With an old-as-hill stupefying storyline, “Velayudham”, a remake of Telugu flick “Azad”, and Thalapathy Vijay as valium to attract audiences into noon-day siesta, turns out into a listless and lacerating fare that leaves them licking their hurt expectations. Of course, it is “paisa vasool” pastime affair for Vijay’s valiant fans who freak out in style, whistling and cheering their screen god’s heroics.
TV journo Bharathi seeks to fight corruption through fictitious character ‘Velayudham’. However, with a footloose, fancy-free milk vending yokel also bearing the same name, she sees the country bumpkin, who, with sister Kaveri and cousin Vaidehi, comes to the city to attend a wedding.
Circumstances see him don the fictional character’s identity to take on the wrong-doers and mete out justice. While Vijay pampers front-benchers with his fist fights and fun-filled antics, his female brigade are mere puppets and playthings to push and prolong the puerile proceedings. Lenghty, lethargic and lackadiscal “Velayudham” is best left to Vijay’s brigade.