Vettaiyan Movie Review: Rajini's Action-Packed Preach on Justice and Morality

The new movie "Vettaiyan" stars Rajinikanth as SP Athiyan, a police officer known for his tough approach to justice. Often called "Vettaiyan," which means hunter, Athiyan delivers justice through encounter killings. However, his world turns upside down when he accidentally kills an innocent man during an encounter. The film raises the important question: will Athiyan change his ways after this tragic mistake?

A Bold Take on Encounter Killings

Directed by TJ Gnanavel, "Vettaiyan" is more than just a typical commercial cop film. While it features the usual action-packed sequences and dramatic hero moments, it also prompts a discussion about the morality of encounter killings. The film highlights how these killings often target the poor, while the wealthy escape scrutiny. This message adds depth to the story, echoing the themes from Gnanavel's previous film, "Jai Bheem."

The Conflict Between Justice and Morality

In "Vettaiyan," the character of Judge Satyadev, played by Amitabh Bachchan, stands in contrast to Athiyan's beliefs. Judge Satyadev advocates for human rights and argues that "justice hurried is justice buried." This clash of ideas forms the backbone of the film. After the tragic encounter, Athiyan embarks on a journey to find the real killer of Sandhya, a government school teacher. His quest forces him to confront the consequences of his actions.

A Mixed Bag of Entertainment

The first half of the film focuses heavily on Rajinikanth's charisma, complete with action sequences and dance numbers. The pacing keeps the audience engaged, ending on a gripping note. However, the second half of the film becomes less engaging, as it begins to feel preachy and lengthy. The climax, featuring a face-off between Rajinikanth and Rana Daggubati, follows a familiar pattern, detracting from the film's initial intensity.

Despite its flaws, "Vettaiyan" raises critical questions about the impact of media influence on police decisions. It explores how public pressure and stereotypes can lead to wrongful actions by law enforcement. The film also comments on the exploitation of the education system by the wealthy, leaving the dreams of poor and middle-class children unfulfilled.

Strong Performances with a Touch of Humor

Rajinikanth carries the film, but his stardom overshadows other characters. Fahadh Fasil stands out as Patrick, a street-smart thief who adds humor to the narrative. Amitabh Bachchan's presence is commanding, yet the scenes between him and Rajinikanth could have been stronger. Manju Warrier plays Athiyan's supportive wife, while Rana Daggubati appears later in the film, representing the greedy businessman exploiting education.

Anirudh's background score enhances the movie, with songs like "Manasilayo" and "Hunter Vantaar" standing out. However, emotional scenes could have benefited from more depth to create a stronger connection with the audience.

Conclusion: A Predictable Yet Enjoyable Thriller

Director Gnanavel presents an intriguing social drama wrapped in commercial elements. While "Vettaiyan" is a predictable investigative thriller, it offers several memorable "Rajini moments" for fans. The film effectively balances entertainment with important social commentary, making it worth watching for both action lovers and those interested in thought-provoking stories.