The simple mention of Vetri Maaran's name raises standards, which Viduthalai Part 1 easily exceeds. The film begins with a stunning single-shot scene showing the aftermath of a train explosion, setting the tone for an engrossing experience. Viduthalai Part 1 is about a confrontation between the police force and an activist organisation working to safeguard indigenous people and their resources.
Soori portrays Kumeresan, a police officer stationed in a delicate hilly area where the conflict is at its peak. As he becomes more familiar with the area, he unintentionally saves the life of an indigenous lady, inciting the anger of his bosses and exposing him to the brutality of the local police force. The department initiates "Ghost Hunt," an operation to apprehend Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi), the activist group's head, and obstruct their progress. While no one knows where Vaathiyaar is, Kumeresan claims to have some clues on his whereabouts.
As Kumeresan falls in love with one of the indigenous women (Bhavani Sre), the police force starts to wield power over the people in order to apprehend Vaathiyaar. Kumeresan, caught in the crossfire, has no option but to follow Vaathiyaar in order to save many lives.
Viduthalai Part 1 is another riveting story from Vetri Maaran, who is renowned for his compelling writing and staging. The film captivates the audience with tension from the start and leads them on a voyage of impactful conflicts. Though the events leading up to the conflicts are straightforward, Vetri Maaran's vision for portraying them is extremely potent, inducing a surge of adrenaline in the audience.
The climactic moments are flawless action routines that seamlessly move into Part 2.
Part 2's short appearances provide a gratifying conclusion, leaving viewers anxious to learn more about the truth and politics at the heart of the conflicts. While there are instances of police violence, Vetri Maaran's depiction is balanced, presenting both sides of the story. The ensemble is expertly selected, with Soori effortlessly sliding into his character and Vijay Sethupathi giving a threatening performance as Vaathiyaar despite having little screen time.
The background music by Ilaiyaraaja is a notable feature, fully immersing viewers in the film's scenery and brutal events. Some scenes may be difficult to witness due to their realistic depiction of violence. While there are some technological flaws, they are understandable given the film's size and the terrain in which it was filmed.
Other performers, such as Chethan, Rajiv Menon, and Gautham Menon, make significant contributions to the film's development. In a few moments, Bhavani Sre gives an intense portrayal that makes them stand out.
At two and a half hours, Viduthalai Part 1 maintains a consistent tempo and engages viewers with high-tension situations. It remains loyal to Vetri Maaran's manner and craftsmanship, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the sequel.
