Latest news with #Viduthalai2
India Today
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Narivetta review: Tovino Thomas headlines powerful film on systemic oppression
What do 'Jigarthanda Double X', 'Viduthalai 2', and 'Narivetta' have in common? It has protagonists who fall victim to systemic oppression - a hero who represents a system, later realises the truth, who represents the right, and who fights for what's right, even if it means an end to one's Peter (Tovino Thomas) is a man, much like his father. The two men are not interested in doing simple jobs to pass the day. They aim high, which is a testament to their potential. Varghese lives with his mother after his father took his life. He is awaiting calls for two jobs – a village assistant and a police constable. Varghese, who doesn't think twice about borrowing money from the women in his life, is uninterested in both a constable will limit his abilities, he says. However, his situation and the shame of his girlfriend's father force him to take up the constable job. When Varghese dons the uniform, he is an angry man. Basheer (Suraj Venjaramoodu) guides him and keeps his anger in check. When they are posted in Wayanad, they are forced to evacuate a bunch of Adivasis who are protesting for land rights. Director Anuraj Manohar takes a straight approach with 'Narivetta'. It starts with Varghese's life as a man who depends on the women in his life and ends with the moment he finds the true purpose of his life. Of late, Malayalam cinema has cracked the code with cop thrillers. But 'Narivetta' takes a different approach. It follows a non-linear format and takes the story back and initial stretches of 'Narivetta' begin on a slow note as we are introduced to Varghese and his tryst with multiple jobs that he is not satisfied with. Then, we see Varghese romancing his girlfriend (Priyamvada Krishnan), who takes care of his needs. It's only after a temporary separation from her that he lands himself the constable job. This is where the film picks up momentum. It is easy to say that 'Narivetta' could feel like two different films pre- and post-interval. The politics of 'Narivetta' is quite strong. It exposes a corrupt police system and makes us squirm in our seats with every selfish move they make. Keshavadas (Cheran), who initially pretends to be a good cop, changes his colours, much to the shock of Varghese. When the new cop begins to understand the politics behind the Adivasis' protest, it changes his perception and makes him realise his true Thomas is extraordinary in 'Narivetta', especially during the police vs Adivasis stand-off sequence towards the climax. It is brilliantly shot by cinematographer Vijay. And Jakes Bejoy's music lends tension during the moments when there's injustice meted out to the Adivasis. Suraj Venjaramood as the empathetic Basheer makes one believe there are good cops amid many corrupt ones. Cheran, a popular director in Tamil cinema, plays a grey-shaded character. While he is mostly effective, he has a one-tone expression, which dampens the 'Narivetta', the filmmaker exposed police brutality with scenes that shed light on custodial torture and illegal detention. While the film's politics is straightforward, the storyline could have been gripping.3 out of 5 stars for 'Narivetta'.
Pink Villa
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Just for the money? Vijay Sethupathi's HONEST take on big budget films
Vijay Sethupathi has been in the limelight recently due to his packed film schedule. He recently addressed whether he chooses projects purely for monetary gain or focuses only on big-budget films. In an interview with Galatta, the acclaimed actor clarified that in all his years in the industry, there hasn't been a single instance where he did a film just for the money. He also explained that the notion of him doing only big-budget films is not true, as not all such projects succeed at the box office. Vijay Sethupathi referred to his film Kadaisi Vivasayi, which earned relatively little at the box office but was still widely loved by audiences. He said, 'I don't make movies for money. Kadaisi Vivasayi made only 65 lakhs in theaters, but I'm happy people like it now. Even big-budget movies don't always do well.' Recently, Vijay announced his involvement in Puri Jagannadh's next film, which also stars Radhika Apte and Tabu in key roles. However, Vijay was questioned about his decision to collaborate with a filmmaker who has had past unsuccessful projects. In an interview with ETimes, he explained that he doesn't judge a filmmaker by their previous movie outcomes. Instead, his choice depends entirely on the script—if he likes it, he moves forward with the project. He added, 'Puri narrated a story to me that I liked. I have not done a film like this before, and I always want to pick new stories so that I don't repeat myself.' On the work front, Vijay Sethupathi's last two films, Maharaja and Viduthalai 2, were major hits and performed exceptionally well at the box office. Looking ahead, he has three exciting projects lined up, including Ace, set to release on May 23, 2025. He is also starring in Train, directed by Mysskin and co-starring Shruti Haasan, as well as Thalaivan Thalaivii with Nithya Menen.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Every film is political: Vetrimaaran The Hindu Huddle 2025
At The Hindu's The Huddle 2025, acclaimed filmmaker Vetrimaaran opens up about the politics of storytelling, his approach to cinema, and why even the most subtle films carry a message. In this candid conversation, he talks about his upcoming projects Viduthalai 2 and Vaadivaasal, the delay in Vada Chennai 2, and why he believes art has the power to shape political consciousness—sometimes more effectively than overt protest. Watch the full session for insight into the mind behind Asuran, Visaranai, and more.
