VIDUTHALAI – 1 – MOVIE REVIEW

VIDUTHALAI is a period crime thriller film written and directed by Vetrimaaran. Produced by Elred Kumar under the banners of RS Infotainment. The film is adapted from short story Thunaivan written by Jeyamohan.
The first scene of the film is testimony to what follows throughout the film. A gritty accident scene amazingly shot and crafted so well with every detail in sync, yet feels found wanting. This is how one feels after watching the film. An emptiness that sets in as the film sets itself on an easy black and white/ we vs the system “communist” platform that conveniently eludes arguments. There is a romantic track that is shallow and more or less looks feigned. With typically typecast characters that bring no surprises, the scenes communicate little and stay largely prescribed. The screenplay is mundane and there are many scenes that appear superfluous or repetitive playing its only part in lengthening the duration along with the songs. An expected climax sets up for a part 2 that we get glimpses of towards the end.

Soori is earnest and honest. Vijay Sethupathi is the same. Bhavani Sre is decent. GVM is as usual. Rajiv Menon is neat.

Velraj’s cinematography is brilliant and is the mainstay of the film. Ilayaraja’s background score is good, but the songs sound monotonous. Ramar’s editing is average. Dialogues do not impress and direction by Vetrimaran is droning.

VIDUTHALAI is a dull, drab one sided socialist commentary that might find few takers.

VIDUTHALAI – VIRATTHI !!
2/5
B.U.Shreesha