Movie: Pattudala (Vidaamuyarchi)
Rating: 2/5
Banner: Lyca Productions
Cast: Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Sarja, Regina Cassandra, Arav, Nikhil Nair, Dasarathi, Ganesh Saravanan, Ramya Subramanian, and others
Music: Anirudh Ravichander
DOP: Om Prakash
Editor: N. B. Srikanth
Producer: Subaskaran
Screenplay and Directed by: Magizh Thirumeni
Release Date: Feb 06, 2025
"Pattudala" is the dubbed version of "Vidaamuyarchi," starring Ajith Kumar. Although the film's trailer generated interest, the Telugu version has received no promotions.
Let's explore its merits and demerits.
Story:
Arjun (Ajith Kumar) and his wife Kayal (Trisha), living in Baku, Azerbaijan, are facing difficulties in their marriage. Eventually, Kayal decides to initiate divorce proceedings.
Before parting ways, they embark on a final trip together. However, their vehicle breaks down on a desolate road.
Fortunately, a couple, Rakshith (Arjun Sarja) and Deepika (Regina), come to their aid and suggest that Kayal hitch a ride with them to a nearby town, where she can rest at a restaurant while waiting. Arjun agrees to join her after the towing van arrives.
However, when Arjun reaches the restaurant, Kayal is nowhere to be found. Where did she go? Were Rakshith and Deepika involved in her disappearance?
Artistes’ Performances:
Ajith Kumar plays a role devoid of any heroism, portraying an ordinary man struggling to find his wife. Except for the final moments, he is not involved in much action. However, he delivers a strong performance in an emotional sequence.
Trisha has a limited role, appearing only in the initial scenes and then reappearing in the climax.
Arjun Sarja and Regina Cassandra take on typical antagonist roles.
Technical Excellence:
The film's greatest asset is the breathtaking landscape of Azerbaijan. The vast, desolate settings enhance the film's thriller aesthetic, and the cinematographer has captured them with remarkable depth and richness.
The car-overturning sequence in the desert stands out as a prime example of exceptional cinematography.
Anirudh Ravichander's music is uninspiring, relying on a single melody throughout the film as the background score.
The writing lacks impact, and the editing fails to maintain sharpness.*
Highlights:
Cinematography and locations
Some sequences
Drawback:
Dull and boring screenplay
Weak emotions
Clumsy dialogues
Lack of gripping narrative
Analysis
"Pattudala," the dubbed version of "Vidaamuyarchi," suffers from a weak storyline. The single-line plot—about a husband searching for his abducted wife on a desolate island—feels more suited for a younger protagonist and an OTT platform.
The narrative offers little scope for a star like Ajith Kumar to showcase his acting prowess, perform action sequences, or deliver mass moments.
Reportedly influenced by a Hollywood film, director Magizh Thirumeni starts the narration with notable flair.
The film begins with the lead couple on the verge of divorce before flashing back to their initial meeting, courtship, and wedding. However, once the story transitions to the desolate road, the narration loses momentum.
The entire sequence of the hero interacting with villagers in a restaurant and his growing desperation feels reminiscent of 1960s Hollywood Westerns. These scenes lack logic, and his two-hour quest to locate his wife proves largely ineffective.
The exchanges between Ajith, the police officers, and others are painfully tedious.
The subplot involving Regina and Arjun’s encounter in a hospital and their subsequent actions is barely engaging.
The bank scene featuring Ajith in the desert, along with the sequence involving his altercation with a local man and his wheelchair-bound mother, further disrupts the film’s overall tone.
By the time the villains’ true motives are revealed, frustration sets in. The climax feels like a recycled ending from countless thriller web dramas.
The director struggles to build an emotional connection within the narrative and fails to effectively manage the intense action drama. Despite the picturesque settings and rich cinematography, Pattudala fails to engage its audience.
Overall, Pattudala is yet another disappointment from Ajith following Thunivu. The film falls short in multiple aspects—from story and screenplay to action and emotional depth.
Bottom-line: Lacks Pattu
