Viduthalai: Part 1 (2023) User Reviews

Brutal

[vibhus-17780 · 8/10 · 31 March 2023]

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 .

Raw, in-your-face, hard hitting - Loved it.

[TreeFiddy53 · 9/10 · 1 April 2023]

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.

World class

[pugazholi · 8/10 · 2 April 2023]

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 😂

Even awards are small for Vetrimaran's movies

[bizzarebrajesh · 10/10 · 8 April 2023]

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.

Vetrimaaran is one of the best filmmaker in the country.

[gangeshgnair · 10/10 · 14 April 2023]

"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.

A engaging flim

[ajayamrish · 10/10 · 2 April 2023]

Long after time , engaging flim, moves you to the edge of seat yours eyes don't move away from screen, the rise of soori was a different move even a small character has added plus to the movie, cinematography was good, moved away from the clashes of the metropolitan ,finally the movie is for people, movie of people, includes the officials, the base study and the work done by the director was must have great effort, salute, the acting aspiration of soori came well on the screen, the music is smoothly moves with the movies, the movie satisfied the time spent and leaves a good message to the society,

Disturbing & Unsettling

[cksquare · 8/10 · 1 April 2023]

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.

Uncut Masterpiece

[vxjqqkbnk · 9/10 · 4 April 2023]

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.

Vetrimaran's Supremacy

[muruganshanthanu · 10/10 · 1 April 2023]

Viduthalai-The movie started with the stunning 10 minutes single shot train sequence scene which gave me a resemblance of 1917 Velraj done his job very perfectly in his Camera works. Somebody might tell that the movie pace is very slow but to narrate a story like this it is the perfect way. Soori done a great job as an actor we have seen him as comedy actor and enjoyed his every movies but this the carrier best movie for soori. Maestro's background score leveled up the movie and I loved the 2 song which have'nt affected the movie's pace. Vjs performance for his minimal screen presence very nice. Seat edge climax show. Loved the movie so much. Waiting for Part2.....

Hard hitting film which sets the right tone for the sequel.

[samxxxul · 7/10 · 31 March 2023]

Ever since the trailer was released, I have been looking forward to see how Soori would've fit in and after watching it, Vetri did deliver what it promised. Not in wildest dream that I could imagine Soori playing a lead and he has proved it. I am not an audience of Vetrimaran's template of gratuitous violence. He reeks of this kasthapadura vada Chennai folks in most of his films.

Anyway, coming this film, it was surprising to hear Soori lend his voice for the disclaimer in the beginning. You know his English pronunciation, when Soori uttered 'Alchogal' the whole theatre bursts into giggles. But the mouth shut moment follows right after the disclaimer note. I must say it was so quite when the train accident was playing, there were couple of people passing comments as it unfolded and i could sense lump in throats as they couldn't utter any word. Man, I would say this one of the best achievements by Vetri. Don't care about the Japanese blurred scenes but the Train sequence really did it for me, not exaggerating it for shock value. This tension is maintained but not throughout the runtime, I must say it felt like a different Vetri film with all his usual mantra like the police brutality, caste politics, plight of indigenous and harassment of junior police.

I must say Soori nailed the role, he was so credible as a cop, a driver and so humane. He shocked me, he looked so believable in a serious role here as it demanded much more than usual characterization in general films. He doesn't hesitate to do good to serve people. Sometimes his innocence really did help in vouching for this character. He has done some tough action scenes and his confrontation in the climax with VJS is one of the best. Soori gave everything for this film, so happy for him.

Now I know why Arunpetra Jothi song was placed in the opening, it was my first time hearing it .Staged so beautifully from up above as if there is a divine intervention followed by Kumaresan (Soori) intro. You may wonder why stage a song like this when the film showcases corpses, blurred every time. But Soori is somehow saved from death like situations in the film. His relationship with his lover and the letters for his mother were some of the best moments too. I am looking forward to see what he does in PS Vinothraj's upcoming Kottukkaali, you must see his Pebbles, do peep my review for the film

The moment we get a glimpse of The Mentor aka Vathiyar (Vijay Sethupathi) it is so chilling. How Soori was so close while he was dropping Vathiyar and his team. The final confrontation is so heavy, really felt the tension throughout. When Soori who is not in his uniform takes charge and leads the hunt, every scene is staged carefully with superb angles. The moment he picks up the gun, gosh what a brilliant scene. These days we only get actors play grey or anti-hero and it was so refreshing to see a good Samaritan kind of protagonist after some time

I know so many artists have done their part including GVM as Sunil Menon a man who dislikes perverse act as a method in the investigation. But the tables turn, and we get to see two sides of him in the runtime. We have Rajiv Menon and Sarvana Subbaiah, two directors who have done directed classics like Kandukondein Kandukondein and Ajith Kumar's Citizen by the latter. Nice to see both in the film. Even Chetan was damn good as a filthy cop who literally develops dissent on Soori for hurting his ego. It's been a while that I saw him in an intense role, I remember watching him in Vijay Jaypals Revelation (2016) long back. VJS did his part as Vathiyar, he gets a mass moment when he is full naked in the part 2 sneak peek. Post climax snippets for the sequel really did leave me wanting to see more.

Final note, This might sound very clichéd, but Vidhhuthalai is not a cinema for everyone. Be cautious as it will put you off. It is heavy film at times which is supported by an amazing score by legendary illayaraja that manages to offer palpable tension in parts. This is my favorite Vetri fillm and I'm hyped already for the sequel.

Blood boiling viscerel

[Jithindurden · 9/10 · 7 April 2023]

For a movie that is nearly three hours and only tells half the story, Viduthalai is still such a brilliant film in every aspect (except maybe dubbing and a bit of editing to cover that). The way it slowly unravels its world and the characters and even the way it holds back some of the harsher stuff initially to present the horridness of it through the characters you grow to love makes the drama extremely powerful. My blood was literally boiling by the end of the movie and it's not just a passing phrase when I say I can't wait for the second part, I literally need to watch the second part asap.

Ruthless Movie: An Intense and Unique Cinematic Experience

[AjHuntt · 7/10 · 1 April 2023]

Actor Soori is well-known for his side roles and comedic characters, but this movie has completely transformed his career. The film is ruthless in every aspect, with a brutal and horrific shooting that is difficult to watch at times. The movie's intention is clear from the beginning, and the opening train tragedy scene is particularly impressive. The portrayal of the police's brutality is also intense, and the simple storyline is presented in a unique way that sets this movie apart from others. Overall, this film is a game-changer for Soori and a must-see for fans of intense and impactful cinema.

Unnecessary focus to explicit scenes, with little importance to the plot

[sanjai-839-531213 · 1/10 · 3 May 2023]

The Jeyamohan book is engaging as the hero narrates his day-to-day to his mother. Also, the focus on the importance of a people's army comes out very clearly on the book. The most important part of why the villagers support the people's army leader despite all the political agends stand well to the book readers but not in the movie.

With the movie, the focus is more on cruelty rather on the importance of the people's army. I feel the director could have made the movie watchable. The amount of cruelty has burried the core message of the story.

Will not recommend the movie to anyone, as the human cruelty in the movie, although can be true, could disturb a human personality.

Appreciate the actors.

The director needs to calm down. Will think twice before watching any Vetrimaran movies from now on.

Waiting for the part 2

[Rajit_thebingewatcher · 8/10 · 12 July 2023]

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.

Unbelievable,

[minishaluja · 9/10 · 23 April 2023]

Viduthaalai PT.1,is something different and raw as much. The combo of Soori - Sethupathy - maaran - raja is way more great together.

Quietly a genre which I scared of watch but viduthaalai made me feel hyped after watching this. And director Vetri maaran have to deserve something huge for the film.

Raja sir's music is perfect for sure and 'Kaathumalli' & 'Onnoda nadantha' are the best for add on to the playlist.

Apart from these all there was a disclaimer too. Please watch this film with your own risk (bc of the disturbing scenes)

Finally, hopes are ahead to the second part 🤞🏼#viduthaalaipt2.

Brutal in frame but even harsh in reality

[pranayjalvi · 8/10 · 21 May 2023]

Viduthalai, by Vetri Maaran, who has helmed movies like Asuran, Vada Chennai is back with another hard hitting story exposing the reality of police brutality.

The filmmaker weaves his stories in a way that they are niche in nature but global in approach. The movie is all about police brutality, who in the name of investigation, tortures and kills the innocent people of the village to forcefully get a confession. Soori as Kumaresan is what carries the film and reflects on some police being faithful and honest to their work, just what they are expected to be. He was too damn good in this socio-political thriller.

The movie has been broken down into 2 parts, probably the second part will focus on Kumaresan's change from an innocent policeman to someone who will fight against injustice with as much as violence required. With the first part dropping us straight into an unfamiliar terrain and with the battle lines drawn up clearly, we've been primed for innocence to make way for full-blown implosion in the next chapter.

My Rating : 8/10.

Vetrimaran , soori and Vjs the best

[rajvignesh-60140 · 9/10 · 2 April 2023]

One of the best one i have witnessed and this would be the best of vetris creation. He has given all the best but this one will be special. What a movie, i cant express this in words, a calm soothing intense simple and elegant. Thats wat vetris beauty lies in. Beauty lies in simplicity. An osm craft of art work. A huge kudos to vetri and his team. I witnessed claps for a director ever first time tats vetrimaran. He should do more movies as such and cant wait for part2. He has become an inspiration in movies and a huge fan of his work. Vetri as the name suggests. Soori omg , he just killed with his performances. With vetri he can make the walls speak. No one can do better than soori, he is an osm actor. He deserves a national award for this movie, the efforts and acting skill is top notch. VJS as well as comes in few scenes and the few one are worthy to come in watch out for, he just laid off with vetri. The camera lighting is soo good too. A simple story with a much elegant and intense screenplay. A special kudos to bhavani sree, she also played her role to perfect. Vetris writing is so strong which is clearly seen in the outcome. The best one. BGM is ok not so good but the songs are top notch, ilayaraja as always. Overall a must watch movie, i wud say u will become a fan of soori and vetri after watching this film. The emotions is inevitable and the pain he portrays kills it. Its a vetri for vetri. Please do watch in theaters, cant wait for part 2.

Hits the bull's eye...!!!

[PANDIAN120621 · 9/10 · 1 April 2023]

The first single shot is more than enough for this masterpiece that gives u a promise of an national or Oscar-worthy material,the detailing in every frame shows the behind on-screen craftsman vetrimaaran undoubtedly the legend of Tamil cinema this flick ranks next to "VISARANAI'' in my list of his filmography...He is so adamant and dared to expose such brutality and injustice done to the set of society people...able to bring out such a painful movie clear from a censor is a monstrous task....theirs gonna be a lot of goose bumps moments in the later upcoming part... Soori is the right choice has lived up to the role that u can't think of others to fit into shoes...take a bow to his hard work... Vjs has a lot of work to do only on second part but his entry will sure raise the standard of tamil cinema down Bollywood and will be a tALK OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA in the days to come.... In one word speechless.

Another Vetrimaaran's Masterpiece

[gilabodoh · 8/10 · 7 April 2023]

One of the best movie Tamil cinema has ever produced. This movie reminds me of the Schindler's list/Jai Bhim vibe with subtle addition raw and realistic making. This movie is really very heart wrenching and brutal that it deeply collides with our emotions and ofcourse this movie is strictly not for everyone with weak heart and typical mass movie enjoyer. This is an Artistic movie which must be seen by real cinema lovers. The Casting of this movie is perfect especially soori who's extraordinary and perfectly fits the role.every other characters such as Bhavani sre,gvm,Chetan,tamizh were all great. The Cinematography of this movie is exceptional especially the intro train scene which is a single shot scene and it was flawless and really makes u believe that you've came to the right movie for the price. Bgm and soundtrack was also great as we know the composer is a musical maestro so no need to explain about it.every songs and bgm especially inthe climax were perfect.the stunt choreography in the climax also deserves an appreciation. I won't say that this movie is flawless coz some dubbing portions and editings in the second half were not up to the level.we can really notice some odd dubbing and editing which forgivable since the impact this movie gave was more satisfying enough to cover the minus.so pls do watch this movie in theatres and give support to real cinemas like this...marana waiting for part 2. Vetrimaaran is the auteur Tamil cinema deserves. Clearly one of the best director in Indian cinema for sure.

Not as impactful as some of Vetri's other films, but Part 2 looks interesting! [+65%]

[arungeorge13 · 7/10 · 14 April 2023]

When Vetrimaaran made Visaranai back in 2014, police brutality was still relatively unexplored, and therefore, the scenes depicting them were unsettling to watch. Almost a decade later, when the same director makes Viduthalai (a two-parter) with police brutality at its forefront, the impact feels lessened. This isn't owing to a lack of craft or plot setup. The very first single-shot sequence in the film is a stamp of brilliance. DOP Velraj takes us in and out of a trainwreck, making audiences wonder how seamlessly he navigates the milieu. We then move to Kumaresan's side of things, with Soori exhibiting remarkable restraint in a role that requires him to be forbearing, naive, and endearing without an ounce of his usual loudness.

Once the basic story idea is detailed (in the first 20 minutes) by Rajiv Menon's character, I quickly concluded that Vetri had to rely entirely on the craftsmanship of his on-and-off-screen crew to pull off something worthwhile. The writing is solid when it focuses on the tender romance between Kumaresan and Tamilarasi (Bhavani Sre) in the first half, building a very raw emotional connect while at it. The circumstances for love blossoming between the two are neatly sketched, and Ilaiyaraaja's score helps bring them to life. Kumaresan's perspective is also that of the audience's, but in between, the film takes us out of it to offer the larger picture, where politics, business, and hierarchy within the systems are exposed.

Again, this is one of those films where the "terrorists" are the good guys, whereas the barbaric cops (who rape womenfolk and beat up/shoot the menfolk) who hunt them, are the bad guys. The fluidly shot opening sequence is meant to make us hate the terrorists, but since we've seen this play out so many times, we know it's getting subverted later on. This whole narrative has run out of juice, but the few scenes that randomly feature Vijay Sethupathi's Perumal "Vaathiyaar", the leader of the People's Army, are fiery. The sequel teaser at the end seems like it sheds a lot more light on Perumal's side of the story, making the eventual payoff a lot better. Here, we just get to know him in bits and pieces, and as is the case with most revolutions, it all begins with something deeply personal which then escalates into a community-wide issue.

The second half of Part: 1 suffers from being a bit disjointed (the editing is bizarre at times), emotionally lacking, and showcasing an overdose of cop violence. A few Karnans and Jai Bhims later, cop brutality comes across as an excuse to put the protagonist in a wavering situation where he has to make dangerous choices. It does help that the punishments that Kumaresan is subjected to throughout the film by his senior officer, breaks his shell of innocence and provokes him to fight back. Viduthalai simply feels like a story that requires better detailing for the antagonist, and while that's definitely going to be delivered in Part II, it also makes the ending of Part I seem like temporary closure. Also, did Vetri rewrite some dialogues before they were dubbed? I mention this because there are at least a handful of scenes where the lipsync is completely off (especially when Rajiv Menon or Gautham Menon are involved).

P. S - I'm just hoping Part II comes soon enough, unlike Vada Chennai 2!

P. P. S - I couldn't help but wonder how SaNa would've handled the score in those scenes where GVM and his team of cops attack and torture an entire village!

Raw. Can't be far from reality.

[chaitumhyd · 8/10 · 19 July 2023]

This movie shows the struggle of people from forest areas against oppressive ideology.

This story can't be far from reality. The reality might even be worse than this and the locals may have gone through years of punishment from police in the name of peace and growth.

They plot of the movie is straightforward, yet the action from the main characters is excellent. As usual, Vijay Sethupati, my favorite, makes his presence felt, albeit in a limited role in part 1.

On a much lighter note, the love between the constable and the village girl is beautifully written and acted. Can't wait for part 2.

Story Rich

[dragonesh · 7/10 · 2 April 2023]

A movie is built just like any other architecture, on a pillar of foundation in a films case, its story. This movie had crafted a beautifully put, linear story that will get you hooked on its bizarre events. However, this film lacks on other aspects. Let me break down to what i find significant in a movie

Story: 7.5/10 Screenplay: 8.5/10 Editing: 4/10 (many abrupt cuts and bad continuity errors, overall a really low effort editing) Music: 6/10 (above average for sure, but it still lacks to captivate audiences) Acting: 9/10 Cinematography: 8/10

Overall a really worth watch definitely an above average movie but not one of vetrimaarans best.

A middling affair (coming from a Vetrimaaran fan).

[jonny78 · 5/10 · 14 April 2023]

Visaranai and Asuran are ones amongst my favourite films. As such, I was really hoping for another display of directorial brilliancy in Viduthalai, which the first ten minutes detailing the aftermath of a train bombing only heightening these hopes.

However, the story is incredibly average, following the predictable template of a well-intentioned "terrorist" organisation against a corrupt, bestial government organisation (in this case, the police). However, this was not the issue, as an unoriginal story can be the basis for a great film (as we saw with Karnan, and Asuran).

I'll start with the positives: 1) The love story, though sometimes occupying unnecessary screen time, is presented nicely.

2) Soori's acting is restrained and adept, accompanied with good performances from the supporting cast.

3) The world building was quite good.

Negatives: 1) The music. I never expected this from Ilayaraja, but he's definitely fallen off. The music ruined the opening single shot sequence, and overall didn't suit neither the story, nor the raw and rustic directorial style of Vetrimaaran; in fact, it removed this "rawness" native to Vetrimaaran movies, which made the film irritating to watch.

2) The violence depicted on screen is a gratituous fetishisation of police brutality, and it didn't have the same impact as Visaranai. Rather, it was boring and annoying.

3) The ending. It ends quite hastily (yes, it's a part 1, even then, it must work as a movie itself). There is no payoff.

My only reason to view part 2 is to hope it redeems this underwhelming story.

Great movie

[bhardwajnitish-99220 · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

Viduthalai Part 1 (2023) is a powerful and thought-provoking socio-political thriller that explores the themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle for liberation. The film is set in the backdrop of the 1980s Tamil Nadu Naxalite movement, and it follows the story of a young man named Arivazhagan (Soori) who is drawn into the movement after witnessing the oppression of his people.

Soori delivers a tour-de-force performance as Arivazhagan, capturing the character's idealism, determination, and the growing sense of rage that drives him to join the Naxalites. His portrayal of a young man who is awakened to the realities of oppression is both believable and emotionally resonant.

The film's socio-political commentary is sharp and insightful, exploring the root causes of oppression and the challenges faced by those who resist it. The film does not shy away from the harsh realities of the Naxalite movement, but it also offers a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of the movement's members.

The supporting cast in Viduthalai Part 1 is equally impressive, with Vijay Sethupathi delivering a standout performance as the leader of the Naxalites. His portrayal of a charismatic and ruthless leader is both chilling and captivating, adding a layer of complexity and suspense to the narrative.

GV Prakash Kumar's score is a powerful and evocative accompaniment to the film's narrative, adding depth and dimension to the storytelling. His music seamlessly blends elements of traditional Tamil music with contemporary electronic beats, creating a sound that is both energetic and evocative.

Viduthalai Part 1 is a visually stunning film, with cinematographer Velraj capturing the vibrant energy of the 1980s Tamil Nadu and the intensity of the film's action sequences. The use of dynamic camera movements and creative lighting techniques creates a captivating atmosphere that draws the audience into the story.

I'm not here to entertain you

[iknafilms · 8/10 · 14 May 2023]

Viduthalai, a gripping and thought-provoking flick, delves deep into the intricacies of social injustice and ecological exploitation. The movie magnifies the struggles of the downtrodden communities, who battle against the mighty authorities for their freedom. Vetrimaaran, in Viduthalai Part 1, aims to experiment with the emotions of the audience, leaving them with an unforgettable experience. It's a movie that requires a strong heart to watch, but its impact is undeniable. Viduthalai is a testament to the power of cinema to educate, inspire, and motivate viewers to stand up for what's right, no matter the consequences. So, grab some popcorn, get comfy, and be prepared to be moved by this powerful cinematic gem.