Vada Chennai Movie Review: Dhanush's Gangster Drama Is A Masterpiece We Haven't Seen In A While

Speculating Dhanush's Vada Chennai success has been a good pastime for trade experts for some time now. Many stated that the film will have Dhanush play a memorable performance, give the critics something to talk about but most probably, will become his biggest ever blockbuster hit. And after watching the movie, we're certain that the trade experts speculated it right.

Dhanush literally starts off as a timid little boy living by the docks with a fiesty mother who would rather have him be a little more rowdy, like the other boys. Well, her wish definitely sees the light of the day as Anbu (Dhanush) transforms from a demure carom board champion of the State to a mob head with loyal supporters.

The movie kick-starts with a brutal murder committed by four men who try to change their luck with 'The Death'. Next scene takes us straight to the prison where Anbu (Dhanush) enters for public physical assault and soon finds himself in the wrong side of the two power blocks, both run by friends turned foes, Senthil and Guna. The scene did give me an Orange is the New Black feel with the contraband stashing, weapons made out of a toothbrush, two groups dominating the others and the usual backstabbing, bitterness, loyalty put to test and more. Names and appearances of characters such as Thambi, Padma, Chandra pop up during the course of the film. Now how are they all connected to one Anbu, that's the knot Vetri Maaran untangles.

Explaining the premise of the story would easily moot the point of watching the film in the theatre. With a crowd cheering, whistleblowing for every time Dhanush enters, passes a power-packed dialogue, kicks butt when you least expect him to, is an experience you wouldn't want to miss. The setting of the film, tagged with the brilliant cinematography gives the movie a zest that it would otherwise miss. Vada Chennai Teaser: Dhanush Keeps Up the Fighting Spirit in This Upcoming Drama – Watch Video

When it comes to talking about performance, Dhanush has outdone himself. Sure, he has given performances that would put him on par with the likes of several big Tamil stars. However, the supporting cast gives his performance a jolt that makes him stand out. Be it Aishwarya Rajesh's (Padma) rowdy belle role or Andrea Jeremiah's (Chandra) cunning player role, they've done a stupendous job. Not to mention the 'all brute no brain' personas of Senthil and Guna played by  Kishore and Samuthirakani respectively.

Yays

- Dhanush's spotless performance.

- ‎The crisp and entertaining storytelling.

- ‎The astoundingly awesome balance between Vada Chennai as a masala and pseudo-vigilant movie.

- ‎The phenomenal cinematography which has caught the essence of life by the docks and shanties in one frame.

- ‎The fabulous work of Vetri Maaran as Vada Chennai's director.

- ‎Apt encapsulation of prison life.

- ‎Andrea Jeremiah and Aishwarya Rajesh's power-packed performance.

- ‎Brilliant utilisation of the strengths of the supporting cast.

- ‎Tell-tale lyrics and music that makes the songs a part of the scene as well as captures situations with seriousness and hilarity.

Nays

- The abrupt and hurried end of the film that promises a sequel.

Final Word

It has been quite a while since Tamil cinema has blessed us with such a powerful gangster drama with political overtones embedded so deeply. Every character personifies selfishness but is natural with their motives. The backstabbing (metaphorically and figuratively), the casual cussing, the seamless deliverance of dialogues with an eccentric accent, all the actors showcase the best of their talents in the movie.

The sequel would basically unravel the consequences of Anbu's acts and that is another part to be excited for. But right now, it's an assurance from our side at least that you won't be disappointed with the film.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2018 05:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).