Vikram Vedha

Vikram Vedha, a gripping action thriller, was released on July 21, 2017. Directed by Pushkar-Gayathri, this Tamil-language movie blends intense drama with philosophical undertones. Starring R. Madhavan as a righteous cop and Vijay Sethupathi as a cunning gangster, the film reimagines the classic Vikram-Betaal folktale in a modern, gritty setting. With its layered narrative and sharp dialogues, Vikram Vedha earned widespread critical acclaim and became a commercial success. This review dives into the film’s plot, standout elements, and overall impact on Indian cinema.

2. Plot Summary

The story follows Vikram, an upright police officer, who is determined to hunt down Vedha, a notorious gangster. During the cat-and-mouse chase, Vedha voluntarily surrenders, leading to a series of conversations that challenge Vikram’s black-and-white perception of justice. Each interaction unveils a story, forcing Vikram to question his beliefs and confront uncomfortable truths about morality and the law. The film seamlessly blends action sequences with philosophical debates, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Without delving into spoilers, Vikram Vedha is a masterclass in storytelling that leaves the audience pondering its moral dilemmas.

3. What’s Good?

1. Exceptional Performances

The film thrives on the powerhouse performances of its lead actors. R. Madhavan perfectly embodies Vikram’s disciplined and idealistic persona, while Vijay Sethupathi steals the show with his charismatic portrayal of Vedha. Their on-screen chemistry and contrasting ideologies create a compelling dynamic that drives the narrative.

2. Intelligent Direction

Pushkar-Gayathri’s direction is nothing short of brilliant. The duo’s ability to weave a complex, multi-layered story into an engaging thriller is commendable. The non-linear narrative structure adds depth and intrigue, making every scene impactful.

3. Engaging Screenplay

The screenplay is a standout aspect of Vikram Vedha. The dialogue-driven sequences between Vikram and Vedha are thought-provoking and laced with dark humor. The interspersed flashbacks are well-executed, revealing critical plot points without disrupting the flow.

4. Cinematography and Music

The cinematography by P.S. Vinod captures the gritty atmosphere of Chennai’s underbelly with precision. The action sequences are visually striking, while the lighting and framing add to the film’s tension. Sam C.S.’s background score complements the narrative perfectly, heightening the emotional and dramatic moments. Songs like “Yaanji” stand out for their melodic appeal.

4. Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

• Unique Concept: The reinterpretation of a folktale within a modern crime setting is innovative and engaging.
• Character Development: Both protagonists are fleshed out with depth and nuance, making them relatable despite their opposing ideologies.
• Moral Complexity: The film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas adds a layer of sophistication rarely seen in commercial cinema.

Weaknesses

• Pacing Issues: Some scenes, particularly in the second half, feel slightly stretched, which could test the patience of viewers expecting a tighter runtime.
• Supporting Characters: While the leads are well-developed, certain supporting characters could have been given more screen time to enhance the narrative.

5. Target Audience

Vikram Vedha caters to a wide range of audiences, including:

• Thriller Enthusiasts: The suspenseful narrative and action-packed sequences will keep fans of the genre hooked.
• Philosophical Thinkers: The film’s exploration of morality and justice appeals to those who enjoy thought-provoking cinema.
• Fans of Stellar Performances: Madhavan and Sethupathi’s electrifying performances are a treat for movie lovers.

However, the film’s intricate storytelling might not resonate with viewers seeking lighthearted entertainment.

6. Box Office Details

Budget

Vikram Vedha was made on a modest budget of approximately INR 11 crores, showcasing the filmmakers’ ability to deliver high-quality cinema within constraints.

Worldwide Collection

The movie grossed over INR 60 crores worldwide, making it a significant box-office success. Its strong word-of-mouth helped sustain its performance across theaters.

Day-wise Earnings (First 5 Days)

• Day 1: INR 5.5 crores (India: INR 4 crores, Overseas: INR 1.5 crores)
• Day 2: INR 6.2 crores (India: INR 4.5 crores, Overseas: INR 1.7 crores)
• Day 3: INR 7 crores (India: INR 5 crores, Overseas: INR 2 crores)
• Day 4: INR 4.8 crores (India: INR 3.5 crores, Overseas: INR 1.3 crores)
• Day 5: INR 4.5 crores (India: INR 3.2 crores, Overseas: INR 1.3 crores)

The steady earnings reflect the film’s strong audience engagement and critical acclaim.

7. Recommendation

Vikram Vedha is a cinematic gem that combines action, drama, and philosophy into a compelling narrative. With exceptional performances, sharp writing, and a thought-provoking theme, it’s a must-watch for fans of intelligent thrillers. Whether you’re drawn to its moral dilemmas or its engaging storytelling, this movie is bound to leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended!

Genres:

Action, Thriller, Crime, Adventure

Rating:

7.4/10

Cast:

Actor	Character
R. Madhavan	Vikram
Vijay Sethupathi	Vedha
Shraddha Srinath	Priya
Kathir	Pulli
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar	Chandra
Prem	Simon
Hareesh Peradi	Chetta
Achyuth Kumar	SP Surendar
Vivek Prasanna	Ravi
K. Manikandan	Santhanam
Amarendran Ramanan	Sangu
E. Ramadoss	Velraj
Rajkumar	Half Boil (Vedha Gang)
Gopi Kannadasan

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