Viduthalai Part 1

Balumahendra made uncompromising raw and realistic films. Both Bala and Vetrimaaran are his disciples and Balumahendra's influence is heavyset on both these directors. Both the disciples haven't swayed till date and carved an unique raw, cruel, brutal genre for themselves albeit an unpalatable one for a larger part of the audience, which contributes to the reason why one of the top directors that India has ever produced arent as well known as they should have been.

Vetrimaaran directorial debut was in 2007 with Dhanush Polladhavan, the movie was remade in Kannada, Telugu, Hindi, Bengali and Sinhalese. Viduthalai is his 6th movie as a director in his 16th year. Four years later in 2011 came his second movie, Aadukalam which was again with Dhanush, the movie raked 6 National Awards including Best Screenplay and Director. Another 4 years later came his third movie Visaranai, which bagged 3 National Awards including Best Feature Film in Tamil. He joined hands again with Dhanush for his 4th film in Vada Chennai which was released in 2018, the movie will be a cult classic in years to come and is rated 8.4 on IMDB. His 5th film was released one year later in 2019, again with Dhanush. Asuran won two national awards including Best Feature Film in Tamil. Dhanush won both National Awards for Best Actor for Aadukalam and Asuran.

Viduthalai is a 2 part movie and Vetrimaaran takes his time to set the plot. Soori, an accomplished comedian in the Tamil film industry makes his debut in a lead role and is an incredible casting choice for the role. Set in 1987 in a fictional town, the plot is based on Jeyamohan's short story Thunaivan. The narration is fresh, raw and aptly supported by Velraj's cinematography and IRs BGM, both the full songs are soothing melodies from the 80 year old maestro and apt to the situation. This is Vetrimaaran's first collaboration with his mentor's one and only favourite music director. Buzzing insect noises form a part of the BGM giving you a feel that you are actually there at the mountainous forest surrounded village. Vijay Sethupathi sizzles and scorches the screen with his brief screen time. Bhavani Sre delivers an award winning performance. GV Menon is his usual clinical self as a top cop. There are several new comers in the film who all give a seasoned performance. Vidathu Karuppu Chetan as the cruel cop stood out tall. Stand out casting choice was Rajeev Menon as the chief secretary, the characterisation was so real that Rajeev could actually walk into any government and do the job immediately.

If you watch movies for entertainment only, this is not the movie for you like Visaranai or Jai Bhim. The police station scenes are brutal and raw unlike any movies that you would have seen. It even makes Schindlers list concentration camp scenes palatable when compared against this.

Once in a life time role for Soori and he has given his 200%. Vetrimaaran's direction prowess can be seen throughout the movie, spectacular location choice and art work supported by solid actor's performance, editing, cinematography and music makes this a grand teamwork.

This was filmmaking masterclass*, another reminder for why the Writing > everything else to make a good movie. It was also raw, in-your-face, hard hitting - everything you expect a Vetrimaaran movie to be.

Story - Loved how this socio-political topic was written without getting too preachy, it felt more like a thriller; police brutality portrayed with a lot of thought.

Soori, B. V. (Before Viduthalai) - The comedian, Parotta Soori.

Soori A. V. (After Viduthalai) - The actor who can do pretty much anything he's given. You've never seen this type of work from him, he was amazing. So were Bhavani Sre, Chetan, and the rest of the supporting cast. I wonder if Santhanam would have ever considered something like this.

Cinematography - Very well done. Single shots. Drone shots. Shots on a gimbal, this has got everything. The camera work will catch your attention from the very first scene, you'll see why. Shoutout to all the technicians, it must have been tough to film it in those locations. Music - I didn't feel it, but it fight the 80s feel, so I guess that was the point behind choosing Ilayaraja...?

The dialogues (*minus the dubbing) in this film need a special mention - especially the ones towards the end. Some of the most hard-hitting dialogues aren't even in part-1. Of course, I know that because there's almost a trailer of sorts for part-2. Not a post credit scene, almost a proper trailer. Never seen it done that way. T

This isn't your family entertainer commercial flick, but I totally enjoyed it. His one is 2h 36m long, I'd have sat for another 3 hours if I had a chance to finish watching P2, back-to-back. Can't wait; hopefully this drops sooner than Vada Chennai 2.

"viduthalai: part 1" Vetrimaaran is one of the best filmmaker in the country.

Such an amazing movie. What an amazing performance by all the actors. Such raw, natural and effective story telling by Vetrimaaran. Soori and Bhavani Sri, what an amazing pair on screen. One of the best romantic tracks seen in recent times. Amazing production design and cinematography. The single take in the beginning was so amazing. Ilayarajas music was so nice, his classic style. I need not say how amazing writer Vetrimaaran is, the movie has such emotional and standout scenes that i can watch again and again. Waiting for part 2.

There are few issues in the lip synch, which is very evident in some scenes, but i don't care, that shouldn't make you miss this amazing movie.

I would say, this is not Vetrimaran's best. But it is still up there, in the top echelons of Thamizh movies.

Acting was superlative across the board - Soori, VJS, Bhavani, and the host of characters that play the different parts in this movie. I couldnt think of anyone who did a lesser job. With VM around, its virtually impossible for an actor in movie to deliver less.

Story is layered. There are many nuances, or two sides that compete to be right. But it screenplay and direction that makes all this come together beautifully. The movie was slow, purposefully because it it was meant to play on your mind. It was not dragging.

Only thing about the songs, i wish Ilaiyaraja would control his exuberance to sing!!

I also think VM made some compromises in some shots. The opening sequence was good, but could have been better. The art direction too could have been better here. But thru' the rest of the movie camera, sets etc were super.

Cant wait for part-2... when the movie was ending, for a moment, i thought part-2 was going to start..... oh man.

I don't believe in oscars as long as the gems provided by Vetrimaran sir goes unnoticed by many.

This movie should be pan India to show what can a movie can make you experience. Such a gem.

Every detail to character presentation starting from the constable to the antagonist, every detail suspense even the climax is to the point. I can't deny it's a masterpiece.

The acting of everyone is top notch and the rawness of the reality what makes the movie a true best. Everything about it so special, if I say anything more I'll give you spoilers.

If you haven't watched it till now reading this just go.