“Vaa Vaathiyaar” Movie Review

By in Cinema News, News, Tamil Movie Review, சினிமா செய்திகள்

“A salute to legacy, a celebration of heroism, and a masala entertainer with heart.”

Vaa Vaathiyaar emerges as a rousing and refreshingly old-school commercial entertainer, proving that star-driven cinema can still thrive without leaning on excessive violence or gratuitous bloodshed. Director Nalan Kumarasamy crafts a fond, fun, and funky tribute to the classic masala films of a bygone era, evoking nostalgia while keeping the narrative rooted in contemporary sensibilities. The film proudly wears its influences on its sleeve, particularly its reverence for the legacy of MGR, and succeeds in translating that spirit into a modern cinematic experience.

At the heart of the story is Ramu, a morally compromised police officer who maintains the façade of a do-gooder solely to protect the sentiments of his grandfather, a devoted MGR fan. This duality forms the emotional core of the film. When a pivotal incident awakens the “Vaathiyaar” within him, Ramu is drawn into a larger mission involving activists who threaten to expose government corruption. This transformation gives the film its emotional heft and narrative momentum.

Karthi delivers one of his bravest and most heartfelt performances to date. Channeling the charisma and moral uprightness associated with MGR’s iconic screen persona, he brings sincerity, vulnerability, and star power in equal measure. His performance anchors the film and creates several genuinely moving moments. The action sequences, staged in classic swashbuckling MGR style, are crowd-pleasing and rooted more in heroism than brutality.

Santhosh Narayanan’s music is another major strength. Both the songs and background score elevate the film’s mood, amplifying its emotional beats and adding energy to key sequences. While the film takes a little time to find its rhythm and occasionally feels overstuffed with songs, it gains confidence once the central conflict kicks in. Some characters, including Sathyaraj’s antagonist Periyasamy, could have been explored further, and a rival cop subplot feels incomplete.

However, these minor shortcomings are overshadowed by Nalan Kumarasamy’s bold and emotionally resonant climax, which cleverly mirrors MGR’s real-life hospitalisation and triumphant resurgence. This inspired touch leaves the audience on a powerful emotional high. Overall, Vaa Vaathiyaar is a charming, entertaining throwback that celebrates cinematic legacy, showcases Karthi’s versatility, and reaffirms Nalan’s knack for inventive, heartfelt storytelling.

Cast: Karthi ,Raj Kiran ,Sathyaraj ,Krithy Shetty, Anandaraj ,GM Sundar,Karunakaran ,Shilpa Manjunath Ramesh  Thilak ,Nilazhgal Ravi ,Yaar Kannan ,Nivas Adithan,PL Thenappan Vidya  and others.

Produced by: K.E.Gnanavelraja

Written & Directed by: Nalan Kumarasamy

Rating…3.9/5

B.YUVRAAJ (P.R.O)

vrcs