The mere mention of Vetri Maaran's name invokes high expectations, and Viduthalai Part 1 surpasses them with ease. The film opens with a striking single-shot sequence depicting the aftermath of a train blast, setting the tone for a captivating experience. Viduthalai Part 1 centers around the conflict between the police department and an activist group striving to protect indigenous people and their resources.
Soori plays Kumeresan, a police driver stationed in a sensitive hilly region where the conflict is most intense. As he becomes more acquainted with the area, he inadvertently saves the life of an indigenous woman, inviting the wrath of his superiors and exposing him to the brutality of the police unit stationed there. The department launches "Ghost Hunt," an operation to capture Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi), the leader of the activist group, and impede their progress. While no one knows Vaathiyaar's whereabouts, Kumeresan claims to have certain leads on his location.
As Kumeresan falls in love with one of the tribal women (Bhavani Sre), the police force begins exercising their authority over the people to capture Vaathiyaar. Caught in the crossfire, Kumeresan has no choice but to pursue Vaathiyaar to save numerous lives.
The climactic scenes are masterfully executed action sequences that smoothly transition into Part 2. The brief glimpses of Part 2 provide a satisfying ending, leaving viewers eager to uncover the truth and politics behind the conflicts. While there are instances of police brutality, Vetri Maaran's portrayal is neutral, showcasing both sides of the issue. The cast is skillfully chosen, with Soori fitting into his role with ease and Vijay Sethupathi delivering a menacing performance as Vaathiyaar with minimal screen time.
Ilaiyaraaja's background score is a standout feature, completely immersing viewers in the film's landscape and brutal events. Some sequences may be hard to watch due to their realistic portrayal of brutality. While there are occasional technical flaws, they are forgivable given the film's scale and the terrain it was shot in.
Other actors, including Chethan, Rajiv Menon, and Gautham Menon, contribute well to the film's progression. Bhavani Sre delivers an intense performance in a few scenes, making them particularly memorable.
At two and a half hours, 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.
The sprawling single-shot opening stretch of Vetri Maaran’s Viduthalai is one that needs to be watched and re-watched. We’re pushed so uncomfortably close to a train wreck that the devastation is not just in front of us but it’s all around. Without a predictable geographic trail, camera movement is disorienting from the ground up to a bridge and into the few remaining compartments of the bombed train as bodies pile up and severed limbs jolt us into attention. It takes a whole 10 minutes for the camera to zoom back to learn the magnitude with the safe distance of watching another terrorist attack on another front page. The shock is intentional because there’s no way we can move ahead without feeling deep hatred for those who orchestrated this injustice.
