The massive release of Vettaiyan has emerged as one of the most awaited events for the fans of superstar Rajinikanth. Before the movie started, fans wearing Rajinikanth shirts were cheering and dancing, making the atmosphere very warm. However, as the credits rolled, it became clear that Vettaiyaan is not your typical Thalaivar film. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his impactful narrative in Jai Bheem, the film works as a storytelling medium, with Rajinikanth’s character exploring deeper social themes rather than being the focus of mass entertainment.

Outside Lakshmi Theater in Bengaluru, many fans expressed mixed emotions after the 4 am show. “The film is good, but it is not a proper Rajini film; It feels like a TJ Gnanvel movie,” he commented.

While the narrative offers a unique perspective, the pace and execution differ from the high-energy spectacles fans have typically come to 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 in contrast to the driving force of the film. This change may leave fans feeling dissatisfied, as they expect an impressive portrayal of their hero, which is integral to the typical Rajinikanth experience. He is still a largely commercial hero with a larger than life image, but the impact has been toned down to underline the story and themes.

Watch the trailer of Vettaiyan here:

execution of group scenes

Potentially powerful group scenes felt weak. Moments that fans should love are either watered down or poorly integrated into the story. The dialogues that can evoke strong emotions sometimes lack the impact of Rajinikanth’s films. Additionally, the cinematography fails to capture the grandeur and energy associated with Rajinikanth’s films, struggling to evoke the excitement seen in Jailer.

Balance between mass and story

Director Gnanavel’s challenge of maintaining a balance between mass appeal and storytelling is evident. The film attempts to address serious topics while trying to conform to conventional expectations, resulting in a disjointed experience.

Despite its efforts to focus on socially relevant themes, Vettaiyan may ultimately fail to satisfy Rajinikanth’s loyal fans. Interestingly, many viewers expressed their willingness to support pilot projects if executed well. Some fans reflected a growing openness to stories that deviate from traditional formats, saying, “We’re open to these types of movies if they resonate meaningfully.”