Cast: Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Bhavani Sre, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajiv Menon, Balaji Sakthivel, and others
Music: Ilayaraja
Editor: R.Ramar
Art: Jacki
Stunt: Peter Hein / Stun Siva
Directed by: Vetri Maaran
Vetri Maaran is a renowned filmmaker in the Tamil film industry and is known for consistently producing critically acclaimed films. His latest release, “Viduthalai Part 1,” has now been dubbed into Telugu and is titled “Vidudala Part 1.”
Story: In the aftermath of a deadly train bombing, the police launch ‘Operation Ghost Hunt’ with the intention of capturing Perumal, the alleged leader of the Praja Dalam group. Despite the group denying responsibility for the bombing, both the police and government hold them accountable.
Meanwhile, a corporate group is planning to establish a mining company in a hilly region of Tamilnadu state, an action that the Praja Dalam has been opposing as they fight for the rights of the people.
In the midst of all this, Constable Kumaresh (played by Soori), a new recruit in the police force, is assigned to the Police Company tasked with searching for Perumal. Kumaresh is a kind-hearted person who believes that the police should work for the people, and he goes out of his way to assist the villagers.
During one of his good deeds, he helps an elderly woman reach the hospital, and this act of kindness catches the attention of her granddaughter, Paapa (played by Bhavani), who falls in love with him.
However, Kumaresh’s conscience is put to the test as he witnesses the police using inhumane tactics during the operation. Paapa and other villagers are also brought in for interrogation, prompting Kumaresh to question how far he is willing to go to protect his girlfriend.
Will Kumaresh choose to uphold his duty as a police officer, or will he risk it all to save Paapa and the innocent villagers?
Performances: The film features an outstanding performance by Soori, who is primarily known for his comedic roles in Tamil cinema. He portrays an earnest constable, and his innocent yet heroic portrayal steals the show.
Despite having limited screen time, Vijay Sethupathi’s character is expected to have a more significant role in the sequel, and he still manages to have some massy moments.
Balaji Shaktivel, who plays a ruthless senior police officer, delivers a convincing performance. Gautham Menon and Rajiv Menen also excel in their respective roles.
Bhavani Sre, who plays Soori’s love interest, leaves a lasting impression with her performance.
Highlights:
Soori delivers a brilliant performance as an earnest constable in the film.
The story is set up in an interesting way that captures the audience’s attention.
The last fight sequence is a highlight of the movie and adds to the overall excitement.
Drawbacks:
Hard to watch torture scenes
Inconsistency in the second half
Analysis: Vetri Maaran’s films are known for highlighting the stories of marginalized communities, documenting police brutality, and exposing power abuse. His latest film, “Vidudala,” is the Telugu-dubbed version of “Viduthalai Part 1,” set in 1987 Tamil Nadu.
The movie’s first half is captivating as it uses a documentary style to construct the drama and provides a proper character arc for the protagonist through the perspective of a constable. We witness the procedural aspects of the police, including how they manage their duties in rough terrain and hills.
However, the second half is inconsistent and contains too many disturbing scenes of torture that are hard to watch, including police officers assaulting naked women. This is typical of Vetri Maaran’s style, as he depicts police torture and abuse of power in a raw and realistic way.
Verdict: Overall, “Vidudala” is a typical Vetri Maaran movie that balances gritty and captivating moments with some disturbing scenes that may be difficult to watch. It is a film that will appeal to those who appreciate realistic dramas, but may not be suitable for everyone’s tastes.
Rating:3/5