Tamil cinema’s new-wave filmmaker Nalan Kumarasamy, best known forSoodhu KavvumandKadhalum Kadandhu Pogum, returns after a long gap withVaa Vaathiyaar, released this Pongal. Starring Karthi in the lead, the film promises an offbeat ride that blends satire, politics, psychology and even superhero tropes. The idea is bold, but the execution doesn’t quite soar.
The story revolves around Ramu (Karthi), born at the exact moment asM. G. Ramachandran. His grandfather (Rajkiran), an ardent MGR devotee, raises him on the late leader’s ideals. Ironically, this rigid honesty makes Ramu resent MGR and instead idolise actorM. N. Nambiar, whose on-screen villainy shapes Ramu’s worldview.
As an adult, Ramu becomes a corrupt police officer in the fictional village of Maasila. He gets entangled with businessman Periyasamy (Sathyaraj) and the state’s Chief Minister (Nizhalgal Ravi), both deeply enmeshed in illegal dealings. A personal tragedy triggers a drastic psychological shift in Ramu, pushing the film into alter-ego and superhero territory.
The first half is whereVaa Vaathiyaarworks best. Nalan smartly establishes the central idea, using pop-culture references and MGR’s larger-than-life image to root a Western-inspired concept in Tamil sensibilities. Karthi is in top form here — playful, intense and effortlessly charismatic. His MGR-inspired mannerisms are a delight, and his character arc in the initial stretch is among the film’s strongest aspects.
The supporting cast adds flavour but remains unevenly used.Sathyarajis dependable as the manipulative businessman, whileKrithi Shettyplays Wu, a mysterious woman who senses spirits and aids Ramu during his transformation. Despite an interesting setup, her character feels underwritten and underutilised.
Music bySanthosh Narayananis a mixed bag. While the background score effectively elevates key moments, especially during Ramu’s transformation, the songs often interrupt the narrative flow and slow the pacing.
The film’s biggest drawback is its second half. After setting up a compelling premise,Vaa Vaathiyaarplays it safe. The alter-ego angle never digs deep into psychological complexity, and the narrative settles into predictability. The climax, in particular, feels rushed, resolving conflicts too quickly after building them up with care.
In the end,Vaa Vaathiyaaris a film rich in ideas but short on payoff. Karthi’s committed performance and the film’s quirky first half make it watchable, but the lack of narrative ambition in the latter portions holds it back. It’s an enjoyable but ultimately frustrating experience — one that makes you wish it had pushed its fascinating concept much further.
