Will Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan satisfy his loyal fans?

Vettaiyan showcases Rajinikanth's character navigating moral dilemmas, raising questions about justice and societal norms, but the presentation is more story-driven than a fan-service mass commercial film.

In Short

• Vettaiyan presents Rajinikanth as a character exploring social themes rather than a mass hero
• Powerful moments feel toned down, lacking the usual punch
• Gnanavel attempts to balance commercial elements with meaningful storytelling

Vettaiyan's massive release has emerged as one of the most anticipated events for Superstar Rajinikanth's fans. The atmosphere was electric as fans, decked in Rajinikanth shirts, cheered and danced before the film began. However, as the credits rolled, it became clear that Vettaiyan is not your typical Thalaivar film. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his impactful narrative in Jai Bhim, this film serves as a vehicle for storytelling, with Rajinikanth’s character exploring deeper social themes rather than being the centrepiece of mass entertainment.

Outside Lakshmi Theatre in Bengaluru, many fans expressed mixed feelings after the 4 am shows. “The movie is good, but it’s not a proper Rajini film; it feels more like a TJ Gnanavel film,” they remarked.

While the narrative offers a unique perspective, the pacing and execution differ from the high-energy spectacles that fans typically expect. This also raises an important question: can fans embrace a more narrative-driven approach in a Rajinikanth film?

RAJINIKANTH'S CHARACTER ARC

In Vettaiyan, he is presented as a flawed character as opposed to the driving force of the film. This shift may leave fans feeling unsatisfied, as they expect a dominant portrayal of their hero, integral to the typical Rajinikanth experience. He is still a mass commercial hero who has a larger-than-life image, but the effect is toned down to underline the story and themes.

Here's the trailer of Vettaiyan:

EXECUTION OF MASS SCENES

Potentially powerful mass scenes felt underwhelming. Moments that should resonate with fans are either toned down or poorly integrated into the story. Dialogues that could evoke strong emotions sometimes lack the impact typical of Rajinikanth’s films. Additionally, the cinematography fails to capture the grandeur and energy associated with Rajinikanth films, struggling to evoke the excitement seen in Jailer.

BALANCE BETWEEN MASS AND STORY

Director Gnanavel's challenge to maintain a balance between mass appeal and storytelling is evident. The film attempts to address serious themes while trying to satisfy traditional expectations, resulting in a disjointed experience.

Despite its efforts to focus on socially relevant themes, Vettaiyan may ultimately fall short of satisfying Rajinikanth’s loyal fans. Interestingly, many audience members expressed a willingness to support experimental projects if executed well. “We are open to these kinds of films if they resonate meaningfully,” some fans said, reflecting a growing openness to narratives that diverge from traditional formats.