The movie “Vettaiyan,” starring Rajinikanth, has faced severe backlash on social media for being a potential flop and propaganda film. On the other hand, Kovilpatti saw protests erupting against the film’s screening, leading to clashes between locals and theater owners, stirring significant unrest.

Released globally on 10 October 2024, “Vettaiyan” has drawn criticism for its portrayal of a government school in Gandhi Nagar, Kovilpatti, prompting a formal complaint at the Kovilpatti East Police Station. Residents from the Gandhinagar area staged a blockade at the Kovilpatti Lakshmi Theater, demanding the removal of the contentious scenes or the cessation of the “Vettaiyan” screening.

The police intervened to mediate the situation, and the protestors agreed to stand down after being assured that their concerns would be addressed. Tensions escalated in Kovilpatti when local women confronted theatre management, insisting on stopping the “Vettaiyan” screening. In response to one theatre executive’s remark about political affiliations, “Whoever you vote for, he is the one who has taken this film and released it,” the women asserted, “We will vote for whoever we choose; stop misrepresenting our children’s school.”

“Vettaiyan” boasts a notable cast, including Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, Fahadh Faasil, and others, with music composed by Anirudh. Released by Red Giant, the film has garnered heightened interest, especially following Rajinikanth’s previous release, “Jailer,” and the coinciding Ayudha Puja festival celebrations.

TJ Gnanavel faced criticism for allegedly spreading false propaganda in Jai Bhim by misrepresenting the sub-inspector involved in a tribal man’s custodial death as a Vanniyar when the real officer was a Dalit Christian. The Vanniyar community condemned the film for provoking unnecessary division. Additionally, a scene where Suriya’s character questions Brahmin’s trustworthiness further fueled controversy.

Film Review: “Vettaiyan”

“Vettaiyan,” starring Rajinikanth, opens with a tribute to Thomas Babington Macaulay, setting a controversial tone right from the start. While the film aims to tackle serious issues like drug abuse in government schools, it quickly devolves into a series of absurd scenarios that feel more like propaganda than genuine storytelling.

Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his contentious work in “Jai Bhim,” the film perpetuates inaccuracies, particularly regarding the portrayal of communities. For instance, it misrepresents the background of a key character involved in a custodial death, drawing ire from the Vanniyar community.

The narrative introduces a series of implausible events, such as a petty thief making millions through fake QR codes, which raises unnecessary fears about digital transactions. The film’s depiction of the NEET exam further pushes an unfounded agenda, casting it as a tool of privilege without any real evidence.

Visually, “Vettaiyan” features a musical number that, while colorful, hints at cultural appeasement, which might leave audiences questioning the intent behind such choices.

As Rajinikanth’s character delivers lines that promote Dravidianist ideology, the film reinforces negative stereotypes about Hindus while portraying minority communities in a predominantly positive light. This biased representation detracts from the film’s potential impact and alienates a segment of its audience.

In the end, “Vettaiyan” feels more like a vehicle for a specific political narrative than a well-crafted film. For longtime fans of Rajinikanth, this alignment with propaganda over storytelling is disheartening, making it difficult to reconcile the superstar’s legacy with his recent choices.

(With Inputs From ETV Bharat)

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