Rajinikanth’s Swagger Meets a Social Sermon in a Mixed Bag
Tamil cinema’s biggest icon, Rajinikanth, roared back to screens on October 10, 2024, with Vettaiyan, a high-octane action drama that doubled as a festive Vijayadashami gift. Directed by TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim fame and produced by Lyca Productions, this star-studded affair—featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, and Rana Daggubati—promised a blend of Thalaivar’s mass appeal with Gnanavel’s socially conscious storytelling. Now streaming on Amazon Prime Video since November 8, 2024, Vettaiyan has had its moment under the spotlight, raking in over ₹250 crore worldwide. But does it hunt down greatness, or does it stumble in its pursuit? Let’s dissect this ambitious beast.
The story follows Athiyan (Rajinikanth), a maverick SP in Kanyakumari known for his “encounter-first” justice—think Dirty Harry with a Tamil twist. When a beloved schoolteacher, Saranya (Dushara Vijayan), is brutally murdered, Athiyan dives into the case, only to cross paths with Sathyadev (Amitabh Bachchan), a retired judge advocating for human rights over vigilante killings. Their ideological clash forms the crux, layered with a probe into education scams and caste prejudice, courtesy of slimy private school mogul Natraj (Rana Daggubati). Fahadh Faasil’s quirky ‘Battery’ Patrick, a cop with a knack for comic timing, and Ritika Singh’s fiery Roopa round out the team, while Manju Warrier’s brief turn as Athiyan’s wife adds a fleeting emotional beat.
The first half is a Rajini fan’s dream—pure, unadulterated Thalaivar magic. It kicks off with a 15-minute mass intro: Rajini strutting in shades, tossing one-liners, and busting goons with that trademark swagger. Anirudh Ravichander’s pulsating “Manasilaayo” blares, and theaters erupted—I can still hear the whistles. Once the nostalgia settles, Gnanavel shifts gears into a gripping crime thriller. The investigation into Saranya’s death unfolds with a steady pace, blending Rajini’s charisma with a hint of the director’s Jai Bhim grit. Bachchan’s towering entry as Sathyadev adds gravitas, his baritone sparring with Rajini’s cool in a clash of ideals. The interval twist—Athiyan’s encounter gone wrong—lands like a punch, promising a second half of reckoning.
Rajinikanth is the film’s lifeblood. At 73, he’s a force—whether he’s flipping sunglasses or delivering lines like “Kuri vecha era vizhanum” (The prey I target must fall). It’s vintage Rajini, but with a twist: he’s fallible here, a supercop who blunders and repents, a rare sight for his fans. Amitabh Bachchan, in his Tamil debut, is a revelation—his Sathyadev is stern yet soulful, a moral compass that challenges Rajini’s trigger-happy ways. Fahadh Faasil steals scenes as Battery, his eccentric energy a perfect foil to the heavyweights. Rana Daggubati’s Natraj oozes corporate menace, though his arc feels undercooked. Dushara Vijayan and Ritika Singh shine in smaller roles, but Manju Warrier’s blink-and-miss part is a letdown.
The second half, however, is where Vettaiyan loses its footing. Post-interval, the film pivots from thriller to sermon, dissecting encounter killings and education rackets with a heavy hand. Gnanavel’s intent—questioning vigilante justice—is bold, especially with Rajini apologizing for his ways, a subversion Tamil cinema rarely dares. But the execution falters. The screenplay, co-written with B Kiruthika, gets preachy, bogged down by lectures on human rights and systemic rot. The investigation fizzles, replaced by predictable twists and a climax that’s more fizzle than bang—a chaotic chase with Natraj that lacks the emotional heft of Jai Bhim’s courtroom crescendo. At 163 minutes, it drags, weighed down by a song (“Thalaivane”) that feels like a forced breather.
Technically, Vettaiyan is a mixed bag. Anirudh’s background score is electric—goosebumps galore in Rajini’s action beats—though the songs don’t linger like Jailer’s “Kaavaalaa.” SR Kathir’s cinematography paints Kanyakumari’s coast and Chennai’s grit with flair, while Philomin Raj’s editing keeps the first half taut but can’t salvage the second’s slog. Action by Anbariv is solid—not over-the-top, but lacking the raw punch of Kaithi. The film’s accessibility—closed captions and audio descriptions, a Tamil first—deserves applause, broadening its reach.
For Tamil audiences, Vettaiyan is a Rajini fest with a twist—a hero who’s both idol and flawed. It’s no Petta or Jailer in mass appeal, nor Jai Bhim in depth, but it straddles both worlds. Gnanavel’s social commentary—on encounters, caste, and education—hits relevant notes, especially in Tamil Nadu’s justice-obsessed ethos, yet it’s diluted by star-driven compromises. Critics range from 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5, praising Rajini’s aura and the cast, but bemoaning the pacing and script. Its ₹100 crore haul in two days reflects Rajini’s pull, but it’s not 2024’s top Tamil earner.
In the end, Vettaiyan (Hunter) hunts big game—corruption, morality, Rajini’s legacy—but doesn’t bag it all. It’s a film of two halves: a thrilling first that’s peak Rajini, and a second that’s Gnanavel preaching through a megaphone. It’s watchable—especially for fans craving Thalaivar’s style with a side of substance—but don’t expect a flawless kill. Catch it for Rajini’s charisma, Bachchan’s heft, and a rare stab at something bold. Just brace for a hunt that loses its prey midway.