Vaa Vaathiyaar Movie Review: A Karthi-led Superhero film celebrating MGR’s ideals

After multiple delays, Vaa Vaathiyaar, starring Karthi and directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, finally arrives on the big screen. Known for his distinctive storytelling in Soodhu Kavvum and Kadhalum Kadandhu Pogum, Nalan returns with his third directorial: an ambitious blend of political satire, emotion, and hero worship rooted deeply in Tamil cinema’s cultural memory.

At its heart, Vaa Vaathiyaar tells a simple yet emotionally loaded story. A staunch devotee of MGR, played with conviction by Rajkiran, raises his grandson Ramachandran aka Ramu (Karthi) believing him to be the reincarnation of the legendary leader-actor. As Ramu grows up, the film explores the conflict between inherited ideals and personal beliefs, setting up a compelling emotional clash between legacy and individuality.

Karthi’s character is brought up to live, think, and behave like MGR: imbibing his values, mannerisms, and public persona. However, beneath this carefully cultivated image lies a sharp contrast: Ramu is, in reality, a corrupt police officer, pretending to be righteous only to satisfy his grandfather. This duality forms the crux of the narrative. As events unfold, the strong MGR influence manifests psychologically, blurring lines between belief and identity, and gradually pushing Ramu toward becoming the hero the people need.

The first half is engaging and character-driven, with Nalan Kumarasamy’s trademark wit and staging keeping the narrative lively. Karthi’s performance anchors this portion effectively. The interval block stands out as a true theatrical high, elevated by Santhosh Narayanan’s powerful remix of MGR’s iconic “Naan Ungal Veettu Pillai,” drawing thunderous applause.

The second half shifts gears into a more familiar superhero territory. Ramu fully embraces the “Vaathiyaar” persona, exposing political corruption and emerging as a savior figure. While the structure here feels conventional, the emotional payoff and cultural resonance keep it effective.

Performance wise, this is undeniably Karthi’s film. He effortlessly balances humour, menace, and reverence, shining both as the flawed corrupt cop and as a near mythical embodiment of MGR. His take on a homegrown superhero – rooted in ideology rather than costume, feels refreshing and heartfelt.

Rajkiran is excellent as the devoted grandfather, grounding the film emotionally. Sathyaraj plays the antagonist convincingly within the political backdrop, while Anandraj and Krithi Shetty make decent impressions in limited roles.

On the technical front, George C. Williams’ cinematography effectively captures the retro flavour and fantasy-infused moments. Santhosh Narayanan’s background score is a major strength, complementing the film’s emotional and heroic beats, with the MGR remixes adding nostalgic value. Vetre Krishnan’s editing is sharp and keeps the lengthy narrative largely in check.

Overall, Vaa Vaathiyaar is a superhero film deeply rooted in Tamil cultural ethos, celebrating the enduring legacy of MGR. While Nalan Kumarasamy’s writing could have explored its themes with greater depth, the film remains an enjoyable festive watch: powered by Karthi’s committed performance and a sincere tribute to a hero who continues to live in the hearts of millions.

Vaa Vaathiyaar Movie Rating: 3.25/5