The Vettaikaran Tamil full movie Vijay 2009 is a quintessential treat for Thalapathy fans looking to revisit the era of lungi fights, folk songs, and single-screen applause. While it may not have aged as gracefully as Ghilli or Pokkiri, its energy, music, and Vijay’s raw charisma ensure that it remains a frequently searched and fondly remembered title in his filmography.
If you have a weekend free and want to watch a hero single-handedly dismantle a corruption empire to a catchy beat, hunt down Vettaikaran—it bites hard and entertains harder.
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Looking back from 2025, Vettaikaran is not Vijay’s finest work (like Thuppakki or Master), but it is a time capsule of late-2000s Tamil cinema. It represents the transition:
In the pantheon of Vijay’s filmography, Vettaikaaran (translated: The Hunter) often sits in an interesting middle ground—not a groundbreaking classic like Thuppakki, nor a forgettable misfire. Released in 2009 and directed by B. Babusivan, the film arrived at a crucial juncture. Vijay was transitioning from the romantic hero of the early 2000s into the "mass" action icon who would dominate the next decade. Vettaikaaran is that transition’s raw, unfiltered, and wildly entertaining manifesto.
The Plot: A Cop’s Conscience in a Corrupt World
The story follows Ravi (Vijay), a sincere but hot-headed sub-inspector who is transferred to a crime-infested area ruled by a menacing don, Kondai Reddi (Prakash Raj, in peak villainous form). Ravi’s father, a retired police officer, lives with the shame of being dismissed for corruption, a wound that drives Ravi to be unyieldingly honest. However, his methods are anything but textbook—he operates like a hunter, stalking his prey with theatrical swagger.
When he falls for Susheela (Anushka Shetty, effervescent and charming), the daughter of a local rowdy-turned-politician, the plot thickens. The conflict escalates not just between cop and don, but between systems of power, political patronage, and the law. The core tension is simple but effective: How does an honest man fight a system where criminals become politicians and politicians protect criminals?
Vijay: The Alpha Entertainer at Full Throttle
This film belongs entirely to Vijay. He is in every frame, every fight, and every song. If you want a time capsule of his pre-Thuppakki mass avatar, this is it. He combines:
The Music: The Undisputed King of the Film
Ask any Tamil cinema fan about Vettaikaaran, and the first thing they’ll recall is the soundtrack by Vijay Antony. This album was a cultural event.
The background score, also by Vijay Antony, is bombastic and relentless, perfectly amplifying Vijay’s on-screen presence.
The Highs: What Works Spectacularly
The Lows: The Ususpect Suspects
Let’s be honest—Vettaikaaran has flaws that are hard to ignore.
Legacy: Why It Still Matters
Vettaikaaran is not a "great" film in the conventional critical sense. But it is a solid film—a term that implies reliability, craft, and a clear understanding of its audience. It was a commercial blockbuster, running for over 100 days in multiple centers.
More importantly, it perfected the formula that Vijay would use for the next half-decade: a righteous hero with a tragic past, a folk-mass song, a villain you love to hate, and a score that doubles as a heart-rate monitor. You can see its DNA in Sura, Kaavalan, and even Thuppakki’s more restrained moments.
Verdict:
If you are a Vijay fan, Vettaikaaran is essential viewing—a celebration of his stardom at its most uninhibited. If you are a neutral looking for nuanced cinema, look elsewhere. But if you want a solid, no-nonsense, high-energy masala entertainer that delivers exactly what it promises (action, music, and swagger), Vettaikaaran hits the bullseye.
Rating: 3.5/5 (4/5 for fans of mass cinema)
Final Take: Vettaikaaran is the cinematic equivalent of a street food feast—not refined, not subtle, but spicy, loud, and deeply satisfying when you’re in the right mood. Put on your headphones, turn up "Chinna Thamarai," and let Vijay do the hunting.
Vettaikaran (2009) - A Gripping Tale of Revenge and Redemption
"Vettaikaran" is a 2009 Tamil action film starring Vijay and Anuradha Padmanabhan. Directed by Bala, the movie revolves around the themes of revenge, redemption, and the struggle for justice. With a captivating storyline, impressive performances, and soul-stirring music, "Vettaikaran" has left an indelible mark on the Tamil film industry.
The film's narrative centers around Veeraiya (played by Vijay), a kind-hearted and honest donkey owner who lives a simple life in a village. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit, and his family is brutally murdered. This sets Veeraiya on a path of vengeance against the real culprits, who are powerful and well-connected. Vettaikaran Tamil Full Movie Vijay 2009
As Veeraiya navigates the dark underbelly of the city, he adopts the alias "Vettaikaran" (the one who chases thieves). With the help of a street-smart ally, Veeraiya sets out to bring the perpetrators to justice, one by one. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, moral dilemmas, and confrontations with the police, who are also after him.
One of the standout aspects of "Vettaikaran" is its thought-provoking themes. The film explores the consequences of unchecked power, corruption, and the exploitation of the underprivileged. Through Veeraiya's character, the movie highlights the struggles of the common man in seeking justice in a system that often favors the powerful.
The performances in "Vettaikaran" are impressive, with Vijay delivering a memorable portrayal of Veeraiya. His chemistry with co-star Anuradha Padmanabhan is palpable, and their romance adds a touching dimension to the story. The supporting cast, including Prakash Raj and R. S. Shivaji, deliver solid performances that add depth to the narrative.
The music in "Vettaikaran" is another highlight, with a soundtrack that features soul-stirring melodies and foot-stomping beats. The songs, composed by Devi Sri Prasad, are well-integrated into the narrative and help to elevate the film's emotional impact.
In conclusion, "Vettaikaran" is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores themes of revenge, redemption, and justice. With its captivating storyline, impressive performances, and memorable music, it has become a classic in the Tamil film industry. The movie serves as a testament to the power of cinema to inspire, educate, and entertain, and its impact continues to resonate with audiences to this day.
(The Hunter) marked Vijay’s 49th film and was released amidst high expectations to bring him back into the commercial success game. Directed by debutant Babu Sivan, the film is an unapologetic "mass" masala flick designed to appease fans, providing a high-octane entertainer that sticks strictly to the formula of "no-risk" commercial cinema. The Storyline
Ravi (Vijay) is a happy-go-lucky youngster from Thoothukudi who moves to Chennai with the ambition of becoming a police officer, inspired by an encounter specialist. Along the way, he falls for Suseela (Anushka Shetty) and joins a local college. When he tries to protect a classmate from a wicked gangster's son, he incurs the wrath of a dreaded villain, Devanayakam (Salim Ghouse). The movie then becomes a cat-and-mouse game between the "police-in-training" student and the ruthless villain, leading to a typical, action-packed revenge climax. What Works (Pros) Vijay's Charisma:
Vijay shines in his typical style, carrying the film with his dancing, energetic acting, and commanding action scenes. After a couple of dull outings, fans found this a "comeback" of sorts in terms of mass appeal. Music and BGM: Vijay Antony’s music was a major highlight. Tracks like "Karikalan," "Puli Urumudhu," "Chinna Thamarai" were big hits and kept the momentum high. First Half:
The initial 90 minutes are breezy and engrossing, featuring entertaining comedy (mostly with Sathyan) and a decent romantic angle. Action Sequences:
Kanal Kannan’s action choreography is tailored for the audience to cheer, featuring stylized fights. What Doesn't Work (Cons)
Vettaikaaran is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action-masala film starring Vijay and Anushka Shetty. Directed by debutant B. Babusivan and produced by the prestigious AVM Productions, the film focuses on a young man's struggle against a corrupt system to achieve his dream of joining the police force. Plot Overview
The story follows Ravi (Vijay), a youth from Thoothukudi who moves to Chennai to pursue his lifelong goal of becoming a police officer. He is inspired by his childhood role model, Encounter Specialist DCP Devaraj IPS (Srihari).
Ravi’s life takes a dark turn when he intervenes to protect his friend, Uma, from Chella, the predatory son of a powerful and ruthless gangster named Vedhanayagam (Salim Ghouse). This confrontation leads to a deadly feud with Vedhanayagam, who uses his political influence and corrupt police officers like Kattabomman (Sayaji Shinde) to frame Ravi and plot his encounter. Ravi is eventually forced to take the law into his own hands, adopting the identity of "Police Ravi" to dismantle Vedhanayagam's criminal empire and secure justice. Cast & Crew
Lead Actors: Vijay (as Ravi) and Anushka Shetty (as Suseela).
Antagonists: Salim Ghouse (as Vedhanayagam) and Ravi Shankar (as Chella).
Supporting Cast: Srihari (as Devaraj), Sayaji Shinde (as Kattabomman), and Sathyan (as Ravi's friend).
Music: Composed by Vijay Antony, featuring chart-topping tracks like "Naan Adicha Thanga Maatta" and "Puli Urumudhu". Cinematography: S. Gopinath. Production and Release Director: B. Babusivan (his only directorial venture).
Producer: M. Balasubramanian and B. Gurunath Meiyappan (AVM Productions). Release Date: December 18, 2009. Runtime: Approximately 175 minutes. Reception and Legacy
Critics gave the film mixed reviews, often citing a predictable screenplay and a lack of fresh logic typical of mass entertainers. However, it was a major commercial success, completing a 100-day theatrical run and earning over $1.3 million at the overseas box office. For her performance, Anushka Shetty won the Favorite Heroine award at the Vijay Awards.
Watch the most iconic mass scenes and highlights from the film:
Vettaikaran (transl. "The Hunter") is a 2009 Indian Tamil-language action-masala film that stars (in his 49th film) alongside Anushka Shetty . Directed by debutant B. Babusivan and produced by the prestigious AVM Productions
, the film was a significant commercial hit, grossing approximately ₹48.80 crore worldwide. Plot Overview The story follows
(Vijay), a young man from Tuticorin who moves to Chennai with a singular dream: to become a police officer like his role model, DCP Devaraj
(Srihari). His life takes a sharp turn when he falls in love with (Anushka Shetty) and crosses paths with , the son of a ruthless gangster named Vedhanayagam (Salim Ghouse).
After Ravi's friend is victimized by Chella, Ravi intervenes, eventually finding himself targeted by the entire criminal empire and a corrupt police officer, Kattabomman The Vettaikaran Tamil full movie Vijay 2009 is
(Sayaji Shinde). Abandoning his formal aspirations, Ravi adopts the vigilante persona "Police Ravi" to dismantle Vedhanayagam's network from the outside. Box Office Mojo Key Cast & Crew Protagonist: Vijay as Ravi ("Police Ravi"). Female Lead: Anushka Shetty as Susheela. Antagonists: Salim Ghouse as Vedhanayagam and P. Ravi Shankar as Chella. Supporting Roles: Srihari as Devaraj IPS and Sayaji Shinde as Kattabomman. Music Director: Vijay Antony , whose soundtrack—featuring hits like "En Uchimandai" "Puli Urumudhu" —was a major factor in the film's success. Production Highlights Title Origin:
The title was borrowed from the 1964 M. G. Ramachandran (MGR) classic of the same name. Notable Cameo: Vijay's son, Jason Sanjay , made a special appearance during the opening song, "Naan Adicha Thangamata" Vijay's Look:
The film is known for Vijay's experimental styles in songs, including a long-hair wig in "Oru Chinna Thamarai" and a half-male, half-female costume in "Karigalan"
"Vettaikaran (2009): When Vijay Ruled as the 'Hunter' with Mass and Message"
Released during the festive Diwali season of 2009, Vettaikaran (transl. The Hunter) arrived at a time when Vijay was solidifying his position as a commercial mass hero with a social conscience. Directed by Babu Sivan, the film is a quintessential example of late-2000s Tamil cinema — loud, stylish, packed with punchlines, and unapologetically hero-centric.
The Story in a Nutshell Vijay plays Ravi, a brave youngster from a humble fishing community who takes on an unscrupulous rowdy-turned-politician, Devarajan (played with menace by Salim Ghouse). When his lover Susheela (Anushka Shetty) and her family are threatened, Ravi transforms into the "Vettaikaran" — hunting down the system's corruption and violence. The plot is straightforward: good vs. evil, but the screenplay is designed as a Vijay showreel.
Why It Still Stands Out
Critical Reception & Legacy Critics were mixed — some called it formulaic, others praised its entertainment value. But at the box office, Vettaikaran was a clean hit. It ran for 100+ days in many centers and cemented Vijay's "mass with class" image.
Today, Vettaikaran is remembered as a time-capsule film — one that captures Vijay's transition from romantic hero to action star with political undertones. For fans, it's nostalgia in celluloid: the lungi dance, the punch dialogues, and the hunter who made everyone cheer.
“Naan oru vattaikaran illa... Vettaikaran!” — Ravi, Vettaikaran (2009)
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Vettaikaran (2009) is a high-octane Tamil action-masala film starring Vijay (Thalapathy Vijay) and Anushka Shetty. Directed by debutant B. Babusivan and produced by the legendary AVM Productions, it remains a fan favorite for its catchy music and mass-hero moments. Quick Facts Release Date December 18, 2009 Director B. Babusivan Protagonists Vijay ("Police" Ravi) & Anushka Shetty (Susheela) Antagonist Salim Ghouse (Vedhanayagam) Music Director Vijay Antony Box Office Commercial success; ~₹48.80 Cr worldwide gross Plot Summary
The story follows Ravi, a youth from Thoothukudi who moves to Chennai to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, inspired by his role model, DCP Devaraj IPS.
The Conflict: While leading a normal life as a college student and auto-driver, Ravi helps his friend Uma after she is harassed by Chella, the son of a powerful gangster named Vedhanayagam.
The Transformation: This intervention sparks a deadly feud. When the corrupt police and the underworld target Ravi, he takes on the vigilante persona "Police Ravi" to deliver justice and dismantle Vedhanayagam’s empire.
The Resolution: With the help of a disgraced Devaraj, Ravi successfully takes down the villains. Though offered a formal position in the police force, Ravi declines, stating he has already found "the officer within himself". Music & Soundtrack
The soundtrack by Vijay Antony was a major driver of the film's success.
"Naan Adicha": The high-energy introduction song featuring a cameo by Vijay's son, Jason Sanjay.
"Oru Chinna Thamarai": A romantic chart-buster that won Vijay Awards for Favorite Song.
"Puli Urumudhu": A signature mass track used for pivotal action sequences.
Watch the iconic mass scenes and hit songs from Vettaikaran:
Vettaikaaran (2009) is a blockbuster Tamil action-masala film starring Thalapathy Vijay Anushka Shetty
. Directed by debutant B. Babusivan and produced by the legendary AVM Productions, the film is known for its high-octane action, punch dialogues, and chartbuster music. 🎬 Movie Overview Release Date December 18, 2009 B. Babusivan AVM Productions Music Director Vijay Antony Action / Comedy / Drama Streaming Platform Available on 👥 Star Cast
as "Police" Ravi (An ambitious youth who looks up to a police officer) Anushka Shetty as Susheela / Susi (Ravi's love interest) as ACP Devaraj IPS (Ravi's role model) Salim Ghouse as Vedanayagam (The main antagonist) Ravi Shankar as Chella (Vedanayagam's ruthless son) Sayaji Shinde as ACP Kattabomman (A corrupt police officer) as Sugu (Ravi's close friend) Watch Vettaikaaran (Tamil) Full Movie Online
Vettaikaaran (2009): A Cinematic Analysis of "Masala" Justice Keywords used: Vettaikaran Tamil full movie, Vijay 2009
Vettaikaaran (English: The Hunter), released on December 18, 2009, is a quintessential Tamil "masala" action film directed by debutant B. Babusivan and produced by the legendary AVM Productions. Starring Vijay and Anushka Shetty, the film remains a significant entry in Vijay's filmography, particularly for its commercial endurance during a period of varying box office fortunes. 1. Narrative Framework and Plot Summary
The film follows Ravi (Vijay), a youth from Thoothukudi who moves to Chennai to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, inspired by encounter specialist DCP Devaraj IPS.
Conflict: While working as an auto-rickshaw driver to fund his education, Ravi intervenes when a gangster's son, Chella, harasses his friend.
The Antagonist: This action triggers a brutal rivalry with Chella's father, the ruthless don Vedanayagam (Salim Ghouse), and a corrupt police officer, Kattabomman (Sayaji Shinde).
Resolution: After being falsely imprisoned and seeing his mentor Devaraj blinded by the villains, Ravi transforms into "Police Ravi"—a vigilante who "hunts" the criminals outside the law to restore justice. 2. Technical and Musical Merit
The film is widely remembered for its high-energy technical components, which helped sustain its popularity despite narrative tropes.
Soundtrack: Composed by Vijay Antony, the music was a massive commercial hit. Iconic tracks like "Puli Urumudhu," "En Uchimandai," and "Naa Adicha" became anthems for fans.
Action Design: Choreographed by Kanal Kannan, the fight sequences emphasize Vijay’s "larger-than-life" screen persona, featuring stylized stunts that cater to the "mass" audience.
Cinematography: Gopinath’s slick camera work and V. T. Vijayan's fast-paced editing were noted for maintaining a high tempo, particularly in the first half. 3. Critical Reception and Performance
At the time of its release, Vettaikaaran received a polarized response from critics but a warm reception from general audiences.
Vettaikaran, released in 2009 and directed by B. Babusivan, stands as a quintessential artifact of Tamil cinema’s "masala" era. Starring Vijay during a period of transition in his career, the film serves as both a celebration of his established screen persona and a reflection of the industry’s reliance on formulaic heroism. To look deeply at Vettaikaran is to examine the intersection of star worship, societal justice fantasies, and the rigid structural demands of commercial Kollywood.
At its core, the film follows Ravi, a young man who moves from a small town to Chennai with the dream of becoming a police officer, inspired by a legendary encounter with a righteous cop. The narrative quickly pivots into a vigilante saga when Ravi crosses paths with a local gangster named Chella and his more powerful father, Vedhanayagam. This thematic skeleton—the innocent outsider versus the corrupt urban machinery—is a staple of Tamil cinema, but Vettaikaran elevates it through the specific "Ilaya Thalapathy" (Young General) brand of heroism.
The film’s title, which translates to "The Hunter," is symbolic of the protagonist's predatory shift. Ravi does not just seek justice; he hunts those who have bypassed the legal system. This reflects a recurring sentiment in Indian pop culture of the late 2000s: a deep-seated frustration with systemic corruption that can only be resolved by a singular, messianic figure. Ravi represents the common man’s power fantasy, where physical prowess and moral clarity override bureaucratic failure.
Technically, the film is anchored by Vijay’s charisma. His performance is tailored to satisfy his massive fan base, blending high-energy dance sequences, punch dialogues, and stylized action. The soundtrack by Vijay Antony played a pivotal role in the film’s cultural footprint, with tracks like "Puli Urumudhu" and "En Uchi Tholai" reinforcing the lead character's dominance and "mass" appeal. These musical interludes are not mere distractions; they are essential rituals that build the mythos of the hero.
However, a critical lens reveals the limitations of the genre during this period. Vettaikaran adheres strictly to a predictable template: the introduction of the hero, the comedic subplot (provided by Salim Ghouse and others), the romantic interest (Anushka Shetty), and the inevitable escalation of violence. While it succeeded at the box office, the film also highlighted a creative stagnation in the industry, where logic was often sacrificed for the sake of elevating the star’s image. The female lead, for instance, remains largely decorative, serving as a catalyst for the hero’s protective instincts rather than acting as a character with independent agency.
In retrospect, Vettaikaran is a fascinating case study in the evolution of Vijay’s career. It arrived during a string of films that solidified his status as a "people’s hero," yet it also signaled the need for the more grounded, story-driven shifts seen in his later work like Thuppakki or Kaththi. It remains a definitive example of the 2000s Tamil action-drama—loud, vibrant, and unapologetically focused on the triumph of the individual over a broken system. It is a film that captures the heartbeat of a specific era of fandom, where the cinema hall served as a temple for the worship of the invincible underdog.
Vettaikaran (2009) is a high-octane Tamil action-masala film directed by B. Babusivan, featuring "Thalapathy" Vijay in a role tailor-made for his massive fanbase. While it follows the familiar "one-man army" trope, it remains a notable entry in Vijay’s filmography for its energy and chart-topping music. Plot Summary
The story follows Ravi (Vijay), a young man from Thoothukudi who moves to Chennai with the dream of becoming a police officer like his idol, Devaraj IPS. However, his life takes a sharp turn when he crosses paths with Chella, the son of a powerful local gangster, Vedhanayagam. After Ravi stands up for a friend, he finds himself embroiled in a deadly feud with the underworld, forcing him to take the law into his own hands to protect his loved ones and the city. Key Highlights
Vijay’s Screen Presence: Carrying the film on his shoulders, Vijay delivers a performance filled with punch dialogues, high-speed action, and his signature dance moves. His transition from an aspiring cop to a vigilante is the heart of the movie.
Music by Vijay Antony: The soundtrack was a massive success and remains one of the film’s strongest assets. Tracks like "Puli Urumudhu" and "En Uchi Mandai" became instant anthems, elevating the film's energy significantly.
Action Sequences: The film is packed with gravity-defying stunts and choreographed fights that cater specifically to the "mass" audience expectations of the late 2000s. Critical Reception
The Good: Fans praised the film for its entertainment value, the chemistry between Vijay and Anushka Shetty (who plays the female lead, Susheela), and the overall "masala" flavor.
The Bad: Critics at the time noted that the plot was highly predictable and followed a formulaic pattern seen in many of Vijay’s previous hits like Ghilli or Pokkiri. The villain’s characterization was also seen as somewhat stereotypical. Verdict
Vettaikaran is a quintessential Vijay entertainer. It doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it succeeds in providing a fast-paced, musical, and action-packed experience. If you enjoy classic Kollywood commercial cinema where the hero overcomes impossible odds with style, this movie is a must-watch.
A Cinematic Anatomy of the "Mass" Formula: A Deep Analysis of Vettaikaran (2009)
Abstract Released in 2009, Vettaikaran (The Hunter), directed by Babu Sivan and starring Joseph Vijay, stands as a fascinating artifact of late-2000s Tamil commercial cinema. While critically panned upon release for its ostensibly derivative plot and logical liberties, the film was a monumental box-office success. This paper argues that Vettaikaran is not merely an assemblage of cinematic clichés, but a highly calculated, almost algorithmic execution of the "Mass" template. By examining the film’s socio-economic subtext, its subversion of the traditional "rags-to-riches" trajectory, its reliance on hyper-real violence, and Vijay’s meta-star persona, we can understand how Vettaikaran functions as an immersive cinematic ritual rather than a conventional narrative.
Upon release, critics gave mixed reviews, praising Vijay’s performance and the music but criticizing a predictable second half. However, the film’s A-center and B-center audiences (rural and urban mass belts) loved it, ensuring its status as a commercial success. Over time, Vettaikaran has aged well and is now viewed as a quintessential "mass masala" classic.