Director Lingusamy who is known for delivering wholesome commercial entertainers treads again in his comfort zone presenting this year’s Pongal offering Vettai with his Run hero Madhavan along with Arya, Sameera Reddy and Amala Paul.

Thambi Udayaan Padaikku Anjaan is the adage around which Lingusamy spins his tale with the quintessential elements of a mainstream commercial fare viz. sentiment, romance, humor, action and music. Lingusamy delectably mounts his first half that is replete with enjoyable screenplay. Brinda Sarathy comes to his aid with witty dialogues embellishing the fare. The comic timing of the lead stars is also good enough to bring out this effect.  

The Adonis Arya with his impish grin steals the show with his charming antics and the sequences when he is trying to drive away the foreign Maappillai or help out his meek brother or tease Amala with his ‘thanks’ are simply enjoyable. For Maddy, his innocent face aids the characterization of Thirumoorthy very well. His expressions on being appreciated for his ‘brave act’ by Nasser and later on a proud look on being approached by Sameera for Amala’s wedding with Arya are just a few examples. Amala Paul looks fresh and appears to have enjoyed playing her role. Sameera impresses as the talkative bold elder sister.

The scene when Sameera cajoles Arya to marry her sister when the rest of them appear not so interested and the one when Amala realizes why she was being thanked by Arya when he came to her house are delightful. Mankatha Ajith scene sends the audience into frenzy and the apt shot of Jiiva supposedly looking at Arya in action is also well done.

Nasser’s cameo is enjoyable. Even if Thambi Ramiah mouths a serious dialogue, it brings the roof down and the actor makes his presence felt. Villain Ashutosh Rana does what all the villains in a commercial fare do and his costumes too are chic, thanks to costumer Seenu and Deepali Noor. The villains caricatured with loud voices, stale punch dialogs, long hair and unkempt beard looks outdated.

Technically, Vettai has Nirav Shah’s strong backing in the camera department and the talented lensman has not let down Lingusamy. His visuals bring out the mood perfectly and the lighting during the railway track scene when Arya rescues Maddy is a small example. Yuvan’s scores are just about average and the BGM leaves a lot to be desired. Fight choreographer has chartered some interesting action moves pumping adrenalin.   

The major positive factor for Vettai is its light hearted humor which is something fresh and enjoyable sans double entendres. As long as the film travels on this route, it is enjoyable but when it attempts seriousness, that’s when it falters evoking unintentional humor jeering the intended effect, the best example is when Maddy tries to get up from his wheel chair.

In the second half, when the film attempts to shift to a serious gear with clichéd punch dialogues, lengthy action sequences, the fare becomes predictable and the engaging factor starts going south and restlessness settles in.

Summing up, Vettai is a commercial fare that works in the humor, action and romance department but not when it is attempting a serious tone.

Verdict: Light hearted film for the holiday season