The movie is set in the 80s in Tamil Nadu, where a rebel force is in guerilla warfare against the police. Vetri Maaran explores the system versus the oppressed theme with his hero, Kumaresan, who doesn't feel revolt is necessary. The film opens with a single-take shot of a train accident caused by a mine blast, and the climax sequence of Kumaresan going against the Vaathiyar as he wants to save those innocents who rooted for Vaathiyar is a great presentation. Vetri Maaran teases the audience with footage from the upcoming second part of Viduthalai Part 1, which will be more political and to the point. The movie is set in the 80s in Tamil Nadu, where a rebel force is in guerilla warfare against the police.

The police hunt for Perumal and the People's Force, and the brutality that happened with those who empathized with Perumal. Kumaresan is a righteous man who doesn't feel revolt is necessary despite facing discrimination in the workplace. The film opens with a single-take shot of a train accident caused by a mine blast, and Vetri Maaran introduces him to the real world. The climax sequence of Kumaresan going against the Vaathiyar is a great presentation of irony mixed with a dilemma.

Vetri Maaran's films have been successful, both critically and commercially, and Viduthalai Part 1 is his most politically-charged narrative yet. The cops in his films are usually subservient people or treacherous power-wielders, but here we get an entire spectrum of policemen. It would have been fitting to title the film 50 Shades of Khaki.

Kumaresan (Soori) is a new joiner at a police camp in a village near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. He learns the ways of the constables and the Makkal Padai movement headed by Perumal (Vijay Sethupathi). The revolutionaries and police force are in a crossfire, with the villagers supporting Perumal to save them and the land.

Viduthalai focuses on the conflict between the troops and the group, as well as Kumaresan's trials and tribulations. He must trade his innocence and morals for recognition in his job and love in Tamizharasi.

Viduthalai Part 1 is a story of Kumaresan coming to terms with the harsh realities of the world and the powers vested in those in charge. Soori plays Kumaresan, a good shooter who is forced to do basic chores, symbolizing a man who is ready to take  the helms.