note with Rajinikanth’s introduction and action against the drug mafia and takes the story into the core plot after Saranya’s case. However, the slow pace of the narration and some predictable elements work against the film. But the scenes between Amitabh and Rajini are a highlight, adding intrigue. Rajini’s dialogues and the director’s handling of the star cast like Fahadh Faasil and Rana are impressive. The climax is also satisfactory.
Technical Aspects
In terms of technical aspects, every department performed well. The cinematography was excellent, giving the film a commercial look. Anirudh’s background score, as always, excites the audience, and the fans are sure to enjoy it. The editing could have been a bit sharper. Lyca Productions did not compromise on the production quality.
Plus Points
- Rajinikanth’s performance
- Social message
- Music
- Cinematography
Minus Points
- Slow narration
- Predictability
