Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai: Part 2 weaves its narrative as both a sequel and a prequel. On one hand, it continues from the arrest of Vaathiyaar, also known as Perumal (played by Vijay Sethupathi, who masterfully portrays the character’s blend of anger and empathy). On the other, it delves into the backstory of how Perumal, a righteous schoolteacher, transforms into Vaathiyaar, a revolutionary filled with both fervor and compassion.
While the first part focused on Kumaresan, this installment largely centers on Perumal. Despite the story feeling somewhat familiar, Vetri Maaran’s strong storytelling keeps it engaging. The film relies heavily on dialogues to evoke emotion, with lines like “Nallavangala irukkaradhunaala mattum Indha samoogathulla endha kotpaadayum maathida mudiyadhu” and “Vazhi nadatha thalaivar mukkiyam illa thathuvam dhaan mukkiyam” striking a deep chord. The romantic subplot between Perumal and Mahalakshmi (played effectively by Manju Warrier) adds a refreshing touch.
As expected from Vetri Maaran, the film is intricately detailed. From the backdoor politics and power plays in the corridors of authority to small details like why Mahalakshmi keeps her hair cropped or the operational methods of activists, the film draws us into its richly constructed world. It also explores the potential pitfalls of activism, showing how even well-meaning efforts can sometimes lose their way.
The movie shines brightest during its portrayal of internal discussions within the authorities, particularly their attempts to cover up failures or manipulate narratives. Rajiv Menon delivers a standout performance as the chief secretary, capturing the nuances of a high-ranking bureaucrat with finesse.
However, Viduthalai: Part 2 doesn’t fully meet the expectations of a compelling narrative. Much like the police circling endlessly in the forest, the film reiterates familiar themes: caste oppression, the corrupting nature of power, the systemic use of police as tools of oppression, and the limited efficacy of violence as a means of protest. While these are important points, their delivery—especially in Vijay Sethupathi’s dialogues—often feels overly preachy, which is uncharacteristic of Vetri Maaran’s usually nuanced approach.
Additionally, the central arc of Kumaresan’s transformation—his awakening to the harsh realities of the world—would have been more impactful if it had unfolded within a single film. With Kumaresan sidelined in this part, the climax lacks the emotional impact it could have delivered.
In the end, while Viduthalai: Part 2 is undeniably a well-crafted political drama, it misses the mark of being a truly powerful cinematic experience.
