Gangers Movie Review: A Nostalgic Yet Uneven Commercial Comedy with Sundar C and Vadivelu’s Magic
When the first look of Gangers dropped, Tamil cinema fans were buzzing with excitement. A reunion of director-actor Sundar C and the legendary comedian Vadivelu after 14 years promised a return to the golden era of Tamil commercial comedies. Known for their iconic collaborations in films like Thalai Nagaram (2006), Winner, and Nagaram Marupakkam (2010), the duo has a history of delivering laugh-out-loud moments that became cultural touchstones. With Gangers, released on April 24, 2025, expectations were sky-high for a fun, family-friendly heist comedy. But does this 2-hour-39-minute film live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the review.
Plot and Setup: A Slow Start with Familiar Tropes
Gangers follows Saravanan (Sundar C), an undercover cop posing as a PET teacher in a small-town school. The story kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of a schoolgirl, prompting teacher Sujitha (Catherine Tresa) to investigate. Saravanan is tasked with taking down a criminal trio—Malayarasan, Kottaiyarasan, and their brother Mudiyarasan—who are behind a 100-crore scam. To do so, he forms a quirky gang with the school staff, including Singaram (Vadivelu), who also happens to be smitten with Sujitha, setting up a classic Sundar C love triangle for comic relief.
The first half of Gangers unfolds as a typical commercial potboiler, leaning heavily on Sundar C’s tried-and-tested formula: a small-town backdrop, a vigilante hero, a glamorous heroine, and a comedian vying for her attention. However, this setup feels overly familiar and drags on longer than necessary. The humor in the initial hour is sporadic, with only Vadivelu’s presence keeping the audience engaged. A standout moment is his single-take dialogue scene, which showcases his comedic timing and reminds us why he’s called the “Vaigai Puyal” (the Vaigai Storm). But aside from these flashes of brilliance, the first half struggles to find its footing, focusing more on establishing the plot than delivering the laughs fans expected from the promos.
The film’s tone in this portion is surprisingly serious, with a fair amount of violence and a cliched flashback to explain Saravanan’s motivations. Critics have noted that Sundar C plays these elements with a straight face, a departure from the tongue-in-cheek approach he took in films like Aambala and Madha Gaja Raja. This seriousness clashes with the comedic expectations, leaving the audience wondering, “Where’s the funny?” as mentioned in the Times of India review. The interval block finally introduces the heist element, setting the stage for a more engaging second half.
Second Half: Vadivelu Steals the Show
Thankfully, Gangers picks up significantly after the interval. The heist plot takes center stage, and the film leans into its comedic potential. Vadivelu, who feels underutilized in the first half, comes into his own here, delivering moments that remind us of his peak form. His numerous disguises, witty one-liners, and a hilarious stretch involving an Alexa device bring the house down. The Hindu review rightly points out that Vadivelu’s epithet in the opening credits—“the Vaigai river that never dries up”—feels apt as he proves his comedic prowess time and again.
Sundar C, too, gets in on the fun, showcasing the madcap energy that defined his best works. The mini-missions leading up to the final heist are entertaining, with clever touches like a meta-reference to Sundar C’s previous film Madha Gaja Raja. The climax, set in a theater adorned with posters of Sundar C’s earlier films, adds a nostalgic layer that fans of the director will appreciate. However, the heist itself isn’t as wacky or innovative as one might hope—it pales in comparison to the underrated 144, another semi-rural heist comedy. Some gags, like an unnecessary rape joke and outdated cross-dressing humor, feel out of place in 2025, drawing criticism for being tone-deaf.
Performances: Vadivelu Shines, Others Fade
Vadivelu is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Gangers. Despite limited screenwomen, he makes the most of every scene, proving why he’s a comedy icon. His chemistry with Sundar C is the film’s biggest strength, echoing their past collaborations. Sundar C, who also directs, plays a familiar role—a 6-foot-tall action hero with a comedic streak. While he holds his own in the action sequences, his attempt to balance being a star vehicle with a comedy entertainer feels uneven. Catherine Tresa, as Sujitha, is relegated to the typical Sundar C heroine role: glamorous but lacking depth. The supporting cast, including talented actors like Bagavathi Perumal, Hareesh Peradi, and Munishkanth, is underutilized, with their characters failing to leave an impression.
Technical Aspects: A Mixed Bag
On the technical front, Gangers has its highs and lows. C Sathya’s music elevates the film, particularly during the action sequences, adding energy to otherwise monotonous moments. However, the VFX is noticeably substandard, with some scenes looking jarringly artificial—a common issue in mid-budget Tamil films but still disappointing. Cinematographer E Krishnasamy and editor Praveen Antony deliver a functional job, though the lengthy runtime could have benefited from tighter editing. The film’s 2-hour-39-minute duration feels excessive, especially given the slow first half.
Final Verdict: A Nostalgic but Flawed Entertainer
Gangers is a film that delivers on some of its promises but falls short of being the ultimate commercial entertainer it aspires to be. The reunion of Sundar C and Vadivelu is the film’s biggest draw, and when they’re on screen together, the magic is undeniable. Vadivelu’s comedic brilliance and the second half’s lighthearted heist antics make it a decent timepass watch for fans of the genre. However, the film is bogged down by a sluggish first half, outdated humor, and an over-reliance on cliches.
For those who grew up on Sundar C-Vadivelu comedies, Gangers offers a nostalgic trip with moments of genuine laughter. But for audiences looking for something fresh or innovative, it might feel like a missed opportunity. As the Times of India review notes, the film would have benefited from a tighter setup, less violence, and more focus on the heist comedy elements. The Hindu adds that while Vadivelu almost saves the film, the lack of ingenuity in the script and the lengthy runtime hold it back.
Rating: 2.5/5
If you’re a die-hard fan of Sundar C and Vadivelu, Gangers is worth a watch for the nostalgia and the second-half laughs. But temper your expectations—this isn’t the laugh riot the promos promised, but rather a mixed bag that shines brightest when Vadivelu takes the stage.
