Vaa Vaathiyaar Delivers a Nostalgic Punch with Karthi's Star Power
Director Nalan Kumarasamy makes a bold statement with his latest film Vaa Vaathiyaar. In an era dominated by hyper-masculine action films, he proves commercial entertainers can still thrive without relying on guns and excessive bloodshed. The film serves as a loving tribute to old-school Tamil masala cinema.
A Corrupt Cop with a Secret
Karthi plays Ramu, a police officer maintaining a carefully constructed facade. He pretends to follow in the footsteps of legendary actor MGR for his grandfather, a die-hard fan of the iconic star. In reality, Ramu operates as a corrupt cop assisting the government in capturing activist hackers.
The plot thickens when anonymous hackers expose a shootout orchestrated by power broker Periasamy, played by Sathyaraj, and the chief minister, portrayed by Nizhalgal Ravi. This incident threatens a massive 142 million euro business deal. The government urgently needs to apprehend these activists before they cause further damage.
Old-School Formula Meets Modern Storytelling
Nalan Kumarasamy openly acknowledges his intention to recreate classic masala films with a contemporary twist. He successfully blends the simplicity of MGR's cinematic formula with modern plot devices. The film takes its time establishing characters and situations, with some initial beats feeling familiar to seasoned moviegoers.
Musical numbers appear frequently throughout the narrative. Fortunately, Santhosh Narayanan delivers short, groovy songs that maintain momentum. His background score particularly shines during emotional moments, elevating key scenes effectively.
Karthi's Brave Performance
Karthi deserves special recognition for tackling this challenging role. Rather than attempting to mimic MGR directly, which could have descended into parody, he captures the essence of the legend's screen presence. His performance creates genuinely heartfelt moments that resonate with audiences.
The action sequences showcase Karthi confronting dozens of henchmen and police officers. These set-pieces adopt a swashbuckling style reminiscent of MGR's classic films, avoiding graphic violence while maintaining excitement.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film truly finds its footing once the central conflict emerges. The narrative gains energy and purpose as Ramu becomes entangled in the government's pursuit of activist hackers. The climax features a bold reference to MGR's real-life hospitalization and recovery, creating an emotional high point.
However, Vaa Vaathiyaar struggles with its antagonists. Despite Sathyaraj's capable performance as Periasamy, the villain lacks sufficient development. Another potential source of tension comes from Nivas, a rival police officer determined to expose Ramu's corruption. This subplot remains underdeveloped and incomplete.
The film includes numerous references to iconic MGR scenes. Nalan Kumarasamy even offers a modern interpretation of the legendary song Raajavin Paarvai Raaniyin Pakkam, demonstrating his deep appreciation for Tamil cinema history.
Final Verdict
Vaa Vaathiyaar stands as a successful experiment in nostalgic filmmaking. It proves that commercial cinema can entertain without resorting to excessive violence. While the film has pacing issues and underdeveloped antagonists, Karthi's committed performance and the director's clear affection for classic Tamil cinema make this a worthwhile watch for masala film enthusiasts.
The movie features Krithi Shetty in a supporting role alongside Raj Kiran, who plays Ramu's grandfather. Both actors contribute effectively to the film's emotional core. With a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes, Vaa Vaathiyaar released on December 12, 2025, earning a 3.0 rating from both critics and audiences.
