<p>Exemplary acting, compelling characters, hard-hitting dialogues and some suspense amalgamates into <em>Viduthalai 2</em>, a gripping tale that is not as well-crafted as Vetrimaaran's previous films.</p>.<p>With a conflicted Kumaresan (Soori) continuing his letter to his mother and a resolute Perumal aka Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi) narrating his story to the policemen, the director transports us back to the forests of Soolamangalam where the officers have to find the right path, literally and philosophically. </p>.<p>However, Vaathiyaar’s tale overpowers Kumaresan’s letter making 'Viduthalai 2' stand as a separate movie in itself. The back story takes us through images of deep-rooted discrimination and fights for basic human rights that transform Perumal into the revolutionary leader ‘Vaathiyaar’.</p>.<p>Vijay Sethupathi, without doubt, steals the show as Perumal, but it is disappointing to see less of Soori’s brilliance with his screen time cut short drastically. </p>.<p>Perumal’s emotional depth and Mahalakshmi’s powerful character convincingly played by Manju Warrier add nuance to the flashback sequences, some of which could otherwise fall into the category of commonly explored themes in Tamil cinema. The organic chemistry between the characters is beautified by Ilaiyaraaja’s ‘Manasula’. </p>.<p>The sharpness and depth in the present-day scenes lure the viewer back into the movie despite the lengthy episodes from the past. Strong acting from supporting characters played by Chetan (OC), Tamizh (Inspector Amudhan), and Bala Hasan (Constable Bala) needs applauding. </p>.<p>'Viduthalai 2' explores the essence of human nature, whether it is through the ambivalence of low-ranked policemen towards the mission they’ve been entrusted upon or the devious schemes orchestrated by a group of powerful men sitting in a room far away from ground reality. </p>.<p>Missing pieces and scenes from the first trailer at the end of 'Viduthalai 1' raises hope for a third part, which could complete stories left untold. Although it falls short of the masterpiece 'Viduthalai 1', the second part is an enjoyable and thought-provoking theatre experience regardless of its long narrative, which Vetrimaaran deems necessary to be repeated for a reality check of the present, however uncomfortable the past may be!</p>
<p>Exemplary acting, compelling characters, hard-hitting dialogues and some suspense amalgamates into <em>Viduthalai 2</em>, a gripping tale that is not as well-crafted as Vetrimaaran's previous films.</p>.<p>With a conflicted Kumaresan (Soori) continuing his letter to his mother and a resolute Perumal aka Vaathiyaar (Vijay Sethupathi) narrating his story to the policemen, the director transports us back to the forests of Soolamangalam where the officers have to find the right path, literally and philosophically. </p>.<p>However, Vaathiyaar’s tale overpowers Kumaresan’s letter making 'Viduthalai 2' stand as a separate movie in itself. The back story takes us through images of deep-rooted discrimination and fights for basic human rights that transform Perumal into the revolutionary leader ‘Vaathiyaar’.</p>.<p>Vijay Sethupathi, without doubt, steals the show as Perumal, but it is disappointing to see less of Soori’s brilliance with his screen time cut short drastically. </p>.<p>Perumal’s emotional depth and Mahalakshmi’s powerful character convincingly played by Manju Warrier add nuance to the flashback sequences, some of which could otherwise fall into the category of commonly explored themes in Tamil cinema. The organic chemistry between the characters is beautified by Ilaiyaraaja’s ‘Manasula’. </p>.<p>The sharpness and depth in the present-day scenes lure the viewer back into the movie despite the lengthy episodes from the past. Strong acting from supporting characters played by Chetan (OC), Tamizh (Inspector Amudhan), and Bala Hasan (Constable Bala) needs applauding. </p>.<p>'Viduthalai 2' explores the essence of human nature, whether it is through the ambivalence of low-ranked policemen towards the mission they’ve been entrusted upon or the devious schemes orchestrated by a group of powerful men sitting in a room far away from ground reality. </p>.<p>Missing pieces and scenes from the first trailer at the end of 'Viduthalai 1' raises hope for a third part, which could complete stories left untold. Although it falls short of the masterpiece 'Viduthalai 1', the second part is an enjoyable and thought-provoking theatre experience regardless of its long narrative, which Vetrimaaran deems necessary to be repeated for a reality check of the present, however uncomfortable the past may be!</p>