Released during Pongal 2026, the Tamil film Vaa Vaathiyaar, directed by Nalan Kumarasamy, marks another energetic outing for Karthi Sivakumar. Produced under the Studio Green banner, this action-comedy revolves around a police deputy commissioner who adopts an MGR-inspired superhero persona to fight injustice. Designed as a family entertainer, the film blends humour, action, and emotions in an engaging way.
Story Summary
Karthi plays Rameshwaram, a police officer who lives like an ordinary man during the day but transforms into “Vaathiyaar” at night—a vigilante inspired by MGR’s larger-than-life screen image—to take on gangsters and criminals. Krithi Shetty plays the female lead, while veterans like Sathyaraj and Rajkiran add layers of comedy and drama.
The first half is fast-paced and lively, packed with humour and stylish action. The second half, however, follows a more predictable route, reducing the element of surprise.
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Performances
- Karthi Sivakumar: A complete one-man show. His transformation into Vaathiyaar, body language, mannerisms, and comic timing are impressive. The MGR parody sequences are especially entertaining.
- Krithi Shetty: Looks charming in a glamorous role and shares decent chemistry with Karthi.
- Sathyaraj and Rajkiran: Bring energy and humour to the supporting cast, particularly in the night-time sequences.
- Others: Actors like Anand Raj and Karunakaran are adequate as antagonists and supporting characters.
Technical Aspects
Santhosh Narayanan’s music is one of the film’s biggest strengths, with an energetic background score that elevates both action and comedy. The action choreography shines in the interval block and the climax. The dialogues are punchy, though a few scenes feel stretched. Nalan Kumarasamy’s signature dark humour and situational comedy may not fully match his earlier works, but they remain entertaining.
Highlights and Drawbacks
Positives:
- Karthi’s fresh avatar and strong solo performance.
- Enjoyable comedy tracks and an effective musical score.
- A well-packaged family entertainer for the festive season.
Negatives:
- A predictable storyline and weak villains.
- Lack of emotional depth in certain portions.
Overall, Vaa Vaathiyaar is an enjoyable watch if approached without high expectations, offering light-hearted fun, action, and festive entertainment led by Karthi’s charismatic performance.