“Viduthalai” (2025) is a Tamil-language film blending drama and crime, directed by Vetrimaaran. The screenplay is a collaborative effort by Vetrimaaran, R.S. Durai Senthilkumar, and Mathi Maran. Presented by RS Infotainment and Grass Root Film Company, and produced by Elred Kumar, the movie hit theaters on March 14, 2025. It runs for a substantial 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Viduthalai Part 1 2023 Movie Overview
| Movie Name | Viduthalai part 1 Movie |
| Original Language | Tamil |
| Spoken Language | Hindi |
| Release Date | 14 March 2025 |
| Runtime | 2 hour and 40 minutes |
| Country | India |
| Genres | Crime Drama |
| Director | Vetrimaaran |
| Producer | Elred Kumar |
Viduthalai Part 1 2023 Movie Screenshot
Viduthalai Part 1 2023 Movie Star Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Soori | Kumaresan (Police Constable) |
| Vijay Sethupathi | Perumal Vaathiyar (Revolutionary Leader) |
| Gautham Vasudev Menon | Sunil Menon (Senior Police Officer) |
| Rajiv Menon | Chief Minister |
| Ilavarasu | Villager |
Viduthalai Part 1 2023 Movie Trailer
Viduthalai Part 1 2023 Movie Review
Set in 1987 rural Tamil Nadu, the story opens with a stunning single-take sequence of a train derailment, a protest by the extremist group Makkal Padai against a mining project threatening their village. The government launches “Operation Ghosthunt” to capture the group’s elusive leader, Perumal “Vaathiyaar” (Vijay Sethupathi). Enter Kumaresan (Soori), a newly recruited constable assigned as a driver to E-Company, a police unit stationed in the conflict zone. Through his eyes, we witness the brutal clash between state forces and the rebels, as well as the moral dilemmas he faces. Kumaresan’s innate decency—helping locals despite orders—puts him at odds with his superiors, while his budding romance with Tamilarasi (Bhavani Sre) adds a tender layer to the chaos.
Vetrimaaran’s direction shines in crafting a layered world where no side is purely good or evil. The film’s strength lies in its performances: Soori, stepping out of his comedic roots, delivers a career-defining turn as the naive yet righteous Kumaresan, brimming with vulnerability and grit. Vijay Sethupathi’s limited screen time as Vaathiyaar is magnetic, hinting at a larger role in Part 2, while Bhavani Sre brings quiet intensity to Tamilarasi. Supporting actors like Chetan (as the hardened officer Ragavendar) and Gautham Vasudev Menon (as a complex DSP) enrich the ensemble.
Technically, “Viduthalai Part 1” impresses with Velraj’s cinematography, capturing the rugged beauty and tension of the forested setting, and Ilaiyaraaja’s score, which juxtaposes soothing melodies against the film’s harsh realities—an unusual but effective choice. The pacing is deliberate, prioritizing world-building over relentless action, which might feel slow to some but sets the stage for the sequel. Critics have praised its unflinching portrayal of police brutality and systemic oppression, though some note it lacks the visceral punch of Vetrimaaran’s Visaranai. Minor flaws like occasional lip-sync issues and an abrupt cliffhanger ending don’t overshadow its impact.
