Vettaiyan review: Rajinikanth’s polarizing crime thriller leaves fans divided. 'Thrilling first half, sluggish second half'

Rajinikanth's much-awaited film Vettaiyan hit theaters on Thursday, marking the superstar’s return to the big screen following the massive success of Jailer. Directed by T.J. Gnanavel, Vettaiyan was released across a record number of screens worldwide, with audiences flocking to catch the first show. The film has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans praising the superstar while sharing mixed views about the film’s overall execution.

Rajinikanth Dominates the First Half

Fans have been vocal on Twitter, offering their thoughts on Vettaiyan moments after watching it. The first half of the film has received widespread appreciation for its gripping narrative and Rajinikanth’s powerful presence. One fan shared, "Vettayain blockbuster first half... perfect investigative thriller..."



However, the second half of the film has not managed to maintain the same momentum. According to another user, "After a watchable 1st half that is narrated as a proper crime thriller, the 2nd half starts to build an engaging drama but fails to keep the momentum and quickly gives off a documentary/lecture type feel after a point." This sentiment is shared by many who feel the film starts strong but doesn't quite deliver the punch expected in the latter half.

Supporting Cast and Technical Elements

Rajinikanth is joined by an impressive ensemble cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, and Manju Warrier. While the film revolves around Rajinikanth, his co-stars have been praised for their performances, especially Fahadh Faasil. One tweet read, "Fahadh Faasil brings an entertaining performance, complementing Rajini’s style with his unique acting prowess."


The technical aspects of the film have also earned praise. The cinematography and music by Anirudh Ravichander are described as "top-notch" and add significant value to the movie. A fan wrote, "Gnanavel’s direction, combined with stunning visuals and Anirudh’s background score, elevates the film to another level. The first half is pure magic."

Divisive Storyline and Pacing Issues

Despite the positive reviews for Rajinikanth and the film’s technical achievements, the story and pacing have drawn mixed reactions. While some viewers found the plot gripping and well-paced, others criticized it for being too dialogue-heavy and slow in parts. "Too many talkie portions in the second half, and the action scenes felt lackluster," one viewer commented.

Some fans felt that Vettaiyan would have been better suited for an OTT release due to its slower pacing. "This film feels more like something you'd watch on a streaming platform. Rajinikanth should start playing roles more suited to his age," another netizen remarked, hinting that the film's structure may not be ideal for the theatrical experience.

Despite the narrative flaws, one constant across all reviews is the praise for Rajinikanth’s performance. Known for his magnetic screen presence, Rajini continues to captivate audiences, even in scenes where the story may falter. "Rajinikanth’s performance alone makes the film worth watching. His charisma lights up the screen," tweeted a fan.

Though some viewers expressed disappointment with the film, others have labeled Vettaiyan a "blockbuster." A tweet declared, "Unusual for a Rajini film but still packed with goosebump moments. Vettaiyan is a certified blockbuster!" Another shared, "Rajinikanth steals the show with his style and dialogue delivery. The interval block is insane!"

Vettaiyan may not be universally praised, but it remains a movie that Rajinikanth’s die-hard fans are likely to enjoy. The film’s blend of crime thriller elements, stunning visuals, and strong performances, particularly from Rajini, make it a worthwhile watch for his fans. However, the pacing and storytelling choices may not appeal to everyone. As one fan aptly put it, "Vettaiyan is for the hardcore Rajini fans. If you love Thalaivar, you’ll love this movie despite its flaws."