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Viduthalai Part 1

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Viduthalai Part 1
Theatrical release poster
Directed byVetrimaaran
Written byVetrimaaran
R. S. Durai Senthilkumar
Mathi Maran
Screenplay by
Based onThunaivan
by B. Jeyamohan Vengaichami
by Thangam
Produced byElred Kumar
Starring
CinematographyR. Velraj
Edited byR. Ramar
Music byIlaiyaraaja
Production
companies
Distributed byRed Giant Movies
Release date
  • 31 March 2023 (2023-03-31)[1]
Running time
150 minutes[2]
CountryIndia
LanguageTamil
Budgetest. ₹40 crore[3]

Viduthalai (transl. Liberation; titled on-screen as Viduthalai Part-1) is a 2023 Indian Tamil-language period political crime thriller film directed and co-produced by Vetrimaaran under Grass Root Film Company and RS Infotainment. It is the first of a two-part adaptation of the short story Thunaivan (transl. Companion) by Jeyamohan. Set in 1987, the film follows a police constable, who is recruited to arrest the leader of a separatist group. The ensemble cast includes Soori, Vijay Sethupathi, Bhavani Sre, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Rajiv Menon, Ilavarasu, Balaji Sakthivel, Saravana Subbiah, Chetan, Munnar Ramesh, and Pavel Navageethan.

Viduthalai was originally announced as a single film in April 2021, with principal photography already having commenced in December 2020. However, it was later announced to be released in two parts. It was predominantly shot in Chengalpattu, with the first part's portions wrapping by late December 2022. The music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, cinematography handled by R. Velraj and editing by R. Ramar.

Viduthalai released on 31 March 2023 in theatres to positive reviews from critics and became a commercial success at the box office. A direct sequel titled Viduthalai Part 2 was released in 2024.

Plot

[edit]

In 1987, a train derailment occurs in rural Tamil Nadu, leaving many people severely injured or dead. Following the rescue operation, the officials begin their investigation, and indict the extremist group Makkal Padai (transl. People's Army), who, they say, caused the incident as a protest against the state government's decision to allow a mining company from taking over their hilltop village for a project. The government announces Operation Ghosthunt to capture the group's leader Vaathiyar Perumal, whose identity and whereabouts are unknown.

Meanwhile, Kumaresan is a newly-recruited constable who joins a police batch named E-Company as a new driver. Kumaresan learns about the complicated alliances and conflicts between Makkal Padai and the government, where he also discovers that following orders are essential and that he cannot always help the locals, which conflicts with his helpful nature. Kumaresan also discovers about the intricacies of bureaucracy and the difficulties of professional life, especially as a newly recruited officer. Kumaresan also falls in love with Tamilarasi "Pappa", the granddaughter of a woman whom Kumaresan once rescued to be admitted in hospital after a bear attack. Due to a brutal incident orchestrated by E-Company's Officer-in-charge (OC) Ragavendar, the government assigns DSP Sunil Menon as the head of the operation.

The police decide to turn the residents of the hill village against Perumal. Sunil interrogates a villager and manages to sketch Perumal's face, causing Kumaresan to realise that the people which he helped during his duty hours were actually Perumal and his men. He relays this information to Head Constable Chandran, unaware that Chandran is actually a part of Makkal Padai and Perumal's mole. Chandran secretly informs Perumal about Kumaresan. Makkal Padai attempts to assassinate him but it appears as an attempt on Sunil, but he manages to escape unscathed. Kumaresan learns from Pappa that Perumal has actually been targeting officers who are committing atrocities against innocents in the name of police interrogation.

Pappa also reveals that the officers were involved in the death of her father, which led her mother to suffer a mental breakdown. Kumaresan realises about the extent of police brutality against the villagers. During the construction in the hilltop village, Makkal Padai attacks the inauguration ceremony, where they shoot four officers dead. Enraged, Sunil orders the police to arrest any villagers who are suspected to be involved with Makkal Padai. The police drag the villagers away for interrogation, where Pappa's grandmother is killed during torture. A few days later, Pappa is arrested and tortured along with other villagers from her village by E-Company as the police believe that one of them is Perumal's close relative.

Wracked with guilt, Kumaresan meets Sunil and tells him about Perumal's hideout, where he is assigned along with other officers to arrest Perumal. After a massive shootout, Kumaresan manages to arrest Perumal. Pappa draws the police attention to save others and is taken away. Perumal is interrogated in custody, while Kumaresan is unable to find Pappa. Ragavendar suspends Kumaresan for not filing an act-of-subordination memo and tells that he will take credit for Kumaresan's effort to arrest Perumal.

In the mid-credits scene, a photographer sneaks into the camp and records the brutal atrocities on women by the police department. Perumal is interrogated and insulted by Sunil. Later, Perumal manages to escape and meets with Kumaresan in the forest, where he reveals important information about the train attack. Perumal tells Kumaresan and the police to find the truth behind the attack.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

After wrapping work on Asuran in mid-2019, it was reported that director Vetrimaaran was in talks with Soori as the lead for his next directorial venture. Elred Kumar would reportedly be project under the banner RS Infotainment.[8] The production was reported to begin after the director completed the post-production for Asuran.[9][10] The following October, Vetrimaaran confirmed that he would direct Soori's debut as a lead.[11] The company made a public announcement a few days later.[12] Tentatively titled Production No. 15, the project would be based on late Na. Muthukumar's poem Pattampoochi Virpavan.[13] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commencement of production was postponed.[14] It was later confirmed that the project would be based on B. Jeyamohan's short story Thunaivan.[15]

To reduce production cost, the makers reportedly began filming the portions with an IPhone, which was never done before in Tamil cinema.[16] The film's official title Viduthalai was announced on 21 April 2021.[17][18] Originally intended to be a single film, it was later split into two parts.[19] Cinematography was handled by R. Velraj, editing by R. Ramar, and action choreography by Peter Hein.[20]

Casting and filming

[edit]

Soori worked with Vetrimaaran from the inception of the project, and Viduthalai Part 1 became his first film in a leading role. He said Vijay Sethupathi earlier advised him to explore all kinds of roles and not restrict himself to the comedic roles he was primarily known for.[21] Sethupathi eventually joined the cast,[22][23] with his character based on Kaliyaperumal Vaathiyaar, a member of the Tamil Desiyam Group who operated in the 1980s.[24][25] Bharathiraja initially joined the cast, although he was replaced by Kishore during the filming of the first schedule.[26] In January 2021, Bhavani Sre, sister of composer G. V. Prakash Kumar, was announced to be playing the female lead, in her third feature film after Ka Pae Ranasingam and Paava Kadhaigal (both 2020).[27][28] In April 2021, Gautham Vasudev Menon was reported to play the role of a police officer.[29]

The filmmakers moved to Sathyamangalam forest to prepare to shoot major sequences featuring Soori during December 2020.[30][31] Bharathiraja left the film due to the weather conditions of Sathyamangalam, which led Vetrimaaran to replace him with Kishore.[26] The shooting of the film took place in Sathyamangalam for three months, and the filmmakers moved to Chengalpattu in April 2021, in which the filmmakers erected a police camp set, and shot there for 20 days.[24] The filmmakers later planned to shoot the last leg of the film at Sathyamangalam after the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions there ended.[32] Principal photography wrapped by 31 December 2022.[33]

Music

[edit]
Viduthalai Part 1
Soundtrack album by
Ilaiyaraaja
Released8 March 2023
Recorded2022–2023
GenreFeature film soundtrack
Length13:51
LanguageTamil
LabelSony Music South
External audio
audio icon Viduthalai Part 1 – Jukebox on YouTube
Singles from Vidhuthalai Part 1
  1. "Onnoda Nadandhaa"
    Released: 8 February 2023

The film's soundtrack is composed by Ilaiyaraaja in his maiden collaboration with Vetrimaaran.[34] Ilaiyaraaja composed the song of the film in his newly launched music studio in Kodambakkam, after his falling-out with Prasad Studios, where he recorded songs for nearly four decades.[35] Music composition of the film began in February 2021.[36] The music rights were purchased by Sony Music India. The first single titled "Onnoda Nadandhaa" released on 8 February 2023.[37]

Track listing
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Onnoda Nadandhaa"SukaDhanush, Ananya Bhat5:11
2."Kaattumalli"IlaiyaraajaIlaiyaraaja, Ananya Bhat5:07
3."Arutperunjodhi"Vallalar, ThangamIlaiyaraaja3:33
Total length:13:51

Release

[edit]

The distribution rights for Tamil Nadu were acquired by Red Giant Movies.[38] The overseas distribution rights for UK and Europe were acquired by Ahimsa Entertainment.[39] The film released theatrically on 31 March 2023.[1] It was later screened at the 54th International Film Festival of India.[40]

Home media

[edit]

The film began streaming on ZEE5 from 28 April 2023.[41]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]
Critics praised the performances of Soori (left) and Vijay Sethupathi.

Viduthalai: Part 1 received positive reviews from critics.[42]

Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai Part 1 maintains a consistent pace and keeps viewers engaged with moments of high tension. It stays true to Vetri Maaran's style and artistry, making audiences eager for the sequel."[43] P. Sangeetha of OTTPlay gave 4/5 and wrote "Viduthalai scores on all corners, be it the plot, narration, background score, acting performances, cinematography and not to forget, the filmmaking. A brilliant film from the Vetri Maaran stable!"[44] Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl of The Week gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai is a multi-layered film, held together by a gripping narrative."[45]

Latha Srinivasan of India Today gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai (Freedom) is a film that is a must-watch because it offers a new cinematic perspective of Vetrimaaran and especially because Soori is outstanding."[46] Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Vetrimaaran is back with another film about police brutality that is heart-wrenching and might be a hard watch if you prefer your safety zone."[47] Bharathy Singaravel of The News Minute gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Soori is masterful in Vetrimaaran's gritty political spectacle."[48]

Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times wrote "Viduthalai: Part 1, which is definitely not for the faint-hearted, is an elaborate, detailed exploration of abuse of power."[49] Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu wrote "Viduthalai: Part 1 ends at a crucial juncture and the ending makes it evident that exponentially more incidents are bound to happen in the sequel; Vetri Maaran leaves us on the edge of our seats."[50] Vishal Menon of Film Companion wrote "Viduthalai remains the rare instance in a Vetri Maaran movie where you do not have to take a disciplined, conscious effort to wash away the chilling imagery. It’s still a powerful film but it’s arguably the only time a film of his did not feel like a punch to your gut."[51]

Box office

[edit]

Viduthalai: Part 1 grossed ₹4.8 crore on its release day, and ₹28 crore worldwide in four days.[52][53]

Accolades

[edit]
Award[a] Date of ceremony[b] Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
69th Filmfare Awards South 3 August 2024 Critics Best Film — Tamil (Director) Vetrimaaran Won [54]
Best Film – Tamil Viduthalai Part 1 Nominated [55]
Best Director – Tamil Vetrimaaran Nominated
Best Actor – Tamil Soori Nominated
Best Actress – Tamil Bhavani Sre Nominated
Best Music Director – Tamil Ilaiyaraaja Nominated
Best Lyricist – Tamil Suka for "Onnoda Nadandhaa" Nominated

Sequel

[edit]

The sequel Viduthalai Part 2 was released on 20 December 2024.[56]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Awards, festivals and organisations are in alphabetical order.
  2. ^ Date is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Vetri Maaran's 'Viduthalai Part 1' to hit the screens on March 31". The Times of India. 20 March 2023. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  2. ^ "Vetri Maaran's directorial 'Viduthalai 1' gets censored; run time revealed". The Times of India. 24 March 2023. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 27 March 2023. ... the film will have a run time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
  3. ^ "Vetri Maaran to film an expensive train action sequence for 'Viduthalai'". The Times of India. 5 September 2022. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  4. ^ நான் monitor பாக்கும்போது பயந்துட்டேன் 😱 | Viduthalai Actor Bala Hasan Interview | VJ Dhanush (in Tamil). Provoke TV. 11 April 2023. Archived from the original on 11 May 2023. Retrieved 11 May 2023 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ Viduthalai -க்கு உயிரையே கொடுத்திருக்கார் Soori! (in Tamil). Cinema Vikatan. 14 April 2023. Archived from the original on 15 April 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023 – via YouTube.
  6. ^ " வெற்றி மாறனோட அரசியலே வேற " – Viduthalai Makkal Padai Round Table | Vetrimaaran | Soori (in Tamil). SS Music. 2 April 2023. Archived from the original on 9 May 2023. Retrieved 9 May 2023 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ Vetrimaran's 'Viduthalai' to release in two parts (in Tamil). Provoke TV. 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 1 May 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2023 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ "Vetrimaaran to team up with Soori after Dhanush's Asuran". India Today. 25 July 2019. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  9. ^ "Vetrimaaran to direct a film with Soori in the lead". Cinema Express. 10 July 2019. Archived from the original on 15 December 2024. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  10. ^ "Comedian Soori to play the lead in Vetrimaaran's next?". The Times of India. 25 July 2019. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  11. ^ Sekar, Raja (7 October 2019). "Vetrimaaran on Asuran, his relationship with Dhanush, Vada Chennai 2, and upcoming film with Soori". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  12. ^ "Vetri Maaran's film with Soori to be produced by Elred Kumar". Cinema Express. 6 October 2019. Archived from the original on 9 February 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  13. ^ "Asuran director Vetrimaaran's next announced". The Times of India. 17 October 2019. Archived from the original on 11 November 2019. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  14. ^ "Vetri Maaran's film with Soori is based on a short story written by Jeyamohan". The Times of India. 1 December 2020. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  15. ^ "Will Vetrimaaran keep the name of Jeyamohan's short story as the title of his movie with Soori?". The Times of India. 3 December 2020. Archived from the original on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  16. ^ "Vetri Maaran uses a new technique to shoot his film with Soori". The Times of India. 19 January 2021. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  17. ^ "First look posters of Vidhuthalai, starring Vijay Sethupathi, Soori, unveiled; Vetri Maaran directorial to release in multiple languages". Firstpost. 22 April 2021. Archived from the original on 14 August 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  18. ^ K, Janani (22 April 2021). "Vijay Sethupathi, Soori and Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai first-look posters out". India Today. Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  19. ^ "Vetrimaran's 'Viduthalai' to release in two parts". The New Indian Express. IANS. 2 September 2022. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  20. ^ Devan, Aswin (27 March 2023). "Making video of Viduthalai Part 1 is out". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  21. ^ Sangeetha, P (23 March 2023). "Viduthalai censored; Vetri Maaran narrated two scripts to Soori before the film". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 24 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  22. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (6 January 2021). "Vijay Sethupathi to team up with Vetrimaaran for next project: report". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 17 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  23. ^ "Vijay Sethupathi joins hands with Vetrimaaran's finally?". The Times of India. 6 January 2021. Archived from the original on 18 March 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  24. ^ a b CR, Sharanya (2 May 2021). "Vijay Sethupathi's role as Vaathiyaar in Viduthalai is based on a real-life person". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Exclusive interview with son of the real Vaathiyaar on whom Vetrimaaran's 'Viduthalai' is based". IndiaGlitz.com. 3 April 2023. Archived from the original on 11 April 2023. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  26. ^ a b "Vetri Maaran replaces Bharathiraja with Kishore in his next starring Soori". The Times of India. 28 December 2020. Archived from the original on 19 April 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  27. ^ "Director Vetri Maaran ropes in actress Bhavani Sre opposite Soori for his next". The Times of India. 15 January 2021. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  28. ^ "Bhavani Sre to play the female lead in Vetrimaaran-Soori film?". Cinema Express. 14 January 2021. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  29. ^ K, Janani (25 April 2021). "Gautham Menon to play a cop in Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai. Details here". India Today. Archived from the original on 26 April 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  30. ^ "Vetrimaaran makes a big change in his film with Soori". The Times of India. 26 November 2020. Archived from the original on 17 July 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  31. ^ "Vetri Maaran and Soori commence shooting their next in Sathyamangalam". The Times of India. 20 December 2020. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  32. ^ "Vijay's film with Vetrimaaran will be one of the most expected films: GV Prakash". The Times of India. 20 September 2020. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  33. ^ "விஜய் சேதுபதிக்கு நன்றி சொன்ன சூரி". Nakkheeran (in Tamil). 31 December 2022. Archived from the original on 3 January 2023. Retrieved 3 January 2023.
  34. ^ "Ilayaraja to compose music for Vetri Maaran's film with Soori". The Times of India. 7 December 2020. Archived from the original on 14 January 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  35. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (3 February 2021). "Ilayaraja sets up own music studio, begins work on Vetrimaaran's film, see pics". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  36. ^ "Ilaiyaraaja opens own studio in Kodambakkam after Prasad studio row". The News Minute. 3 February 2021. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  37. ^ Purushothaman, Kirubhakar (8 February 2023). "Viduthalai song Onnoda Nadandhaa is a hopeful melody from Ilaiyaraaja, Dhanush and Ananya Bhat". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  38. ^ Menon, Thinkal (1 September 2022). "Red Giant Movies bags theatrical rights of Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai which will release in two parts". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  39. ^ Alar (4 April 2023). "Viduthalai Part 1: Actor Soori expresses gratitude for gratitude for the overwhelming response to the film". The New Stuff. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  40. ^ "Indian Panorama 2023 Announces Official Selection for 54th IFFI, 2023". Press Information Bureau. 23 October 2023. Archived from the original on 21 November 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023 – via press release.
  41. ^ "Viduthalai Part 1 OTT release: When, where to watch Soori, Vijay Sethupathi film online". Hindustan Times. 25 April 2023. Archived from the original on 27 April 2023. Retrieved 27 April 2023.
  42. ^ "'Viduthalai Part 1' box office day 1: Vijay Sethupathi and Soori starrer gets a vibrant response". The Times of India. 1 April 2023. Archived from the original on 1 April 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
  43. ^ Balachandran, Logesh (31 March 2023). "Viduthalai Part 1 Movie Review : Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai Part 1 is a potent socio-political portrayal of a struggle for liberation". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  44. ^ Sangeetha, P (29 April 2023). "Viduthalai Part 1 Review: Soori delivers his career-best performance in this gut-wrenching and riveting Vetri Maaran drama". OTTPlay. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  45. ^ Kuniyl, Sarath Ramesh (31 March 2023). "Viduthalai – Part 1 review: Soori steals the show in this Vetrimaaran flick". The Week. Archived from the original on 6 June 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  46. ^ Srinivasan, Latha (31 March 2023). "Viduthalai Part 1 Movie Review: Soori's standout performance is the highlight of this film". India Today. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  47. ^ Purushothaman, Kirubhakar (31 March 2023). "Vidhuthalai Part 1 review: Vetrimaaran's film rages against abuse of institutional power". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  48. ^ Singaravel, Bharathy (31 March 2023). "Viduthalai review: Soori is masterful in Vetrimaaran's gritty political spectacle". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  49. ^ Pudipeddi, Haricharan (31 March 2023). "Viduthalai Part 1 movie review: Vetrimaaran film is not for the faint-hearted, questions police brutality without fear". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  50. ^ Rajendran, Gopinath (31 March 2023). "'Viduthalai Part 1' movie review: Soori shines in Vetri Maaran's most politically-charged film yet". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  51. ^ Menon, Vishal (1 April 2023). "Viduthalai Part 1 Review: Reasonably Low-Impact For Vetri Maaran, But Still A Brutal Film". Film Companion. Archived from the original on 21 April 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
  52. ^ "Vetrimaaran, Vijay Sethupathi's 'Viduthalai – Part 1' box office collection picks up pace on Day 2". The Economic Times. 2 April 2023. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  53. ^ "'Viduthalai' box office collection day 4: Soori and Vijay Sethupathi starrer passes the Monday test". The Times of India. 4 April 2023. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
  54. ^ Nyayapati, Neeshita, ed. (4 August 2024). "Filmfare Awards South 2024 full winners list: Nani's Dasara, Siddharth's Chithha win big". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  55. ^ "Nominations for Filmfare Awards Tamil 2024 are out!". Filmfare. 16 July 2024. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
  56. ^ "Viduthalai 2 X review: Fans praise Vijay Sethupathi, say 'national award loading'". India Today. 20 December 2024. Archived from the original on 20 December 2024. Retrieved 21 December 2024.
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