Vidudala was one of the best Tamil movies released last year. Vetrimaaran’s film, starring comedian-turned-hero Soori in the lead role and Vijay Sethupathi in a prominent role, received an overwhelming response. The sequel to that film, Vidudala 2 has been released today, and expectations are high, especially among Vetrimaaran’s fans. But has this sequel met those expectations? Let’s find out.
Story: The Vidudala Part 1 ends with the arrest of Karuppan, aka Perumal (Vijay Sethupathi), while Part 2 begins with his trial. The police department decides to move Karuppan from the camp to another base, accompanied by Kumaresan (Soori), who played a key role in his arrest. During this journey, Karuppan shares his story with the police, who the original Karuppan was, and how his journey began. Upon hearing his tale, some officers begin to feel sympathy for him. However, the police’s plan to keep Karuppan’s arrest a secret is foiled when a reporter leaks the news. The story makes its way into the papers, forcing the police to make an official announcement. Meanwhile, Karuppan’s team rescues him. What follows is a relentless chase, with the police determined to recapture Karuppan.
Performances: While the first part of the film centers on Soori as the protagonist, his role in the second part is significantly reduced. The spotlight shifts to Vijay Sethupathi, who takes charge of Part 2. Although his effort to appear younger doesn’t entirely succeed, Sethupathi delivers a stellar performance as Karuppan, bringing the character to life with depth and intensity. His words linger in the audience’s minds even after leaving the theatre.
Manju Warrier’s character is a strong representation of independent women and leaves a lasting impression. Chetan, portraying a corrupt cop, delivers one of the most striking performances after Sethupathi. The rest of the cast performs well, doing justice to their respective roles.
Technical Aspects: The dialogue writing deserves special mention. While the film is based on two books, not all writing credit goes to Vetrimaaran. As a writer, Vetrimaaran shines more than as a director in this film. Ilaiyaraaja’s music and background score elevate the content, while Velraj’s cinematography, especially during the night sequences, is a major asset. The production design and artwork are top-notch, with well-crafted action sequences that not only entertain but also drive the story forward.
Analysis: Many filmmakers have highlighted flaws in the police system, but Vetrimaaran presents it directly and unfiltered. Vidudala 2 showcases how individuals or systems advocating for the people are uprooted. While the second half suffers from unnecessary stretching, the film serves as a powerful reminder of citizens’ responsibilities towards society and their right to question the government.
The screenplay effectively critiques the police system, the arrogance of power, and the government’s deceit without any pretense, serving as a wake-up call. Vetrimaaran’s approach to treating the screenplay like a book results in scenes that, while seemingly disjointed, feel cohesive when viewed as chapters.
The depiction of the struggles of the marginalized is raw and impactful. However, the 20-minute-long pre-climax action sequence feels unnecessarily stretched, testing the audience’s patience. A director’s love for their work is natural, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of viewer engagement. The Telugu dubbing is good and so are the dialogues.
Verdict: Overall, Vidudala 2 is a socially relevant film with a strong message. However, it demands a lot of patience from the audience due to its pacing. Give it a shot if you like serious drama.
Bottom Line: Passable cop drama
Rating: 2.5/5
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