Vijay has used this opportunity to play diverse roles in the same movie and proves his experience as a performer and as an entertainer. While Kathir is high on theatrics and is the Vijay that we have enjoyed on screen in many mass entertainers, Jeeva is non-Vijay in every aspect. Kathir is bound to be a fan favorite while the audiences are likely to empathize with Jeeva and his motives. In that aspect, Kaththi is a successful venture for Vijay.
Coming to director A.R.Murugadoss, he has touched upon many issues close to his heart such as rampant corruption, farmer suicides, the plight of senior citizens, water scarcity, the workings of the sensational news-hungry media and also goes on to vilify the corporates and their aggressive expansion plans without considering their CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives. The one scene late in the second half, when Vijay delivers a long, intense monologue on the above mentioned issues, is a definite highlight in the overall scheme of things. But it does try to get manipulative as the director has totally played to the gallery to win the audience's sympathy towards farmers and make us root for his protagonist.
Murugadoss' screenplay is a sluggish affair and the film takes quite a while to get going. Kaththi doesn't engage consistently and the odd sizzling moments are interspersed with moments of tedium. The length is another drawback and the already gracious run time of 2 hours 45 minutes feels longer.
The Thuppakki hangover continues in Kaththi to an extent, as evidenced through Vijay's pre-interval punchline, his 'mass' mannerisms and the sentimental climax song. If Thuppakki was an ode to the Army, Kaththi is dedicated to the farmers of the land.
The placement of all the songs leaves a lot to be desired, with the much talked about 'Selfie Pulla', arriving when the audiences would have just entered the hall after the intermission. The delightful 'Aathi' is the weakest on screen while Vijay's intro number 'Pakkam Vandu', though a different exercise doesn't grip fans as Vijay's intro songs usually do.
Anirudh's sensibilities are evident in the BGM score while the other youngster on board, DoP George C Williams makes a smooth transition to the big commercial space with some solid work on the visuals, the lighting patterns and the angles.
Among the other performers, Neil Nitin Mukesh is a new addition to the list of suave, stylish villains. His voice and the dubbing elevate his overall performance. Samantha is sadly what you may call the 'typical commercial cinema heroine' who appears in the songs, few romantic scenes and stands in the background while the hero takes charge.
All the veteran actors who play the pivotal senior citizens are convincing. Sathish as Vijay's buddy makes a mark in the fight sequence where Vijay plays around with coins and Sathish accordingly controls the power. Speaking of Anal Arasu's stunt choreography, it should be a delight for Vijay's fans and the star's celebrated screen presence and agility come to the fore in these extended treats.
To sum up, Kaththi is a grand production which rides on Vijay's dual roles, the social interest angle and some impactful scenes which are part of the mix.
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