The anticipation for "Vettaiyan-The Hunter" was palpable. Director T.J. Gnanavel, fresh off the success of his National Award-winning "Jai Bheem," joined forces with the legendary Rajinikanth, igniting excitement among fans. The film, released on the eve of Dasara, marked the reunion of Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan after a three-decade hiatus, adding another layer of intrigue. The presence of prominent actors like Rana and Fahadh Faasil further heightened the anticipation. Moviegoers were eager to see how Rajinikanth, known for his captivating performances, delivered in this action-packed drama.
Vettaitan The Hunter story revolves around police officers who are encounter specialists and Human Rights Commission and who is at right in delivering justice to innocent people by punishing criminals. Kanyakumari SP Ajith (Rajinikanth), a seasoned encounter specialist, believes in swift justice, dispensing it with his gun rather than relying on the courts. His methods clash with DGP Satyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), the head of the Human Rights Commission, who champions a more measured approach, advocating "Justice Delayed is Justice Delivered" over Ajith's "Justice Hurried is Justice Buried."
Ajith is called in to investigate the brutal rape and murder of teacher Saranya (Dushara Vijayan) in Chennai, vowing to bring the perpetrator to justice within 48 hours. As he delves deeper into the case, he faces resistance from DGP Srinivas (Rao Ramesh), who favors a more conventional investigation. He also encounters SP Harish Kumar (Kishore), ASP Roopa Kiran (Dushara Vijayan), Patrick (Fahadh Faasil), Nazeema (Rohini), and Thara (Manju Warrier), each with their own motivations and secrets. Their paths converge, leading Ajith to a chilling connection with NAT Academy Chairman Natraj (Rana), a figure shrouded in mystery. The film unravels the intricate web of relationships and power dynamics, exploring the themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of taking the law into one's own hands.
Rajinikanth delivers his signature energy and charisma on screen, captivating his fans with his youthful vigor despite the passage of time. The film's makers deserve credit for presenting him in a dynamic and engaging way, maintaining his signature style and swagger. While his performance is captivating, the character itself feels somewhat familiar, a reprise of roles he has inhabited in the past. His dialogue delivery, dance moves, and stunts are undeniably entertaining, but lack the freshness of his earlier work.
Amitabh Bachchan's presence elevates the film, his scenes with Rajinikanth sparking nostalgia and delight. However, the film's script relies heavily on predictable dialogue and scenarios. Fahadh Faasil brings a touch of humor and energy to his role, leaving a lasting impression.
Rana, with his imposing presence and singular expression, commands attention. Manju Warrier shines in a song sequence while Ritika Singh delivers a convincing portrayal as a cop. Rao Ramesh and Kishore provide strong support as fellow officers. Dushara Vijayan, in an emotionally charged role, leaves a mark. While each actor delivers according to their roles, the overall script lacks the depth and originality to truly elevate the performances.
Director T.J. Gnanavel, riding the wave of "Jai Bheem" success, attracted considerable attention with his collaboration with Rajinikanth for "Vettaiyan." The star-studded cast generated immense buzz, but the film ultimately falls short of expectations. Gnanavel, rather than crafting a compelling narrative, prioritizes elevating Rajinikanth's heroism. The film caters to a specific audience, incorporating themes like NEET exams and government education, aiming to strike a chord with Tamil viewers. The initial exploration of encounters and human rights quickly devolves into a predictable path. While the Tamil flavor is evident, the film relies heavily on familiar tropes and tropes, including scenes involving government schools and teachers. The predictable emotional twist provides closure but lacks originality.
The villain's absence in the first half leaves a void, but the interval twist, though predictable, piques interest for the second half. However, the shift in focus to encounter killings and human rights leads to logical inconsistencies during the investigation. The character arcs fail to achieve significant highs, and despite numerous emotional scenes, a lack of genuine connection due to predictability hinders the film's impact.
Anirudh Ravichander's musical score falls flat, with disappointing songs and a below-average background score that significantly hampers the film's atmosphere. Philomin Raj's editing struggles to maintain a compelling pace, with routine and predictable scenes testing viewers' patience. SR.Kathir's cinematography fails to enhance the visuals, leaving a pale and outdated aesthetic. While the production values are commendable, the overall execution lacks the finesse and ingenuity to truly elevate the film.
Altogether, Vettaiyan The Hunter, despite the wide scope turns out to be the predicable cop drama.While Rajinikanth's screen presence and the star-studded cast initially draw audiences in, "Vettaiyan - The Hunter" ultimately disappoints. Director T.J. Gnanavel, known for his impactful work in "Jai Bheem," attempts to deliver a powerful emotional message, but it gets lost amidst poorly developed characters, illogical scenes, and excessive hero worship. A more refined script and a faster-paced screenplay in the second half could have significantly improved the film's impact. Considering these shortcomings, Cinejosh gives "Vettaiyan - The Hunter" a rating of 2.5.