Movie Review: “Pattudala” (Vidaamuyarchi) – A Predictable Action Thriller
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Rating: 2.5/5
Starring: Ajith Kumar, Trisha, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, Aarav, Nikhil Nair, Dasarathi, Ganesh, and others
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Producer: Subaskaran
Music Director: Anirudh Ravichander
Cinematographer: Om Prakash ISC
Editor: NB Srikanth
Story Overview:
“Vidaamuyarchi,” released in Telugu as Pattudala, opens with the troubled marriage of Kayal (Trisha) and her husband Arjun (Ajith). After twelve years of marriage, Kayal decides to part ways with Arjun, which he reluctantly accepts. While accompanying her to her hometown, their car breaks down, leading them to seek assistance from strangers Rakshith (Arjun) and Deepika (Regina Cassandra). In an unexpected twist, Kayal is kidnapped, and Arjun finds himself in a race against time to uncover the truth. As Arjun navigates through this sinister web, the movie slowly unravels a series of questions—why did Kayal want a divorce, and who is behind her kidnapping?
What Works:
- Ajith’s Presence: Ajith’s screen presence is a highlight in Pattudala. His charismatic portrayal and stylish look captivate the audience. His action scenes are well-executed and add to the film’s appeal, though his chemistry with Trisha feels slightly underdeveloped.
- Cinematography: Om Prakash’s cinematography brings the stunning landscapes of Azerbaijan to life, which helps elevate the visual appeal of the film.
- Action Sequences: The second half of the movie picks up pace with engaging action sequences. These moments bring some much-needed energy and are among the film’s strongest aspects.
What Doesn’t Work:
- Predictable Plot: Pattudala follows a familiar template that lacks any major surprises. The story doesn’t offer much innovation, leaving viewers with a sense of déjà vu throughout the film.
- Underwhelming Music: Anirudh’s music, typically a strong suit in films, falls flat here. The background score doesn’t effectively complement the action or emotional moments, and the songs are forgettable.
- Weak Performances: While Ajith delivers a commendable performance, Trisha, Arjun, and Regina fail to leave a lasting impact. Their portrayals feel a bit stiff at times, especially during intense scenes.
- Pacing and Screenplay: The film’s slow pacing and predictable screenplay fail to generate much excitement. The lack of depth in the narrative and character development weakens the overall experience.
Technical Aspects:
Director Magizh Thirumeni’s attempt at a gripping action thriller falters due to a lack of novelty in the storytelling. Although the film has solid production values and decent visuals, the overall execution feels too routine. Anirudh’s music, typically known for its energy, doesn’t bring much to the table, and the editing could have been crisper to maintain momentum.
Final Verdict:
Pattudala (or Vidaamuyarchi) turns out to be a rather average action thriller. While Ajith’s fans may enjoy his larger-than-life persona and stylish portrayal, the film’s predictability, weak performances, and lackluster music result in a forgettable experience for the general audience. If you’re a fan of routine action dramas, this one might still offer some entertainment, but for those looking for something fresh, it may fall short.
Rating: 2.5/5
Reviewed by Mediagaggle Team