Story
Athiyan (Rajinikanth) is a tough cop who believes that encounters are the ultimate solution for eradicating crime from society. Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan) serves as the head of the National Human Rights Commission and is a retired judge. Saranya (Dushara Vijayan) is a dedicated school teacher who stands against injustice. However, in a tragic turn of events, Saranya is brutally murdered, and Athiyan kills the suspected culprit in an encounter, only to later discover that he was not the real killer. The remainder of the story follows Athiyan as he seeks to right his wrong.

Artists Performance

Rajinikanth delivers a performance in an author-backed, content-driven role. While there are several elevation and commercial moments, the film is primarily story-driven, and Rajinikanth is a delight to watch. Fahadh Faasil shines as “Battery,” a criminal-turned-informer who aids Athiyan in his missions. It’s impressive to see Fahadh taking on a wide range of characters and excelling in them. Amitabh Bachchan is outstanding, though the AI-generated dubbing for his voice falls short, sounding more like an imitation without the proper rhythm and intonation. Matching Rajinikanth's powerful presence as a villain is a challenge, but Rana Daggubati pulls it off effectively. Dushara Vijayan is commendable in a key role as a teacher, delivering yet another author-backed performance after Raayan. Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rohini, Abhirami, Rao Ramesh, and Kishore all give solid performances in their respective roles.

Story - screenplay - direction: TJ Gnanavel, known for his honest portrayal in Jai Bhim with Suriya, has directed another content-driven film. This time, it's an investigative thriller with a well-developed character arc for the lead. The director tackles a pressing issue that resonates with many families, particularly those from middle and lower-middle-class backgrounds. The interactions between Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are engaging, and Gnanavel cleverly incorporates government acts like BUDS to enhance the screenplay. However, the narrative becomes somewhat predictable once the main villain is revealed, and a more powerful final act could have elevated the film further. The scene where the hero suddenly arrives in a helicopter feels like a commercial gimmick typical of formulaic films. Despite this, the director deserves credit for skillfully balancing Rajinikanth's heroism with the film's content.

Other departments: Anirudh Ravichander’s music is a strong asset, with the background score enhancing the film and the viral song "Manasilayo" beautifully shot. S. R. Kathir’s cinematography is impressive, while Philomin Raj’s editing is sharp. K Kathir’s production design feels authentic and natural. Anbariv’s action choreography is solid, and the grand production values by Lyca add to the film's overall appeal.

Analysis: Vettaiyan addresses a pressing issue affecting the nation, emphasizing that a police officer should be a protector of the people, not a predator. The film's strengths lie in its content, Rajinikanth’s performance, and strong casting. However, the final act could have been more impactful. Overall, Vettaiyan is a reasonable film that strikes a good balance between its message and the star power of its lead.