Vettaiyan Review: Gnanavel’s Encounter With Rajinikanth And Law Is More About The Message

TJ Gnanavel, famed for his work on Jai Bhim, delivers another socially charged narrative (obviously, in a mass project) with Vettaiyan, a film that merges commercial cinema with a hard-hitting message. Starring an ensemble cast including Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Dushara Vijayan, Abhirami and others, Vettaiyan treads the familiar path of mass appeal but diverges with its deep dive into the exploitation of students by corporate entities.

Rajinikanth plays SP Athiyan, a character who initially seems to embody the no-nonsense approach to justice that we’ve seen in his previous roles. His philosophy, encapsulated by the line, “once the trap is set, the prey is bound to fall” or as Julius Caesar said “The die is cast” sets the tone for his ruthless methods. The first half of the movie presents Athiyan as a relentless enforcer, as he embarks on a spree of encounters, echoing themes of immediate retribution.

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However, the film takes a poignant turn when Amitabh Bachchan’s character, a seasoned legal expert, enters the frame with the sobering reminder: “Justice hurried is justice buried.” This shift in narrative adds layers to Athiyan’s character, forcing him to confront the ethical ramifications of his actions. Gnanavel uses this duality to question the morality of instant justice, a theme made all the more relevant with the growing debate on “encounter killings” modern-day India and “bulldozer justice” in recent India.

The film tackles several urgent societal issues, notably the pressure on students from exploitative online education platforms, which mirrors real-life corporate malpractices. In Tamil Nadu, where educational disparity is a critical issue, as the ongoing NEET debate gaining momentum with poor subjected to endure marginalisation, Vettaiyan makes a strong commentary on how the system disproportionately favours the wealthy, leaving poorer children behind. Gnanavel masterfully intertwines this narrative with Rajinikanth’s broader fight against corruption, class oppression, and black money—familiar themes from his past films like Sivaji, Kabali and Kaala.

Athiyan’s evolution from a hard-handed enforcer to a man questioning the very system he’s part of is brilliantly captured through Rajinikanth’s performance. His portrayal, backed by a powerful script, reflects the actor’s long-standing cinematic tradition of standing up against social evils, from caste atrocities in Kaala to systemic corruption in Sivaji. In Vettaiyan, his battle shifts to the new-age corporate predators disguised as educational saviours, preying on vulnerable students.

With Amitabh Bachchan bringing gravitas to his legal expert role and a stellar supporting cast, including Fahadh Faasil and Rana Daggubati, the film maintains a tight narrative that is both commercially appealing and socially reflective. Gnanavel’s direction, as in Jai Bhim, remains focused on highlighting systemic injustice, though this time with a broader, more pan-Indian canvas.

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While Vettaiyan may lean on some typical mass movie tropes, the core message is unmistakable—justice must not come at the cost of humanity. The film successfully navigates the grey area between law enforcement and moral responsibility, urging the audience to reflect on the true meaning of justice in today’s society.

In Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth and Fahadh Faasil combo would remind the audience of the Vikramaditya-Vedal legend with a twist. Though, in the classic Indian tale where the wise King Vikramaditya faces riddles posed by the witty Vedal, testing his wisdom and moral judgment in every encounter, here, the Malik actor’s character solves most of the riddles. In acting, Fahadh is Fahadh – classy, witty, nuanced and never-disappointing mode. The much talked about union of the actors, though Fahadh’s Patrick as sidekick somewhat reduced character from his previous Tamil roles in Maamannan and Vikram, showcases a powerful combo and the younger actor helps the movie to keep the audience glued to the screen with his one liners and mannerisms.

Other supporting cast, including Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Kishore, Sabumon Abdusamad, Abhirami and Rohini, also delivers convincing acting to convey the much needed effectiveness of a mass project.

Anirudh Ravichander again proves that his caliber as a musician is made for setting the tone for massive vigilante and saviour themes.

In the end, Vettaiyan is not just another Rajinikanth film. It’s a conversation, one that asks difficult questions about our education system, the exploitation of the underprivileged, and the ethical boundaries of law enforcement. Gnanavel’s message comes through loud and clear—justice is not just about punishment but also about fairness, and sometimes, slowing down is the only way to truly move forward.

Timeline verdict: Vettaiyan is meant for both Rajinikanth and Gnanavel followers. Half of the movie has the power Rajinikanth-level mass appeal and half covers the Jai Bhim director trying to carry forward with well executed social messaging.

Vettaiyan Crew

Director: TJ Gnanavel
Writters: TJ Gnanavel, B Kiruthika
Cinematographer: SR Kathir
Editor: Philomin Raj
Music: Anirudh Ravichander

Cast
Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, Rao Ramesh, Ramesh, Kishore, Sabumon Abdusamad, Abhirami, Rohini