VIP-2 Review
Director : Soundarya Rajinikanth
Star Cast : Dhanush, Kajol, Amala, Samuthirakani, Vivek
In VIP-2 (Velai Illa Pattadhari-2), director Soundarya Rajinikanth and story writer Dhanush have retained the same premise and characters.
Part-2 is about the middle class civil engineer Raghuvaran (Dhanush) that you all know and loved in part-1 and his ego battle with Vasundra (Kajol), a CEO of a highly successful construction firm.
Raghuvaran is now married, so instead of his dad, he is now afraid of his wife Shalini (Amala), who is a nag, constantly shouting and blaming him for something or the other. The film opens opens with an award function and employees of Vasundra Constructions win in all categories except Engineer of the Year, which goes to Raghuvaran of Anitha constructions.
After knowing Raghuvaran's achievements, Vasundra wants him to work in her company but the former rejects the offer saying that he wants to be loyal to Anitha Constructions and chase his dream to start his own company with VIP boys.
Meanwhile, Vasundra loses a 600cr construction deal to Raghuvaran because of her attitude, which further kindles her ego. Now Vasundra decides to destroy Anitha Constructions by taking over all their deals through her political and personal influence. In order to save Anitha Construction from losses, Raghuvaran resigns his job and challenges Vasundra. So once again Raghuvaran becomes a Velai Illa Pattadhari (jobless graduate)! Will he start his own dream company with his VIP boys and take on Vasundra?
Just like the first part, VIP 2's lifeline is Dhanush, it is his energetic screen presence which is the biggest strength and one reason to watch the film. But sadly, Dhanush's presence and performance alone can't save a mediocre predictable drama like VIP-2.
The first half of the film is watchable mainly due to the retained scenes and characters but after a point, the film has nothing new to say and each and every scene becomes repetitive and predictable. Especially, the second half is a plodding ride with unimaginative scenes, dull screenplay and a disappointing climax.
My heart bled for poor Kajol, a fine actress who is buried under layers of make-up. She has nothing much to do except get out of swanky cars, walk stylishly in slow motion with loud background score backing her. Her lip sync is fine but why was her character reduced to a mere caricature? Her performance is strictly one-note.
We expected Samuthirakani who was brilliant in the first part to bring some flair or unexpected humor to the dull proceedings but sadly that doesn't happen. Amala Paul as a pestering wife is good but annoying beyond a point. Vivek and his Thankabhasmam jokes are a yawn. Director Balaji Mohan and Hrishikesh have nothing much to do.
Anirudh's absence is clearly felt here. Sean Roldan's BGM is adequate, but it does not come anywhere near the mass VIP score. On the whole, VIP-2 is not emotionally charged or entertaining like part-1. But watch it if you are a hardcore Dhanush fan.
