After the resounding success of Vettaiyan, director TJ Gnanavel is already setting his sights on a potential prequel to the film, which could once again feature Superstar Rajinikanth in the lead. Vettaiyan, which has crossed ₹250 crore at the global box office, has captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and action-packed sequences.
In a recent media interaction, Gnanavel shared his enthusiasm for continuing the Vettaiyan narrative, saying, “I’m more interested in exploring a prequel. Vettaiyan: The Hunter could delve deeper into Athiyan’s journey, showing how he evolved into an encounter specialist. We could also explore Fahadh Faasil’s character’s transformation from a thief to a police informant and other key backstories.”
The director emphasized his fascination with real-life police encounters, which heavily influenced the plot. “Reading about encounter killings has always affected me. It made me question their legitimacy—were these killings justified, or were they staged? Vettaiyan’s climax addresses this dilemma when the so-called red sandalwood smugglers turn out to be innocent tree cutters. My research revealed that such encounters often target the poor, while the wealthy evade justice.”
Gnanavel also touched upon the film’s underlying social themes. “While Vettaiyan is an action drama, it also reflects on the flaws in the education system and the judicial process. I firmly believe in the power of the Constitution, and that belief is embedded in the narrative. Even with action sequences, especially given Rajinikanth’s star power, I ensured they were essential to the story.”
Speaking on how the collaboration with Rajinikanth came about, the Jai Bhim director revealed it was initiated by Rajini’s daughter. “She reached out to me, asking if I had any scripts that would suit her father. It was a surprise, but Rajinikanth was incredibly supportive, giving me creative freedom to blend my vision with his expectations. I knew I had to balance the entertainment factor while staying true to the social commentary that resonates with my style.”
Gnanavel is thrilled with the film’s positive reception and hopes that Vettaiyan will spark conversations about the critical issues it addresses. “I am truly grateful for the love this film has received, and I hope it encourages viewers to reflect on the societal challenges it brings to light,” he said.
About Vettaiyan
Vettaiyan, which hit theaters on October 10, is an intense action drama centered around the investigation of serial killings. Rajinikanth plays Athiyan, a fearless officer tasked with capturing the elusive criminal mastermind responsible for heinous crimes against women. Amitabh Bachchan portrays a court judge named Sathyadev, whose conflicting ideology with Athiyan adds depth to the film. The movie explores law enforcement, justice, and the ethics of police encounters.
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