Ajith Kumar’s Vidaamuyarchi, directed by Magizh Thirumeni, has sparked a mixed bag of contrasting reactions since hitting theatres. The film attempts to fuse the nerve-wracking tension of Hollywood thrillers with the high-energy appeal of Tamil cinema, resulting in what can be called a cinematic cocktail that’s as intriguing as it is polarising. While many viewers praise its departure from formulaic storytelling, others find its execution uneven and even overly ambitious.
The praise
Many reviewers have applauded Vidaamuyarchi for breaking away from the typical “mass hero” template that we saw in Ajith’s recent films like Valimai and Thunivu. Gone are the days of over-the-top family sentiments, forced comedy, and preachy dialogues. Vidaamuyarchi opts for a slower, more atmospheric narrative, drawing comparisons to Western thrillers. The deliberate pacing, though again divisive, has been commended for its ability to build tension and offer a refreshing change from the usual high-octane Tamil blockbusters.
Ajith’s on-screen dynamic with Trisha Krishnan and their emotionally layered relationship, woven through fragmented flashbacks, adds depth to the storyline. The non-linear approach may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it undeniably brings a certain poetic touch.
Again, not everyone is on board with the film’s structural choices. Some critics argue that Vidaamuyarchi struggles to reconcile its Hollywood-inspired sensibilities with the larger-than-life expectations of Tamil cinema. Ajith’s character, Arjun, a former cop-turned-affluent businessman, seems torn between being a vulnerable everyman and an indestructible action hero. Viewers found the inconsistency distracting, making it hard to invest in his struggle.
While some viewers find the “flashback within a flashback” structure intriguing, others feel it creates unnecessary confusion. The constant withholding of key information has been criticised as more gimmicky than impactful, with some suggesting that a simpler narrative approach might have just worked better.
Antagonists and action
The antagonists, played by Arjun Sarja and Regina Cassandra, have stood out to a lot of viewers. Arjun Sarja, in particular, has been appreciated for his commanding screen presence and ability to match Ajith’s intensity. Regina’s character, though complex, has been criticised for being underutilised, leaving viewers wanting more.
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The action sequences have also received divided opinions. While some appreciate the slick execution and dystopian visuals, others feel certain scenes, like the darkly humorous home invasion sequence, feel out of place in an otherwise serious thriller. One undisputed highlight, though, is Om Prakash’s cinematography. The stark, desolate landscapes of Azerbaijan give the film a gritty, immersive quality that adds to its moody appeal.
The verdict
Vidaamuyarchi is a film that dares to be different, and for that, it deserves recognition. For Ajith fans, this is a welcome deviation from the norm, proving that he’s willing to experiment with his on-screen persona. For others, it’s a film that flirts with brilliance but maybe doesn’t fully embrace it. As the industry continues to explore global influences, Vidaamuyarchi is like a lesson in both the potential and pitfalls of such ambitious experimentation.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.