Velai Illa Pattadhari 2 Tamil Movie
VIP 2 has kept this thematic appeal intact as it was in its previous part. The major difference from its predecessor is the antagonist - then, it was a relatively unknown 'Amul Baby', but now it's the evergreen Bollywood diva, Kajol. However, the plot remains the same. A successful engineer is brought down by the all powerful poster girl of corporate shenanigans, Vasundhara (Kajol), who heads a top construction firm, only to kindle the spark in Raghuvaran (Dhanush).
But the movie was not only about the hero triumphing, he also makes sure that the antagonist is reformed; is cleaned off of her "sinful attitude"; ensures that her foot firmly stays on the ground. How does he manage to do all this? Well, he calls the nature to his rescue - the infamous Chennai floods and some words of wisdom overnight. Doesn't it sound interesting on paper? While watching on screen it was quite a letdown. That too affixing it to the climax was more like an anticlimax. We feel like pardoning Ramarajan who tamed a bull with a song!
A commendable job has been done to carry forward the characters from the first part to this one with apt alterations. Especially, the relationship between Dhanush and Amala Paul was fine, until it went a bit overboard. Vivek's "Thangapushpam" episode with 'Cell' Murugan has also worked to an extent. Other characters like that of Samuthirakani and his second son had very little to offer.
Dhanush is the pulse of the film and keeps the going alive with his mass performance. I wouldn't be surprised even if he stays with the same skinny physique for the next couple of decades and until then it would take a lot to convince the audience that he can make men X times his mass fly up and beyond the skies. Probably one of the necessary compromises that we as an audience have to contend with in order to get that one good odd film from an actor with immense potential.
Kajol, as the wicked corporate queen had a cliched outlook, but had that pride and sinisterness in her eyes. Truly I was awestruck to see her second appearance in Kollywood after a couple of decades and that too in contrasting characters. Back in 1997, in Minsarakanavu she donned the role of a girl who wants to take up nunhood and now she is the woman who doesn't mind sinning to boost her firm's profits. As a fan, I wish to see more of her, as long as she doesn't play the mother's role.
As far as the songs go, "Iraivanaai thantha iraiviye" appealed to an extent, but the others were just fillers and the BGM for Dhanush's swag tested the eardrums. Other technical aspects like cinematography and editing were nothing praiseworthy.
The movie is a faithful sequel that bows to the previous part's thematic appeal whenever needed. However, the content and narrative have faltered. It's true that lightning rarely strikes twice at the same spot!
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