Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2

This marks the first occasion in my life where I have encountered a film that deliberately defies chronological order; I cannot remember any prior instances where the creators opted to unveil 'Part 2' of a series before presenting the first instalment.

Now, many may mistakenly believe that such an unconventional approach would lead to narrative inconsistencies and possibly make the storytelling disjointed, but I assure you, that was far from the reality here.

The plot unfolds with clarity, allowing audiences to clearly grasp the events on screen while simultaneously igniting curiosity about the characters, just as intended, leaving one eager for further revelations.

The only moment it falters is shortly after the intermission, when it briefly revisits a flashback scene, this segment, aside from one standout scene in the police station, felt inferior compared to the rest.

And I guess this wouldn't really come off as a surprise but Chiyaan Vikram, as 'Kaali', overshadowed nearly everyone else, with the sole exception of SJ Suryah, who once again proved his mettle and held his own ground on his own merit.

The technical crew behind cinematography and sound designing deserves commendation as well, for they had crafted a film that is both visually and aurally sumptuous. Some of the visuals were simply breathtaking, and the background score by G. V. Prakash Kumar infused the necessary vigour and energy into the mix.

The film boasts a captivating screenplay filled with intense, gripping scenes and powerful dialogues that leave a lasting impact. The stellar performances of actors like Vikram, SJ Surya, Sukumaran, and Prudhvirajan add depth and authenticity to their respective roles, showcasing their versatility and talent. Balaji's portrayal of the character Venkat stands out for its natural and effortless execution, making the character relatable and believable. The background score plays a crucial role in enhancing the emotional weight of the film, seamlessly complementing the narrative and taking the cinematic experience to a whole new level. Director Arunkumar deserves special recognition for crafting a compelling story, skillfully directing the cast, and ensuring that every character is portrayed with precision and without any flaws, resulting in a truly remarkable film.

Ven though the story itself is not anything new, the screenplay brilliantly makes it feel fresh. The way, the film shows the events of one night slowly giving the audience information piece by piece and letting us solve the puzzle for the most part while keeping the tension alive was so fun. The rawness of everything around was elevated by the great performances, obviously expected from Vikram but also most of the other cast. The flashback portion in the middle felt a little bit unnecessary and slowed down the film but the way it ended was satisfactory. The drama and the rawness were strong points of the film but the action itself was mostly just okay when everything surrounding it was really great. The action scene near the end was a bit of a mess. Narratively, it makes sense because how even at that point the characters are revealing their intents and character by their actions but it was shot in a weird way. The way a lot of small, small things are connected to the main story, a reveal at the very end which shows how everything happened because of coincidences that were meant to be and connected to each other way more than we thought was very interesting as well as giving a bit of levity after all the brutality.

The decision to call this Part 2 still feels a bit gimmicky and just a promotion tactic. There's not really much need for a part 1 but if they make it, they better make it worthy of this.

I am happy to finally watch a Vikram film from the theater and be satisfied. The screenplay was brilliant but there were a few compromises without which this could've been truly great.

Veera Dheera Sooran is a unique take on the thriller genre, with all the right ingredients to keep you on the edge of your seat. Though branded as an action thriller, it surprises by blending family drama with intense suspense. It's rare for a film to keep you hooked without relying on action in the first half, yet this one does just that, cleverly using restraint to build tension and make the eventual action feel earned.

The film takes its time to establish the characters, the atmosphere, and the world they inhabit, and it does so wonderfully. Even without grand action sequences initially, Veera Dheera Sooran remains engrossing, with the first half maintaining a forward momentum that keeps you invested.

Vikram is on fire, delivering one standout performance after another in recent years-Mahaan, PS1 and PS2, Thangalaan. In Veera Dheera Sooran, he adds incredible depth to a genre often dominated by spectacle. His performance grounds the film, and his chemistry with the effervescent Dushara brings an emotional authenticity to their relationship. Together, with the Mom character and the two kids, they create a powerful family dynamic that keeps you deeply invested in their journey, balancing both the tension and drama effortlessly.

SJ Suryah adds yet another dimension to his acting repertoire. From Iravi and Jackie Pandian to his cunning portrayal of Arunagiri in VDS, his range is remarkable. Suraj Venjaramoodu delivers a fantastic Tamil debut, conveying so much through his eyes, while Prudhviraj's character arc adds a sinister, multi-layered complexity. Another standout performance is from Venkat, who holds his own brilliantly against Vikram in key scenes. Two moments in particular highlight his strength-first, the intense landmine (Kizhangu) sequence, and second, the gripping climax where Vikram confronts, chases, and ultimately kills him.

The film's pacing and buildup are intricately woven through the relationships between these characters, especially the constant push and pull between loyalty, trust, and betrayal. From the lead to the supporting cast, every character has a well-developed arc that adds layers to the story.

What stands out in Veera Dheera Sooran is how it subverts genre expectations. While it fits within the action-thriller mold, it doesn't rely on the usual mass tropes we often associate with such films. Instead, it's far more grounded and layered, blending family dynamics with crime and suspense in a thoughtful, nuanced way. The attention to detail is what makes it so rewarding, and the screenplay doesn't hold your hand-mysteries and small details unfold naturally, keeping you engaged in a way that few thrillers manage to do.

SU Arun Kumar has truly redeemed himself since Chittha. With VDS, he has elevated his craft to the next level. He's one of the new-age directors who knows how to scale up from smaller films to larger ones while keeping the storytelling grounded and realistic.

That said, the film's final payoff, while impactful, doesn't entirely deliver the emotional release that it seems to be building toward. It's like having a delicious full-course meal where the dessert, though tasty, doesn't quite live up to the expectations set by the main course. The buildup was compelling enough that the ending felt a little bit like it could have used a bit more punch. But that's a minor quibble in an otherwise well-executed movie.

In conclusion, VDS is a film that deserves to be experienced in theatres. It's an ambitious and refreshing take on the thriller genre, one that skillfully mixes family drama with crime thriller elements, keeping you engaged throughout. Despite a slightly underwhelming payoff, the film has more than enough to offer in terms of performances, tension, and world-building. If you're looking for a movie that keeps you hooked from start to finish, this is a must-watch in theatres.

I am my biggest enemy, that's how this movie ends. After building a good storyline, they end up ruinning it in the end with stupid action scenes that have no need in this movie other than to get a few whistles and claps in the theater. The ending is an absolutely cringe and lets the movie down horribly. The lighting throughout the movie was jarring and over bright, made it look like a TV serial. Sooraj (the Malayalam actor) did a very poor job, someone like Fahad fasil was needed for this role, but he would have over powered Vikram, maybe that's why they did not approach him. This is supposed to be a part 2 movie and at the end of it you are supposed to be high on anticipation to know what is in the prequel but, this ending makes you feel like, who cares?? This movie could have been so much better but it was a big let down at the end. Horrible camera work, horrible lighting, horrible action. Big let down at the end.