'Vettaiyan' Movie Review: What's Good, What's Bad; Find Out From Viewers' Words

Rajinikanth is back with his latest film 'Vettaiyan', directed by TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim fame. Lyca Productions-funded film has Bollywood's legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan playing an important role.

Big B has reunited with Rajinikanth after 33 years. The movie also has Malayalam actor Fahadh Faasil, Telugu actor Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rohini, Rakshan and others in the cast.

The film has Anirudh Ravichander's music, SR Kathir's cinematography and Philomin Raj's editing.

The premise of Vettaiyan sounds intriguing, especially as it tackles a socially relevant and controversial theme with the exploitation in educational institutions by businessmen. Setting the film in the 1980s-1990s adds a nostalgic layer, as it reflects a time when such issues were often more rampant and unregulated.

Given the backdrop of both law enforcement and educational corruption, it seems the movie will offer a strong narrative arc focused on justice and morality. The time period and the themes of exploitation could also serve as a critique of systemic corruption, appealing to viewers who enjoy films with a social message.

Vettaiyan Review

Vettaiyan delivers a strong, honest story at its core, but falters in execution due to the director's approach.

The first half sets up an intriguing crime thriller that holds the audience's attention. However, as the second half progresses, the narrative loses momentum, gradually taking on the tone of a documentary or lecture, rather than a gripping drama.

While the film aims to strike a balance between a commercial appeal and the emotional depth that director TJ Gnanavel is known for, it misses the mark, ultimately backfiring as the story unfolds. Despite its sincere intentions and a few promising moments, Vettaiyan feels half-baked, falling short of its potential.

Will the movie live up to the viewers' expectations? Find out from their words below:

Venky Reviews: #Vettaiyan is a film with a strong and honest story. However, the screenplay approach that the director takes falters.

After a watchable 1st half that is narrated as a proper crime thriller, the 2nd half starts to build an engaging drama but fails to keep the momentum and quickly gives off a documentary/lecture type feel after a point.

The film is neither on the commercial side nor the proper emotional side that TJ Gnanvel is known for which backfires after a point. The honest intentions can be seen and the film had some bright moments with potential but ends up being half baked.

Strictly Ok Watch!

Rating: 2.5/5

#Vettaiyan Average 1st Half!

Being narrated so far as a true crime investigation drama with very little commerical elements unlike Rajinis previous films. While some parts engage so far, others are mundane and run of the mill. Not bad but a lot relies on the 2nd half now.

Rajasekar: #Vettaiyan - ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 Not your typical Rajinikanth film where the veteran Superstar would do all the typical gallery pleasing antics to give you the cinematic high (although there are enough scenes for us to enjoy ), he has sincerely played the subtle role that is given to him and justifies the director's vision!

I liked how TJ Gnanavel has given the entertainment angle to Fahadh Faasil and the in-form actor simply hits it out of the park with his one liners and effortless screen presence. He is majorly responsible for all the laughs and entertainment factor besides our biggest entertainer-Superstar Rajinikanth!

Gnanavel has taken a strong storyline and delivered it with a mass touch like Shankar and KSR! Yes the screenplay is predictable but the film keeps us engaged in most of the parts.

Dushara Vijayan is sincere yet again and played her role flawlessly. Rana Daggubati 's character is underwritten and Manju Warrier didn't have any big scope !

I'm eagerly looking forward to see how audiences would enjoy this 'new ' Rajinikanth film where the story becomes the main element and the Rajinification takes a backseat! If they lap it up, more such films will be made. Fingers crossed 🤞

Anirudh: Vettaiyan - Solid film, thoroughly enjoyed the way the screenplay was just constantly on the move. Super glad that Thalaivar picked this film up. The good attempt to strike a balance was very clear. Minor lags in the latter half but easily forgivable! Yera vizhundhirchu 👑🫶

Siddarth Srinivas: #Vettaiyan (3.75/5) - Winsome. A proper mass + class entertainer from @tjgnan with an engaging screenplay and important social messages delivered in the right way. The Rajinisms are lesser compared to other films, but this is the kind of film we should be getting more of from our stars. Thalaivar at 73, showing the way.

The film has a serious and dialogue driven approach with its mass scenes in vintage style, and Gnanavel has to be appreciated for striking the (almost) right balance here. Except for some scenes in the second half, loved the film.

Thalaivar + Fafa combo is a scream, I'll definitely watch the film again for this one reason. Liked AB, Dushara and Manju Warrier's performance otherwise, the rest are functional. SR Kathir's cinematography is good, while Ani does his usuals with the music.

#Vettaiyan - strong hunt 🎯 one of my favorite Rajini films in the past few years!

Sathish Kumar: #Vettaiyan First half was engaging and good as the plot was like a crime thriller. But, second half was more of message oriented with less of Thalaivar mass scenes. Superstar #Rajinikanth has rocked asusal. #FahadhFaas impresses. #Manasilayo song was visual treat.

AmuthaBharathi: #Vettaiyan First Half - SUPERB❤️‍🔥

- First 20 mins to celebrate Superstar #Rajinikanth & his mass moments😎
- After half an hour moves towards racy a screenplay filled with investigation of crime 👌
- Anirudh BGM & song is so good🎶
- Emotions are well connected ❤️
- Dushara plays a crucial role, Fafa super fun😁

1st half ends with an interesting note👏

Karthik: #Vettaiyan 1st half >>>>>>>>>>> #Jailer that's it. What a director
@tjgnan
director 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Mega Blockbuster is in making. Racy and engaging screenplay. Fahad is at his best and last but not least #Thalaivar acting is THE BEST ❤️❤️❤️.

Telugu360: #Vettaiyan First Half 👍👍
The first half of #Vettaiyan stands out as one of the best scripts in recent times. Director TJ Gnanavel has crafted a crime investigation story that blends elements of social responsibility with thought-provoking message. If you're seeking pure mass entertainment, this isn't the film for you. However, its fast-paced screenplay and direction keep you hooked to the screen throughout. Rajini, Amitab and Fahad are simply superb. Anirudh
@anirudhofficial
Cameo is 🔥
- Telugu360 First on Net report from USA premier show

Star Lord: #Vettaiyan - First Half Review:
- Thalaivar recent best intro 🔥
- neruppu narration 🥵🥵🥵🥵🔥🔥🔥
- pakka song placement anirudh 🥵🔥
- Investigation scenes - mass dhool pakka treat 🤷‍♂️

Very exciting till now 🔥🔥🔥

Waiting for marana mass second half!✌️

Umair Sandhu: First Review #Vettaiyan from Censor Board ! Positive thing about #AmitabhBachchan & #Rajinikanth Combo. Amit g looking Fresh & healthy but Rajini looking Sick 🤢 & Druggie in movie. Forcefully act in movie. Overall One Time Watch Typical Action Thriller for Rajini Fans. 2💥/5💥

Dr.Ravi: What I heard about #Vettaiyan
A content driven,thought provoking movie which talks about the perspectives of Encounter and a few other social issues too..
#Thalaivar elements are there throughout the movie but don't expect a Jailer here...
We are in for some pleasant surprises which I don't want to reveal now. Better to experience it on screen....
The Climax will be hugely talked about and it's a very different one from the recent Thalaivar movies...
Overall
#Vettaiyan will not only satisfy Thalaivar fans but also the family audience,who shall come in large numbers to the Theatre for sure
Get ready for another BLOCKBUSTER

Imtweetygoose: ALL ROUNDER
Story, Screen play, Rajinism, Social message, Acting, BGM, director touch, twist : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's quite sometime that a Kollywood movie satisfied fans, cinema lovers and general audience
#Vettaiyan will satisfy #Rajinikanth fans, movie lovers and general audience

vaishali: Early Review #VetraiyanReview from Republic News

Super theme, Acting based Movie
- #Rajinikanth #AmithabBachchan dominated the film
- FahadhFaasil and Rana are Good
- Talk is Interval, 2nd half Highlight of the Movie
- Good twist with message