Review: Pattudala (Vidaamuyarchi) - Genuine but Ordinary

 

Movie: Pattudala (Vidaamuyarchi)
Rating:2.5/5

Cast: Ajith, Trisha, Arjun, Regina, and Others

Director: Magizh Tirumeni

Produced By: Lyca Productions

Release Date: February 06, 2025

Story:

After being married for 12 years, Kayal (Trisha) chooses to part ways with her husband, Arjun (Ajith). He honors her choice and takes her back to her hometown, Tbilisi. While on the road, his vehicle breaks down, leading him to request help from Rakshith (Arjun) and Deepika (Regina Cassandra) to pick up Kayal to a local restaurant bar. After the car gets fixed, Arjun goes back to collect her, only to find out that someone has kidnapped her. Who is behind Kayal's Kidnap? What experiences lie ahead for Arjun while he searches for details about his wife? The remaining part of the movie explains the mystery.

Performances:

Ajith's stylish salt-and-pepper look complemented his commendable screen presence. However, his characterization is very uninteresting. Trisha is sufficient in her role, although she does not have the opportunity to highlight her acting prowess. While Arjun and Regina matched their roles effectively, they lacked a significant chance to stand out. 

What worked for the film:

The twists before the interval are good. Though they are not unexpected ones, they serve the required intrigue. In the second half, the well-crafted action sequences create a burst of energy to the film. The visuals are remarkable, with the cinematography beautifully portraying Azerbaijan’s landscapes.

What did not work for the film:

The story follows a familiar and predictable template, and there is nothing much exciting about the proceedings, even after a major turn in the narrative. With a predictable plot, the movie needed engaging narratives and high-energy moments. Regrettably, that does not occur. Anirudh's background score feels stale, and he doesn't have any impactful moments to elevate with his music.

Although Regina and Arjun are well-cast, their characters lack the ability to resonate with the audience. The climax also cannot deliver the intensity required to satisfy the audience, concluding on a mundane note. Magizh Thirumeni seems to strive for a true action thriller with Ajith playing an ordinary man, but the result is a standard narrative. The unhurried rhythm and expected storyline lessen its charm.

Vidaamuyarchi Review and Verdict:

Vidaamuyarchi had the potential to be an excellent action thriller, but it falls short of its aim. The film features some strong moments during the interval and a few engaging sequences in the second half, yet it largely remains uninteresting.