Review by bssgopi

There was a time in Tamil Films Era, where the background is a village, the characters are villagers, events that unfold are what you as an individual, having experienced a Tamil Village life, would see if those events were to happen in your life too. Yet, what made this movie still a commercially viable product was that they were entertaining after all. A pretty good examples of Realistic Entertainers, with the additional baggage of being grounded to Indian Culture and Way of Living. And then worst things happened by misunderstanding what a commercial movie should have, leading to all the clichés we assosciate with a mindless masala movie.

After a very long time, I've seen a movie that remains as grounded as possible without compromising on mandatory commercial elements, and yet is smart, fun, emotional and touching your heart, arousing memories of relatives back in your native place. Vetrivel is a movie that neither tries to be larger than realism nor tries to be smaller than an entertaining masala movie. You have people who are real people you will encounter, and the way things happen and will react are the ways that you would do too under similar circumstances. Watch this movie and go back with complete satisfaction.

However, if you have never experienced a Tamil Village life or watched a movie based on one, or if you are looking for some Cinematic Genius work, this movie will fail you. But, if you are like me missing some of the fun Village Classics of 80s and 90s and wish a more modern updated version for current times be made, with least nonsense, Vetrivel is a must-watch.

(PS: I did not enjoy the Thambi Ramaiah comedy portion or the Nadodigal movie references. Was totally unnecessary, not even for the mandatory commercial portion. Yet, rest assured they would not hamper your experience, unless you decide to take them very seriously.)