Viduthalai Part 2

Viduthalai Part 2 is somewhat similar to 2003 Tamil Drama "Anbe Sivam" starring Kamal Hassan and Madhavan. Both of them are bases upon the Marxist ideology of equality and annihilation of oppressors. Yet both are completely different in a way that later one is slice-of-life comedy drama that has hint of violence while the former is cruel and brutal yet filled with raw emotion and political depth.

The second installment of 2023 version of Vetrimaaran's political crime drama is as gripping and thrilling as the first one. Part 1 was all about Soori's character Kumaresan, this part solely focuses on the rebellion leader Vaathiyar Perumal played by none other than Vijay Sethupathi. Isn't this enough to get everyone's attention!!!

Part 2 depicts the backstory behind the events that turned a school teacher into the leader of an extremist group. Perumal himself narrates his origin story to the policemen who are escorting him to a secure location after his arrest. Kumaresan is not completely out of picture though. Even after playing a significant role in the capturing of Perumal, he's still facing the moral dilemma, caught between his sense of duty and the brutal reality of the police force he's working for.

Background score from Ilaiyaraaja is spot on as it was in the earlier version along with brilliant visuals that make this an epic saga.

Must watch movie👌

Viduthalai Part 2 is a masterstroke by Vetrimaaran, blending emotional depth with gripping intensity. Vijay Sethupathi shines as Vaathiyaar, delivering a performance that is both commanding and poignant. Soori's portrayal of Kumaresan brings raw vulnerability, making the moral dilemmas even more impactful. The film's visuals are stunning, with every frame telling its own story, while Ilaiyaraaja's score heightens the tension beautifully. The narrative strikes a balance between action and emotion, leaving you deeply moved. A compelling and unforgettable sequel that cements its place as a standout in Tamil cinema.

Vetri had done something not many can do. I know he lived in North Arcot district in his early days. I have heard few stories about Naxalits and i can see he had heard too 😊

Dialogues were poweful and it's a politics lesson for all. It's coming at a time right wing is dominating india.

As always Sethu supporting these kinds of movie is not new but hats off again.

End of the day, i was wondering why Vetri did this movie. For sure this got less scope for a blockbuster movie like aadukalam or vada chennai. I see this as, Vetri liked to share what a communist party and back in days, the so called naxalites got created. More than that, he makes us all feel violence is not a solution but politicizing people is the solution, which is what Thiruma keeps saying 😊

While viduthalai-1 is classic elevated by Suri, viduthalai-2 is good but many parts look cliched and over reaching. Vijay sethupati has acted well as always but would not say brilliant. Gautam menon have same wooden expression as in umpteen films. He is miscast. Anurag kashyap still has the same cheeky expression of a paanwalah. Sethupathy and Anurag kashyap look too well fed for the radicals they were portraying. The guys portraying chief secretary, collector and SP are mere caricatures. The locations, photography brilliant. For his standards, expected much more from Vetrimaran. Still a good movie.

Detailed review -Viduthalai Part 2, directed by Vetri Maaran, features a star-studded cast including Vijay Sethupathi, Manju Warrier, Soori, GVM, Rajiv Menon, and others. While the first installment primarily centered on Soori's character, the second part shifts its focus to Vijay Sethupathi.

The film weaves two parallel narratives. The first revolves around the aftermath of Perumal's arrest, while the second is shaped by Vijay Sethupathi's character, with some narration from Soori's perspective towards the end. Vetri Maaran incorporates subtle political and social undertones into the character arcs, adding depth to the narrative. For example, Perumal's wife, Mahalakshmi (played by Manju Warrier), cuts her hair short to signify resilience, and Karuppan (Ken Karunas) giving himself a name reflects a poignant personal choice.

The performances by the cast are commendable and do justice to the story and the director's vision. However, some characterizations leave room for questions. Anurag Kashyap's role feels unexplored-what purpose did his character serve? While Rajiv Menon, Chethan, and Manju Warrier deliver well-crafted performances, GVM's role lacks substance. The most disappointing aspect is the sidelining of Soori's character, who was the heart of Viduthalai Part 1.

Viduthalai Part 2, despite its strengths, doesn't reach the heights of its predecessor. The film becomes overly preachy at times. In Part 1, Soori's character was beautifully developed, and his diminished presence in Part 2 is a missed opportunity. This installment is dominated by Vijay Sethupathi, who carries the film with his stellar performance. However, Vetri Maaran, known for his sharp writing, appears to falter here. The film's heavy reliance on dialogues becomes tiresome, diluting its impact.

The disclaimer at the beginning of the movie, stating that the story does not target any political figures or entities, feels like a cop-out. If Vetri Maaran wanted to convey a specific ideology or message, he should have been more forthright. Using cinema as a platform to push personal ideologies without clarity undermines the craft. While the film retains its ideological and social relevance, it lacks the boldness and finesse one expects from Vetri Maaran. This isn't the kind of filmmaking that resonates deeply or leaves a lasting impression.

In a nutshell, Vidhuthalai Part 2 is nothing but a collection of too much dialogue with no depth. Vetrimaaran wanted to say something but he did not have enough guts to openly tell what he wanted to say. Stupidity at its best. This is the worst movie in the making of Vetrimaaran and a disappointing one.