Viduthalai Part 1 Review: The Fight for Justice – A Gripping Tale of Conflict and Conscience

• Release date: 31 March 2023 (India)
• Cast: Bhavani Sre, Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Rajiv Menon, R. Velraj, Prakash Raj, Chetan, Gautham
• Director: Vetrimaaran
• Music director: Ilaiyaraaja, Ilaiyaraja
• Producer: Elred Kumar Santhanam
• Distributed by: Red Giant Movies, Ahimsa Entertainment
• Based on: Thunaivan; by B. Jeyamohan

Viduthalai Part 1 is a compelling film directed by Vetri Maaran that tells the story of Kumeresan, a new recruit in the police department, who finds himself caught in the middle of a conflict between the government and a revolutionary group while trying to remain righteous. The movie opens with a remarkable single-shot sequence depicting the aftermath of a train blast, which sets the stage for a captivating journey.

Soori plays Kumeresan, a police driver stationed in a sensitive hilly area where the conflict is most intense. He saves the life of an indigenous woman, inadvertently inviting the wrath of his superiors and exposing him to the brutality of the police unit stationed there. The department launches an operation to capture Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi), the leader of the activist group, and impede their progress. Kumeresan claims to have leads on Vaathiyaar’s location, but as he falls in love with one of the tribal women (Bhavani Sre), the police force begins to exercise their authority over the people to capture Vaathiyaar.

Vetri Maaran’s direction and storytelling are exceptional, keeping the audience engaged with tension and impactful conflicts. The climactic scenes are masterfully executed action sequences that smoothly transition into Part 2, leaving viewers eager to uncover the truth and politics behind the conflicts. While there are instances of police brutality, Vetri Maaran’s portrayal is neutral, showcasing both sides of the issue.

The cast is well-chosen, with Soori delivering a remarkable performance, and Vijay Sethupathi portraying Vaathiyaar with minimal screen time yet leaving a lasting impression. Ilaiyaraaja’s background score is a standout feature, immersing viewers in the film’s landscape and brutal events.

At two and a half hours, the film maintains a consistent pace and keeps viewers engaged with moments of high tension. There are occasional technical flaws, but they are forgivable given the film’s scale and the terrain it was shot in. Other actors, including Chethan, Rajiv Menon, and Gautham Menon, contribute well to the film’s progression, making it an exceptional cinematic experience.