Velaikkaran (2017) User Reviews

WORTH A WATCH !!

[postsenthil · 8/10 · 27 October 2019]

If Thani Oruvan saw director Mohan "Remake" Raja reinvent himself as a fine director of a remake-worthy original feature, his sophomore attempt in this quest cements the credentials he had earned with his previous venture.

Make no mistake. Despite getting packaged as an entertainer, Velaikaaran is a message movie that tends to get preachy. Yet, if it works for the most part, it is because of some smart writing and directing that sincerely attempts to raise the bar for the mundane masala flicks that are dumped on us on a weekly basis.

Sivakarthikeyan fits the role like a glove with a convincing performance (perhaps, his best work yet) and this film should see him hit a new high in his rapidly soaring career graph. Rest of the ensemble cast including the excellent Fahad Fazil making his debut in Tamil (excellent diction), Nayantara, Sneha, Prakash Raj, Rohini, Charlie, RJ Balaji and others acquit themselves competently in their cameos.

While it has its share of flaws including certain formulaic cliches, lectures and some flab in running time, the movie has its heart in the right place and tells a story with sincerity that strikes a chord with the viewers without succumbing to too many compromises or cheap thrills.

Mediocre Commercial Movie Substituted with a good Message

[AnandOne · 6/10 · 26 December 2017]

The intend of the entire crew is good and the message tried to deliver is new and novel. Absolutely no doubt about the intentions and thought process is really admirable.

Too many good characters but given very limited space. Siva's space should have been sliced out to other characters to throw more weight-age on the story telling. Unfortunately Director has failed on that aspect of planning. Moreover, movies should rely more on script, screenplay , story telling and content delivery. In those lines this is very mediocre typical commercial movie.

I wanted to rate 7, but with the quality movies Tamil Cinema has been producing lately its tough to rate as a good movie.

A Social Film in a Commercial Context

[kirankvknet · 7/10 · 26 December 2017]

#Velaikkaran #Movie #MyOpinion

M Raja had already impressed me with his Thani Oruvan (read here: http://www.imdb.com/user/ur62799173/?ref_=tt_urv)..So my opinion on Velaikkaran will be biased..read with this disclaimer.

It's highly difficult to take up a social issue, pack it in a tight plot, describe the issues, make the commercial cinema protagonist to even solve it, that too without making it uninteresting even for a moment. Velaikkaran is almost a success in doing it.

Its always known and seen fact in tamil cinemas, the softcorner towards the working class, and how capitalists are projected as always up to exploit the former. Is it representation of actual tamilIans demography or films have influenced tamils like it, only tamilians know. According to Tamil cinema, there's no socialist mindset present at all. Poor are always exploited by the rich. (REF: UzhaippalI then to Katthi recently). Velaikkaran doesn't deviate from this theme.

Put the hero in a slum. Define his concern to uplift the standard of his people through few instances. Bring the super intelligent villain, in the gentleman disguise in a corporate, where the hero is made to join as Velaikkaran (thankfully he isn't shown to be working as a default factory worker). And the plot is set to take off.

India, being the place of domestic demand, naturally there's supply of million products into the market everyday. Marketers are so confident in producing without even worrying about demand, that MARKETING can ensure whatever is produced gets sold. As a whole, it becomes so much for MARKETING to push, that salesmen are asked to induce the consumer to buy something or of a quantity that's actually not needed by them. In the process, there has emerged a 'taken for granted' attitude among manufacturers that anything can be produced and consumers will buy it or they can be made to buy. (Ref: Maggi Noodles Issue). It is in this context, our hero enters as a salesman, who initially loves the concept of marketing, and with realization of this system, decides to fight against it, in his style.

There are cinematic clichés in the screenplay. There are loopholes. There is a heroine to add colour to the canvas. There's mother sentiment as a tickmark. But, the effort to make the plot tight and engaging can be seen throughout.

I can't say it's the best portrayal of the issue. But, effort to bring the debate on to the front-end must be appreciated. Inline this movie with the likes of Toilet and Katthi.

Watch it as a cinema. Message will get into your head invariably. So much so that I didn't buy my popcorn and coke in the interval, and didn't want to be the marketing induced consumer.

Siva Karthikeyan does a neat job as usual. Nayantara knows her limited role. Robo Shankar, Satish, Balaji, Prakash Rai and many others are evidently used to enhance the face value of the marketing efforts of the movie, like the theme of the movie...consumer doesn't need it, but marketing is pushing us to take it.

-kiran-

Velaikkaran

[santhosh-10290 · 7/10 · 3 July 2018]

Amazing movie. This is one of the best movie of Sivakarthikeyan. The movie has a good message and a good story. Songs and BGM were excellent in the movie. Everybody acted very well in the movie but Robo Shankar can be used more. The movie was so interesting in the 1st half but as there was many talk portions in the 2nd half the movie slightly lagged but at climax the movie was excellent.

Awesome Movie From Raja.......

[akassh-04855 · 10/10 · 20 February 2018]

Right From The First Sequence It Makes Us Think... How We Are Careless With The High Class Consuming Products..... The Movie Will Make Us Laugh, Cry And To Think Mostly... Dashing Dialogues ..... The Dialogue Delivery & The Simple - But- Smashing Acting From SK... This Is Why Everybody Likes SK... His Charm and Presence In The Screen Is Awesome..... Nayanthara Scores From Her Introduction Scene... Anirudh Is Always The Best...

Mentions:- Sk's Different Dimension Is Shown In The Film....

Verdict:- M. Raja Scores High With His Ability Of Storytelling.......

Above average movie

[maruthuk-82307 · 7/10 · 7 September 2018]

Above average movie with good acting from Sivakarthikeyan, Fahat Fazhil too has done equally well. This movie also teaches some corporate lessons, which are not obvious!

Nice

[cooljammy · 10/10 · 23 December 2017]

Velaikkaran film has come with shuttled satire to corporatism and it speaks against to consumerist culture. But it has so much of lengthy cliche messages and some major logical errors. Anirudh scored best in Bgm. Mohanraja should have been trimmed the story but somewhat the movie is ok bcoz of interesting screenplay!

Siva Karthikeyan's sensible performance till date

[vishalmellark · 7/10 · 10 March 2018]

THE MOVIE WAS INSPIRED FROM FEW DOCUMENTARIES , N THE ORIGINAL CUT IS 4 hours ! we got to see 2 hours n 30 mins hardly !This message oriented movie will engage n connect u , throughout , however some how lacks the punch in the end :) 7/10 music:8/10 choreo:8/10 acting:7/10 directing:9/10

Very unusual from your daily kollywood movie

[adnan_nazeer76 · 10/10 · 23 December 2017]

A very risky and bold move by the director to highlight one of the most critical common issues that tends to be overlooked by every human being on earth. The concept of being loyal to your work and not to your bosses and the company. The fact that the common man keeps putting himself down thinking that they cannot change their bosses, their societies, their governments give these their power. The fact that the common man doesn't realize that he is the one who gives so much power to all those above him because he puts himself down. Over all a 10-star rating from me for taking such a bold and risky movie. Also introducing the concept of a new modern villain and not the usual rowdy gangster or politician type. This modern villain concept shows that anyone is a villain and we can change that if we fight against the system that makes us so.

"Raja hits again but not as hard as last time, yet a SIXER"

[sachinmohanmech · 9/10 · 23 December 2017]

The expectations i had on this movie was based on three factors. One is the brain behind the script, Mohan Raja. After the blockbuster epic "cat and mouse" movie Thani Oruvan, the expectations on him was sky high. He have managed to fulfill it but not as much as thani oruvan. The intensity in the core of the plot is something that we all should appreciate him for. A perfect message at the perfect time. The belief he had on his script, research and ideology was supported by his brainy screenplay which lacked the phase in some places. But that won't really stop you from enjoying the core fruit of this social drama film. Its obvious and natural that there will be a comparison with his last film, where the screenplay was racy towards the end. Kudos to him for making a film where everyone had a role to do towards the story development rather than being a set property, especially the heroine was not just being used for songs and glamour. Velaikaran lacked the intensity towards the climax. Even after revealing the twist and turns it took some time for the story to move faster towards the end. However, the final message and goosebumps moment will make you forget the lengthy second half and you might give the brain a standing ovation. Next is sivakarthikeyan's screen presence. Probably his best movie till date. He has improvised a lot from his earlier films rather than just stalking girls, dancing and imitating top heroes with their famous dialogues. This shows how much he has developed as a performer. His subtle reactions and body language helped him to carry out the role with ease. However, there was something missing when he tried to emote with tears. "Karuthavanalam galeeja" will make your foot loose no matter how hard they are :p , And the last factor but obviously my favorite factor is Fahad faazil. He redefined villainism right back in 22 Female Kottayam. His casual looks, sharp eye contact and sophisticated body language are always fresh to watch. Definitely a different villain form from Siddharth Abhimanyu. He bought evilness just with his casual smile. Perfect dialogue delivery for a malayalam actor. Perfect movie to debut with. But his character name could have been a heavy one like Siddharth Abhimanyu.

The crew supported very well in all the departments. Low use of CG, made the movie and its message more connecting. Sleak editing like thani oruvan. Exciting camera angles, song visuals and color tones. Bgm could have been better but still held the phase perfectly.

A message one too many! [+49%]

[arungeorge13 · 5/10 · 30 December 2017]

Velaikkaran, Mohan Raja's follow-up post his Thani Oruvan revival, tries a little too hard to repeat the success formula of a David vs. Goliath story but ends up a mixed bag. This might be considered Sivakarthikeyan's 'maiden' venture where the character he plays, has a greater mission than 'wooing the next-door girl'. Add a suave 'corporate' Fahadh Faasil to that. Anirudh's by-now-charbuster compositions. Mohan Raja's slick direction (and co-written by his Thani Oruvan writer-duo Subha) coupled with Ramji's visuals. Sounds like a sure shot winner on paper, right?

The final product we receive is a film that entertains partially but is more interested in giving us lectures on what we read in the news (and on social media) every now and then. Yes, it tackles the concept of 'food adulteration' - in a part nonsensical, part docudrama way. The first half is in fact the better of the two - where we get to witness inventively written scenes such as the one where Arivu (SK) does live commentary for a gang war, his struggle when it comes to dealing with the self-proclaimed feudal lord of the area Kasi (Prakash Raj), how his life gets entangled with the 'feminist' Mrinalini (Nayanthara). Even the build-up given to Fahadh Faasil's Aadhi (a cunning corporate fox) is neat. We sense he's smarter than the protagonist, and for obvious reasons.

But Mohan Raja ditches everything 'commercial' in the latter half. The comedy is lacking, there's tonnes of sentiment thrown in (with character after character walking in and out without bringing much to the plate), plus lengthy monologues on the functionality of the FMCG industry. The solutions that it presents for the issues that arise also don't come across as path-breaking. Arivu turns into an activist of sorts, driven forward by the support of the blue collar laborers in the industry, and the transition (from newbie RJ to social crusader) isn't one bit smooth.

What works for the film are the factors I've mentioned: the cinematography is glossy and polished; the music and BGM by Anirudh are excellent and suit the film's tone perfectly (on most occasions), and an excellent Fahadh Faasil (who's debuting in Tamil) who makes the best of an underwritten character. There's no questioning Raja's honest intentions in 'Velaikkaran'. Just that it all blows out of proportion by the time we get to the climax - we see crappy stereotyping such as Corporate Chairmen all being depicted as ruthless, and employees who believe everything on 'face value' (noone's that innocent anymore, duh). Thankfully a social media activism angle is avoided - it's already an overcooked dish.

So, if you're asking me whether you should go for 'Velaikkaran', I'd say watch it comfortably at home when it airs on TV or rent a DVD. 2h 40m isn't a lot of fun at the cinema halls, especially with a second half as dead-weight as this.

Verdict: Had the potential to be better!

Revolutionary if followed rightly!

[skrecordone · 10/10 · 25 December 2017]

A beautiful film that gives an insight into how actually marketing is powerful and how it is used to lure in innocent customers into buying companies' products- and that too without our knowledge that we are purchasing things that we actually don't need. And the film also deals beautifully how a optimistic (rather idealistic)like youngster from a slum background believes that his hard work is enough for upliftment of his social/economic status. The story and core concept is revolutionary and though story moves slow in second half(needed as it elaborates the process of marketing) the climax definitely gives us goosebumps (because of its unseemingly relation with the Famous Jallikattu protest that happened in Marina Beach,Chennai) and gives an emotional yet inspirational connect with audience.

In short: As the movie's Director puts it, this film wants to tell that if a product can be marketed and made to reach the masses, why can't a good idealistic idea of "Good work" be made to reach the society? And definitely it was very well potrayed by the all the actors in the movie especially Sivakarthikeyan and Fahad Fasil. Must watch!

Good message conveyed in best way

[rrithvikramesh · 10/10 · 8 June 2022]

This movie is actually true. Now only in India but everywhere we can see this problem. Good content. Everyone acted well. Few songs were good and few songs were okiesh. Movie should have more fight scenes. Climax was good and could have been btr. Screenplay and direction was kinda ok. Overall good to watch.

Worth Watching

[Reviewhub26 · 10/10 · 13 May 2020]

Contains a good Social message. SivaKarthikeyan rocked his part. Anirudh Music is Fantastic. Good message. Another Blockbuster for Mohan Raja.

A well said story'line

[saiharipranav · 10/10 · 19 May 2021]

The movie was all about the food industry.... SK Anna's acting was top class..... Other actors also did their performance well...

Great Music, few provoking thoughts, lost in didactic!

[collinsenosh · 5/10 · 18 January 2018]

This movie is worth going to the theatre for Anirudh's music alone, Bjorn's singing is the highlight, and Jonita Gandhi lives up to the expectation. There are a few thought provoking ideas, extrapolating the advertising strategy a pro- capitalist technique and using it against the very system of capitalism. This is a movie that will stimulate a long drawn out contemplation of the society well into the following weeks. Nonetheless, I would reserve such ideas to a platform like TEDx, the message and the format don't gel well, the didactic script back-fires miserably. What's worse, is that even the message is flawed, if packaged goods are harmful, so are steroid- induced chickens, pesticide ridden vegetables which again is only so called natural!

Good message to all human beings in earth.

[jothimani-31833 · 10/10 · 2 January 2018]

This movie delivers a good message to peoples who trust advertisement in Media's.

A feel-good entertainer with a strong message embedded with it

[themottamadireviewer · 8/10 · 29 December 2017]

Director Mohan Raja has come up with another massive product after Thani Oruvan. From this film it is more than evident that Sivakarthikeyan has evolved into a better actor. There are too many good characters, thus reducing the screen-space of each actor that seem to be disabling the audiences to connect with those characters. Fahadh Faasil has done a fantabulous job but lies low as compared to Arvind Swami in Thani Oruvan. Velaikkaran lacks the cat & mouse game between the hero and the villain and focuses fully on social messages and facts. It is indeed stunning that the facts told can be easily related with our daily lives, and it sure changes our view towards malls and supermarkets. Nayanthara's role too wasn't as expected but it didn't turn out to be an obstacle for the movement of the story. Anirudh's bgms has been the backbone in elevating the impact of the scenes, and the songs to are fixed wherever it is necessary and not to drag time. In a typical Sivakarthikeyan movie, we expect comedy, fun, dance, romance etc., but for those who expected these things are sure to get disappointed and to enjoy the film, they must realise that it is a Mohan Raja film. The facts and cause steals the show, and has managed to involve the audiences. It has also left a huge impact on the audience and sure to become aware of the food adulteration that has been prevailing in our nation for decades. It is a more than one-time watchable film, and undoubtedly it deserves an 8/10 and probably one of best films of the year.

Best film of Sivakarthikeyan.

[solomonvarghese-26330 · 8/10 · 28 August 2018]

Everything is perfect.one of the best films of Sivakarthikeyan with good screenplay.Fahadh fasil makes his massive debut.

Velaikaaran

[vaseemgladmohammed · 10/10 · 30 July 2018]

It is a movie gives more idealogy and battle betweenworker and corporate owner.It is a motivational message movie for workers.

Tries too hard

[giridhargopinath · 5/10 · 26 October 2021]

Apart from the impeccable performance by Fahadh Faasil as the antagonist,nothing in this film is smooth or subtle. The character transforms from newbie to the highest moral authority in just a snap. It tries too hard to deliver its message and ends up not giving an emotional impact of any kind.

Moral well defined.

[shaddysmithsonian · 8/10 · 31 August 2018]

A worker's point of view is well explained.Director focuses each and every inch of his creation.Each character is well discriminated.

Good but not that good

[mnahidsg · 8/10 · 4 May 2019]

Overall a very nice and touching story and have no regrets watching it. At times the film was corny and unrealistic , but there were some good parts that were emotionally moving and some really inspirational dialogues were given. Nice to see Indian cinema is dropping. the classical notion and experimenting new ideas.

Quality Movies

[azwarzamhuri · 8/10 · 26 July 2023]

This movie has great actors, quality story and a beautiful message. Unfortunately, in the second half there are several shortcomings that will make the audience confused themselves.

This movie has great actors, quality story and a beautiful message. Unfortunately, in the second half there are several shortcomings that will make the audience confused themselves.

This movie has great actors, quality story and a beautiful message. Unfortunately, in the second half there are several shortcomings that will make the audience confused themselves.

This movie has great actors, quality story and a beautiful message. Unfortunately, in the second half there are several shortcomings that will make the audience confused themselves.

Endless research that goes nowhere

[nickraman-27699 · 4/10 · 1 February 2018]

Another SK venture which attempts to glorify the pitfalls of marketing in today's world.

The first half attempts to sell us his slum background while begging local dada to have a local radio (how did he get a license for that?) which in reality turns out to be a rebel movement against the dada. Having been shutdown, SK then decides to take up a job at corporate marketing, where he is guided by Fahad Fasil (excellent; wish the director used him more instead of reducing him as a one-note villain.) Later on, a turning point in the film in this endless research paper of a subject becomes the crux of SK's road to the climax.

SK barely shown any acting improvement since his debut and I really wonder what the people see in him. I see Dhanush-lite in him (and even Dhanush has gone beyond his usual antics) and that's about it. He lacks the performance and emotions required at key scenes. Coming off solo-female films (Aramm, Dora), it's ironic than Nayantara returns to being the token-damsel here (seemingly force-fitted here to sell this as a typical SK commercial film.)

Mohan Raja attempts to Thani-Oruvan-ize this script. But the difference between TO and Velaikaaran is that the former had built a backstory at the beginning with the mystery surrounding the page 1-page 6 coincidences which led the witch hunt after Sid Abhimanyu. Here, Velaikkaran is unsure whether to sell this as a SK film by introducing the sympo-villain, the brainy villain (an import from TO), or an endless research paper telling us that marketing sucks, stop buying poison from stores, etc. It goes on and on and ends up being a lecture you wish you hadn't stepped into.

Anirudh's music is also another example of fluke. Screaming like there's no tomorrow doesnt guarantee the song is lit. The tunes feel redundant like his previous works with SK.

Overall, it's a one-time watch, but no where near Thani Oruvan.