Viduthalai was originally announced as a single film in April 2021, while the principal photography had commenced in the previous December, shooting predominantly in Sathyamangalam and Chengalpattu. In September 2022, however, the film was announced to be split into two parts. The filming of the first part was wrapped by late-December 2022, while the filming of this part wrapped by early October 2024. The film score and music was composed by Ilaiyaraaja, cinematography handled by R. Velraj and editing by R. Ramar.
Viduthalai Part 2, along with the first part, was screened on 31 January 2024 in the International Film Festival Rotterdam. The film was released in theatres on 20 December 2024.
Plot
After the police force captures Perumal "Vaathiyaar", we begin to see his backstory, and how from being a teacher, he gets exposed to ideologies of communism and eventually begins to head a people's movement while being a revolutionist and considered an outlaw. After he marries a comrade Mahalakshmi, Vaathiyar continues his life as per his Ideologies, and fights for causes before his untimely capture by Kumaresan's battalion, the officers of which have an agenda of their own.
Cast
Vijay Sethupathi as Perumal "Vaathiyaar", the leader of Makkal Padai
Viduthalai was originated to be a single film. However, in July 2022, it was reported that it would be split into two parts due to the film becoming overlong and not wanting to trim the film tampering the story,[12] which was officially announced on Vetrimaaran's birthday (4 September 2022).[13] Both parts were shot back-to-back, with the first part's shooting wrapping up in November, and the film releasing on 31 March 2023,[14] but with the second part still having to shoot a few portions, which resumed in July.[15][16] As of July 2024, the filming was in its final stages.[17] The dubbing process began on 10 October with a puja.[18] On 6 December 2024, the makers announced that the background score work had been completed.[19]
The film's soundtrack is composed by Ilaiyaraaja, who also composed the first part. He had composed the songs for the film in his newly launched music studio in Kodambakkam, after his fallout with Prasad Studios where he recorded songs for nearly four decades;[20] It marks his first work being recorded at his new studio where music composition of the film began in February 2021.[21] As of May 2021, Ilaiyaraaja recorded three out of eight songs being planned for the film and are touted to be "situational numbers" as per sources.[22] The music rights were purchased by Sony Music India.[citation needed] The first single "Dhinam Dhinamum" sung and written by Ilaiyaraaja was released on 17 November 2024.[23] The second single "Manasula" was released on 27 November 2024.[24] The third single "Poruthadhu Podhum" was released on 28 November 2024.[25]
Viduthalai Part 2 was theatrically released on 20 December 2024.[28] The distribution rights for Tamil Nadu were acquired by Red Giant Movies.[29]
Home media
The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by ZEE5, where it is expected to begin streaming from early 2025.[30]
Reception
Critical response
Desimartini reported that Viduthalai Part 2 received positive reviews from critics, who praised the film's "gripping narrative" but were critical of the dubbing.[31]OTTPlay noted that they were more mixed, with criticism towards the "preachiness".[32]
Risha Ganguly of Times Now gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai Part 2 is a bold attempt at closing an ambitious story, with Vetrimaaran’s signature storytelling and strong performances standing out. However, the uneven pacing and lack of narrative clarity prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor."[33] Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 3/5 stars and wrote "This Vetrimaaran-Vijay Sethupathi film is mostly grim that drives home the weight of a decision, and the weight of choosing a path, and how it is the path that makes a revolutionary decide their weapon."[34] M Suganth of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Where Viduthalai: Part 2 feels underwhelming is in not being a truly compelling film. Like the cops circling about the same places inside the forest, the film keeps reiterating the same points [...] but it cannot provide a permanent solution."[35]
Janani K of India Today rated 3/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai Part 2 gives proper closure to the characters and the story, and it is a commendable effort. With some recurring lip-sync issues and a dialogue-driven storyline, the sequel ends the story with many progressive ideologies and opinions on display."[36] Sudhir Srinivasan of Cinema Express gave 3/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai Part 2 leans too heavily on theorising and sloganeering. Vaathiyaar’s lectures feel more academic than emotional, with utilitarian arguments often preferred over poignant silences."[37] Anusha Sundar of OTTPlay gave 3/5 stars and wrote "In a Vetrimaaran film where political ideologies are not just laced but outspoken, Viduthalai 2 may come of disjointed in parts but still carries a tale to be told."[38]
Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 gave 2/5 stars and wrote "In essence, Viduthalai Part 2 is Vetri Maaran constantly finding ways to tell you the uninspiring story, which he couldn’t show."[39] Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu wrote "Despite a strong political core that puts out a message that’s unfortunately relevant even in today’s world and strong performances [...] Vetri Maaran’s sequel lacks the emotions that worked wonders with the first part."[40] Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote "Unfortunately, Vetrimaaran, the astute writer, seemed to be missing in this film and that was disappointing. Viduthalai Part 2 carries a strong ideological theme and is another socially relevant film from Vetrimaaran."[41]
Box office
The box office performance of the film has been shrouded in uncertainty due to conflicting reports from various sources. The discrepancy in reported figures has led to inconsistencies in the film's financial data on various platforms and websites. The lack of consensus on the box office collections has made it challenging to accurately assess its commercial success. Adding to the complexity, different outlets have presented varying collection figures. For instance, some reports suggest the film grossed around ₹25.85 crores after four days of release, while others indicated it earned approximately ₹30 crores by the end of its opening week.[42] These disparities extend to daily collections and overall performance, making it difficult to pinpoint the true box office standing of the film.
