Overview
A notorious gangster Vedha surrenders himself to encounter specialist Vikram whom he challenges every step of the way by narrating his life events in the form of riddles that needs to be solved in order to capture him.
Synopsis
“Vikram Vedha” is a Tamil crime thriller directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, featuring R. Madhavan as an encounter specialist, Vikram, and Vijay Sethupathi as a notorious gangster, Vedha. The film unfolds through a series of encounters where Vedha surrenders and narrates moral stories, challenging Vikram’s black-and-white perception of justice.
Story
The film begins with Vikram leading a successful encounter operation against Vedha’s gang, resulting in the death of some of Vedha’s men. As Vikram’s team prepares for another mission to eliminate Vedha, the unexpected happens—Vedha surrenders to Vikram. However, this surrender is not an act of submission but the beginning of a complex game. Vedha tells Vikram a story from his past, each time posing a moral dilemma that forces Vikram to reconsider his understanding of justice.
This narrative structure, where Vedha’s stories are interwoven with the main plot, serves as the backbone of the film. Each story Vedha narrates adds layers to his character and challenges Vikram’s black-and-white worldview. As Vikram delves deeper into Vedha’s past, he begins to question his own beliefs and the true nature of his mission, leading to a climactic revelation that ties together the threads of the narrative.
Review
Intriguing Narrative Structure
“Vikram Vedha” stands out for its unique storytelling approach. The film employs a non-linear narrative where Vedha’s stories are interwoven with the main plot. This structure keeps the audience engaged, as each story unfolds layers of Vedha’s character and challenges Vikram’s black-and-white worldview. The narrative is inspired by the folklore of King Vikramaditya and the Vedhalam, cleverly adapted into the cops-and-gangsters genre.
The film’s screenplay is intelligently written, with each story serving as a moral puzzle that adds depth to the characters and the overall narrative. The non-linear storytelling adds to the suspense, keeping the audience guessing about the true intentions of Vedha and the eventual outcome of his cat-and-mouse game with Vikram. This approach not only adds to the suspense but also ensures that the film’s thematic explorations are layered and profound.
Strong Performances
The performances by the lead actors are the film’s strongest assets. R. Madhavan as Vikram delivers a nuanced performance, perfectly portraying a tough cop grappling with moral dilemmas. His portrayal of Vikram’s internal conflict adds depth to his character, making his journey compelling. Madhavan’s ability to convey Vikram’s strength and vulnerability simultaneously adds a layer of complexity to his character, making his transformation throughout the film believable and engaging.
Vijay Sethupathi as Vedha is mesmerizing. His charismatic presence and enigmatic portrayal of the gangster make Vedha a memorable character. Sethupathi’s ability to oscillate between menace and charm adds layers to Vedha, making him both a formidable antagonist and a sympathetic figure. His performance captures the essence of a man who is both ruthless and deeply philosophical, challenging the audience to see beyond his criminal exterior. Their on-screen chemistry and the intense confrontations between Vikram and Vedha are the highlights of the film, making their scenes together electric and compelling.
The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, adding depth and complexity to the story. Shraddha Srinath as Priya, Vikram’s wife and Vedha’s lawyer, brings a strong, empathetic presence to the film. Her dual loyalties create an additional layer of tension. Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Chandra, Vedha’s brother’s girlfriend, and Kathir as Pulli, Vedha’s brother, also deliver noteworthy performances, contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
Technical Brilliance
The film’s technical aspects are equally impressive. PS Vinod’s cinematography captures the gritty essence of Chennai, enhancing the film’s realism. His use of lighting and framing adds a visual poetry to the film, complementing the narrative’s tone. The visuals are breathtaking, showcasing the gritty streets of Chennai in all their raw beauty. Vinod’s cinematography not only sets the mood but also enhances the storytelling, making the city an integral part of the narrative.
The music by Sam C. S. is another standout element. The background score and songs, particularly “Yaanji,” enhance the emotional and thematic depth of the film. The music effectively underscores the tension and drama, elevating the overall viewing experience. The score complements the film’s tone perfectly, oscillating between haunting and energetic as required by the narrative. The song “Yaanji,” in particular, adds a poignant touch to Vikram and Priya’s relationship, showcasing the softer side of Vikram amidst the chaos of his professional life.
Themes and Symbolism
“Vikram Vedha” delves deep into themes of morality, justice, and the duality of human nature. Vedha’s stories serve as moral allegories, challenging the audience to reflect on the nature of good and evil. The film explores the thin line separating right from wrong, emphasizing that these concepts are often not as clear-cut as they seem. The narrative questions the traditional notions of heroism and villainy, showing that morality is subjective and often depends on perspective.
The film’s climax ties these themes together, providing a satisfying resolution to the narrative’s moral quandaries. The carefully placed clues and seemingly casual conversations throughout the film come together in a satisfying conclusion, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship behind the narrative. The directors’ ability to weave these themes into a compelling thriller is commendable, making “Vikram Vedha” a film that not only entertains but also provokes thought.
Personal Opinion
“Vikram Vedha” is a masterful blend of intelligent storytelling, strong performances, and technical excellence. It stands out in the crime thriller genre for its innovative narrative structure and thematic depth. The film not only entertains but also provokes thought, making it a memorable cinematic experience. The performances by Madhavan and Sethupathi are particularly praiseworthy, bringing their complex characters to life with conviction and charisma. The film’s exploration of morality and justice adds layers of complexity to the narrative, making it a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
What’s Good
- Innovative Narrative: The non-linear storytelling and moral puzzles keep the audience engaged and intrigued.
- Strong Performances: R. Madhavan and Vijay Sethupathi deliver outstanding performances, with their on-screen chemistry being a major highlight.
- Technical Excellence: PS Vinod’s cinematography and Sam C. S.’s music score enhance the film’s visual and emotional appeal.
- Thematic Depth: The film’s exploration of morality and justice adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
What’s Bad
- Pacing Issues: Some viewers might find the film’s structure slightly tiresome, as the repeated storytelling can feel laidback at times.
- Lack of Gravitas: Despite its strengths, the film occasionally lacks the emotional intensity expected from a crime thriller of this caliber.
Rating
Overall, “Vikram Vedha” is an exceptional film that showcases the best of Tamil cinema. Its well-crafted screenplay, strong performances, and technical brilliance make it a must-watch for fans of the crime thriller genre. The film not only entertains but also engages the audience in a profound exploration of moral complexities.
FAQs
- Is Vikram Vedha 2017 a remake?
No, the 2017 film “Vikram Vedha” is not a remake. However, it was remade in Hindi in 2022 by the same directors.
- Is Vikram Vedha hit or flop?
“Vikram Vedha” was a hit, both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, grossing ₹600 million worldwide.
- Is Vikram Vedha a true story?
No, “Vikram Vedha” is not based on real-life events. It is inspired by the Indian folklore of King Vikramaditya and the Vedhalam.
- Where is the original Vikram Vedha available?
The original “Vikram Vedha” is available for streaming on platforms like Hotstar.
- Is Vikram Vedha on Netflix or Prime?
As of now, “Vikram Vedha” is not available on Netflix. It can be streamed on Hotstar.