Vidaamuyarchi movie review: Magizh Thirumeni moulds Ajith into a different kind of star in a different kind of a film

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But as soon as Magizh gets done with this aspect of the story, he shifts gears to enter into action thriller mode and there’s no looking back. It is also here that we are introduced to the other players of this intense drama. Rakshith (Arjun), Deepika (Regena Cassandra), and Michael (Aarav) enter the lives of Arjun and Kayal, and what ensues is a mix of havoc and intrigue. It is also in these portions that Magizh does the seemingly unthinkable and makes Ajith play a ‘normal’ guy.

Ajith gets beaten up, slapped around, kicked to the curb, thrown like a rag doll, and twisted around by every character in the film. And it makes absolute sense because Ajith, in a really long time, isn’t playing a ‘powerful’ role. He is not a cop or a gangster or a lawyer or a village chieftain, etc. He has a white-collar job, sizeable savings in his bank account, and is just tired with the cards life has dealt him. Even when all the chips are down and the entire world is against him, he doesn’t react the way you’d expect a “hero” to. He doesn’t pounce on villains at the drop of a hat. He waits, thinks, reacts, and even retreats. He doesn’t randomly get hold of a gun and immediately gets around shooting people. He reacts like the character of Arjun, and that makes Vidaamuyarchi a refreshing addition to the star films of today.

Magizh’s strength is undoubtedly the detailing to each character, and certain minute additions in the narrative that adds a lot of flavour to the film. Be it the way names are spelt in the Azerbaijan offices, the backstories to Rakshith and Deepika, and all the sequences involving Azerbaijani actors speaking the local language, all of these add authenticity to Vidaamuyarchi. On the other hand, this same detailing goes amiss in the last act that is super rushed. Even though these portions are elevated by Magizh’s proclivity for gore, and it is actually interesting and borderline intentionally funny and grotesque, it sidelines the leads and dumps information about the baddies.

But till we get there, Magizh and Co deliver a film that ensures we are made aware at every scene of the film that it is he who is firmly at the helm. Obviously, there is servicing the star at times but it is never servicing the fans, and this makes all the difference. Even the music of Anirudh doesn’t exist to just elevate Ajith, but instead chooses to do justice by the characters. Vidaamuyarchi also gets the stunts sequences right, and the decision to keep it minimalistic allows the makers to be inventive about the execution. There is close hand-to-hand combats and an exquisite looking fight inside the car that equals the visuals of the chase sequences on the sprawling empty dusty roads of Baku.

Another aspect of Vidaamuyarchi that really works is the performances. While the film is heavily revolving around Ajith, and he does a commendable job of dealing with anguish and perseverance, the film rides on the roles played by Arjun and Regena. They bring in a rather zany vibe to the proceedings and sell their roles with a conviction that is consistent through the film. The same holds good for Arav too. While Trisha is effective, she doesn’t get enough to do in this film once it shifts gears.

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Vidaamuyarchi, existing in this form, is a fascinating addition to the evolving standards of superstar films in Tamil cinema. It shows that difference has to come from top down, and when superstars like Ajith decide to play roles rather than images, and surrenders to the vision of directors like Magizh who have a distinct voice of their own, the result is there for everyone to see. Of course, Vidaamuyarchi is no Mankatha or Viswasam, but that’s the point. It doesn’t have to be. It doesn’t have to be at all.

Vidaamuyarchi movie director: Magizh Thirumeni
Vidaamuyarchi movie cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha, Arjun, Regena Cassandra
Vidaamuyarchi movie rating: 3.5 stars