Viduthalai Part 1

Another world class movie by Vetri. The romance track is little longer than needed, it felt but when we see the last 30-40 minutes it makes sense why he had spend that much time. Wow ... Is that Soori? He fits perfectly to the story line and even romance sequences did not feel odd.

If i don't talk about the background score, i am not xx's kid 😊 Not a noise in background but it flows with the scene. Only Karthik Raja can come close to it. Both the songs were good, listened to it on the screen for the first time!

Part-2 will be for sure more engaging & powerful, no doubt. Vijay Sethupathi full naked in 2nd. No discrimination for Vetri most women nude sequence in first part and in second Vijay 😂

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.

Vetrimaaran's Vetri ( Winning ) streak continues...

Pros - Heart wrenching brutal cinema . Before getting into detail it's definitely not for light hearted . Viduthalai part1 plays a major role in setting up for part 2 . This time narration wise and making wise there was slight difference from Vetri's previous works . Part 1 explores the world of Viduthalai , Police brutality , separatist and politics . Narration was slow , but that doesn't means flat . Soori as protagonist gave a realistic show stealing performance . VJS had less screentime but created quite impact . Other cast did their part really well , they had enough scope throughout the movie , even GVM played his part neatly . Technical wise , impressive cinematography especially opening single shot sequence one of the best in kollywood , opening shot clearly established the tone of the movie . In a slow burner movie , Climax was total bang , action set pieces were well choreographed , excellently captured and edited . Ilaiyaraaja's back ground scores were well suited to this dark tone and periodic movie , songs were really great . Atlast part 2 glimpse literally increased the hype .

Cons - Asusual dubbing was poor as expected , lip syncing were totally odd in most of the places . Editing in few places weren't upto the mark .

Overall , a slow burning crime drama . Definitely worthy one for your patience and time . Highly recommended . Strictly 18+ .

I hope Part 2 will be released as soon as possible .

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.

Since it is the first part, many questions remain unanswered when the viewer finishes the movie. However, the way the movie poses these questions makes it worth watching. It delicately portrays the balance between the police and the People's Liberation Army, highlighting how marginalized communities and commoners are suppressed amidst the fight of two giants, emphasizing that war is not the solution.

The best thing about this movie is that it is presented through the perspective of a low-level staff member, Kumarassen (played by Suri), who has a good heart but lacks the power to effect significant change himself. The film also provides glimpses of how things become murkier and more chaotic when an actual war breaks out. Setupati shines in his role as Comrade Perumal, and it's interesting to see his diverse choices of roles in movies like "Vikram Vedha," "Farzi," and this one.

"It's a raw movie with minimal aesthetics and a lot of bloodshed, but I believe it aims to reach the core of your being and show the fancy popcorn viewers or keyboard warriors how war actually unfolds and why ranting on Twitter is sometimes unjustified." Overall, it is a well-crafted movie, and I am definitely looking forward to the second part.