Va Vaathiyar review: Karthi starrer introduces a new idea that turns out to be loud, corny and forgettable

Karthi starrer Va Vaathiyar was released in theaters on January 14, 2026, on the occasion of Pongal. Directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, the vigilante action comedy stars Kriti Shetty, Rajkiran, Sathyaraj and others in pivotal roles.

Following the theatrical release, the film is now available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. If you are planning to watch it online, here is the Pinkvilla review.

plot

Va Vaathiyar is the story of DSP Rameswaran, also known as Ramu, a police officer who is raised by his grandfather to follow the ideals and principles of the late MG Ramachandran (MGR). A staunch follower of MGR, his grandfather considers his grandson a spiritual successor to the great actor, and Ramu is constantly encouraged to stand up for the justice represented by MGR.

Although Rameswaran initially tries to maintain the values ​​established by his grandfather, he soon becomes another part of the corrupt system, and allies himself with powerful and shady individuals.

However, as his life progresses, Ramu unknowingly develops an alter ego named Vaathiyar, who emulates MGR’s values ​​and fights against injustice. How this vigilante takes down the criminals who come in his way, and whether he ultimately realizes the values ​​that his grandfather tried to teach him, is explored in the film.

Good

After the success of dark comedy Soodhu Kavvum and romantic comedy drama Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum, director Nalan Kumarasamy returns to the big screen with a cautious action comedy Va Vaathiyar.

As always, the filmmaker remains true to the genre, making the film a new concept in Tamil cinema. By adopting elements from Hollywood films, the film establishes itself within the Tamil subculture. It’s this approach to writing that makes the Karthi starrer a quirky and fun venture.

While the potential and ambition of the plot skyrockets, Karthi manages to hold it together without letting the characters descend into chaos. His portrayal of Rameswaran is wild and needs careful handling, which he plays with charm.

Talking about the technical aspects, Santhosh Narayanan provides another set of explosive tracks and an effective background score. The quirky numbers work well within the narrative, hitting the right notes at the right time.

With impressive visuals, Va Vaathiyar offers some delightful moments, even if it feels like a complete train wreck.

bad

While the freshness of Va Vaathiyar’s concept is present, the writing becomes shallow after several moments. The inclusion of high melodrama and exaggerated MGR antics appear loud and corny, reducing the effectiveness of the vigilante character.

After the interval block, Va Vaathiyar loses momentum, turning into a generic and stale film that becomes difficult to watch. The writing, especially in relation to the concept of alter-ego, remains anonymous and only scratches the surface, without going into the psychological complexities that lead the character to such an alter ego.

Furthermore, the biggest regret is to see Kriti Shetty deliver an impressive performance befitting the quirky nature of the film, yet remain underdeveloped as a character, often sidelined into the shadow of the hero.

Display

Both Karthi and Kriti Shetty deliver charming moments with their characters, which add impact to the story. Actors like Rajkiran, Sathyaraj and Nizhalgal Ravi also add texture to a weak script.

Watch the trailer of Va Vaathiyar here: