Vada Chennai

Story:

Vetrimaaran’s fourth film as a filmmaker, Vada Chennai (2018), is an Indian Tamil-language crime drama written and directed. This installment marks the start of a three-part series. It features Dhanush as Anbu, a talented carrom player who reluctantly joins a gang fight between two competing gangsters.

It is produced by A. Subaskaran’s Lyca Productions and Dhanush’s Wunderbar Films with Vetrimaaran’s Grass Root Film Company. In significant roles alongside Dhanush are Andrea Jeremiah, Ameer, Samuthirakani, Daniel Balaji, Pawan, Kishore, Aishwarya Rajesh, and others.

The movie had been in the headlines since late 2009, but it wasn’t until November 2011 that the official announcement was made that filming would start in March 2012. The movie was briefly shelved until resurfacing in May 2015 with a new cast and Dhanush playing the lead role.

This is Dhanush’s third film with the filmmaker, following Aadukalam (2011) and Polladhavan (2007). Beginning in June 2016, principal photography on the movie was completed in February 2018. Velraj handled the film’s cinematography, G. B. Venkatesh and R. Ramar handled the editing, and Santhosh Narayanan wrote the music.

The revolves around Anbu, who gets entangled in the complex web of gang wars, politics, and betrayal in North Chennai. The story spans several decades, tracing Anbu’s journey from being a skilled carrom player to becoming a prominent figure in the local criminal world.

The film delves deep into the lives of various characters, each with their own motivations and agendas. It explores themes of loyalty, revenge, and the impact of social and political dynamics on individuals.

Anbu’s relationships with his friends, family, and love interests are central to the narrative, providing insights into the human side of characters caught in the midst of violence and crime.

“Vada Chennai” is noted for its intense storytelling, authentic portrayal of Chennai’s underbelly, and powerful performances by its cast. It received critical acclaim for its gritty realism and intricate narrative, establishing it as one of the most acclaimed Tamil films in recent years.