Vettaiyan

Athiyan, a Superintendent of Police in the Kanyakumari district, is a renowned encounter specialist known as "Vettaiyan" for taking down criminals with the help of his team and "Battery" Patrick, a thief-turned-police informer who is also a tech genius. Athiyan receives a complaint from Saranya, a middle-school teacher, from Pechipaarai about marijuana being stored in classrooms, leading to student drug abuse and disrupted classes. Following the tip, Athiyan and his team arrest Kumaresan, the man behind the drug production, and kill him in an encounter, earning public approval but drawing the scrutiny of the human rights commission. Justice Sathyadev visits the encounter case hearing for observation while the court rules the encounter justified. Saranya gets closer to Athiyan's family and is soon transferred to Chennai.

Soon, Saranya is brutally raped and murdered on the terrace of her new school, with her body discovered in the water tank. SP Harish Kumar and ASP Roopa Kiran led the investigation, uncovering Guna, a software engineer and the brother of Saranya's school student Chitra, as the perpetrator due to his alleged addiction to pornography. Teachers protest statewide, demanding Guna's arrest and justice for Saranya. Guna escapes custody from the hospital, prompting authorities to deploy Athiyan, and is eventually tracked down and killed by Athiyan in an encounter at sea. While the public praises this, Sathyadev reveals that Guna was in Hyderabad during the crime, proving his innocence. Devastated by his mistake, Athiyan reopens the case with Patrick, Roopa, and Harish, uncovering gaps in the original investigation.

Their efforts led them to Hanu Reddy, a contract killer hired to murder Saranya. However, Hanu is killed before they can discover who hired him. With Patrick's technical expertise, the team uncovers Harish's corruption; he had tipped off Hanu about the police's pursuit. Investigations with a Nat Academy employee, Swetha, revealed that their Chairman, Natraj Shanmugam, was involved in a scam of luring parents and students with promises of 100% pass rates in competitive exams through online courses. Many families took loans to join, but the Nat Academy refused refunds when they discontinued or could not pay, and those who complained faced threats and violence. To hide the scam, Natraj partnered with the Government under the "Smart Student Scheme" to provide free entrance exam coaching classes to government schools, to deceive people by disparaging the standards of government schools by bribing social media influencers. Saranya and Guna, whose sister was also a subscriber to Nat Academy's online course, had uncovered evidence of the scam before Saranya's demise.

Athiyan attempts to arrest Natraj but is transferred to the Economic Offences Wing in retaliation. Subsequently, Athiyan collaborates with DSP Nazeema to investigate Natraj under the provisions of the BUDS Act, 2019. To gather evidence, Athiyan, with the assistance of his wife, Thara, a social media influencer, collects complaints from parents across the state who claimed to have been defrauded by Nat Academy's online courses. Natraj sends goons simultaneously to intimidate Athiyan, Thara, and Roopa, but these attempts are unsuccessful. Athiyan learns that a hard disk drive had already been sent by Saranya, and upon recovering, finds proof of Natraj's scams, but Natraj's henchmen kill Patrick during the investigation. Swetha bribes the public prosecutor, allowing Natraj to evade a court case.

Athiyan, lacking concrete evidence linking Natraj to Saranya's murder, with his nephew's help, shares Saranya's final video, revealing Natraj's purported scam and attempted murder on social media. Then, he convenes a press meeting to share findings regarding Natraj's scam, exposes Harish's role in falsely implicating Guna, and declares Guna's innocence. The government annuls all MoUs with Nat Academy, leading to its ban. During transportation from Puzhal prison to the court, Natraj escapes custody, taking Roopa hostage. Athiyan confronts Natraj and subdues him and his henchmen, securing Natraj's arrest.

Six months later, Natraj is sentenced to life in prison, and Athiyan steps back from his encounter-driven methods, choosing to let justice take its course.

{{Cast listing|

• Rajinikanth as SP V. Athiyan IPS (Vettaiyan)
• Amitabh Bachchan as Justice Dr. Sathyadev Bramhadutt Pande, National Human Rights Commission of India
• Fahadh Faasil as Cyber Patrick "Battery"
• Rana Daggubati as Natraj "Nat" Shanmugam
• Manju Warrier as Thara Athiyan
• Ritika Singh as ASP Roopa Kiran
• Dushara Vijayan as Saranya, A Teacher
• Asal Kolaar as Guna
• Krish Hassan as Sathish, Guna's friend
• Rohini as DSP Nazeema, Indian Economic Service
• Abhirami as Swetha Dhakshinamoorthy
• Rao Ramesh as DGP D. Shrinivas
• Ramesh Thilak as Anbu, Office peon
• Kishore as SP K. Harish Kumar
• Rakshan as Dharan, Athiyan's nephew
• G. M. Sundar as Inspector Lourdhu Samy
• Sabumon Abdusamad as Kumaresan
• Supreeth as Hanu Reddy
• Shaji Chen as Chennai Police Commissioner K. Virendar{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJg7XYzOCtU |title=Thalaivar வந்து நிக்கும் போது ஒரு Magic நடக்கும் {{!}} Vettaiyan Exclusive Interview {{!}}Shaji Chen {{!}}Rajini |date=17 September 2024 |language=ta |publisher=Lyca Productions |access-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004013903/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJg7XYzOCtU |archive-date=4 October 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Vettaiyan Prevue: Superstar Rajinikanth shines as suave encounter specialist |url=https://www.desimartini.com/movies/trending/vettaiyan-prevue-superstar-rajinikanth-shines-as-suave-encounter-specialist-watch/a4e39972eb472/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923161042/https://www.desimartini.com/movies/trending/vettaiyan-prevue-superstar-rajinikanth-shines-as-suave-encounter-specialist-watch/a4e39972eb472/ |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=Desimartini |language=en}}
• R. Aravindraj as V. Rathinam, Tamil Nadu Home Minister
• Alencier Ley Lopez as Combined Courts Judge
• Remya Suresh as Saranya's mother
• Ananth Nag as ASP Ram
• Birla Bose as an Inspector
• B. S. Avinash as Perusu
• Kalki Raja as Kumaresan's sidekick
• Thanmaya as Chithra, Guna's sister
• Vasanthi as Guna's mother
• Aruvi Bala as a compounder
• Sri Deva as a NAT Academy agent
• Aroul D. Shankar as Education Minister
• Vinod Sagar as a politician
• Krishnudu as Kadapa Head Constable Srinivasa Rao{{efn|Although the character was unnamed in the end credits, the name was revealed in the film.}}
• Anirudh Ravichander as himself in the song "Manasilaayo"}}

In May 2022, it was reported that director T. J. Gnanavel would reunite with Suriya for his next directorial post the critically acclaimed Jai Bhim (2021).{{Cite web |date=27 May 2022 |title=Suriya Dismisses Rumours of His Project With Director Bala Getting Shelved |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/suriya-dismisses-rumours-of-his-project-with-director-bala-getting-shelved-5258161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609185300/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/suriya-dismisses-rumours-of-his-project-with-director-bala-getting-shelved-5258161.html |archive-date=9 June 2022 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}} Then Suriya stated that if his film with Vetrimaaran, Vaadivaasal, got further delayed due to extensive pre-production works, they would collaborate again.{{Cite web |date=23 May 2022 |title=Suriya's next with TJ Gnanavel to be shot in single stretch |url=https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/05/23/suriyas-next-with-tj-gnanavel-to-be-shot-in-single-stretch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707131936/https://www.dtnext.in/cinema/2022/05/23/suriyas-next-with-tj-gnanavel-to-be-shot-in-single-stretch |archive-date=7 July 2022 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=DT Next |language=en}} Production was to begin after Suriya completed his commitments with Bala's Vanangaan at that time, but Suriya left Vanangaan due to reported creative differences with Bala.{{Cite news |date=4 May 2022 |title='Jai Bhim' duo Suriya and TJ Gnanavel to reunite for a quickie |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jai-bhim-duo-suriya-and-tj-gnanavel-to-reunite-for-a-quickie/articleshow/91317483.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013121340/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jai-bhim-duo-suriya-and-tj-gnanavel-to-reunite-for-a-quickie/articleshow/91317483.cms |archive-date=13 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=25 September 2023 |title=First Look Of Bala-Arun Vijay's Vanangaan Out |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/first-look-of-bala-arun-vijays-vanangaan-out |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209013706/https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/first-look-of-bala-arun-vijays-vanangaan-out |archive-date=9 December 2023 |access-date=8 July 2024 |website=Film Companion |language=en}} Gnanavel confirmed the reunion in November 2022 during an interview for the occasion. He further stated that he narrated the script to Suriya during the filming of Jai Bhim in 2021, and the actor approved it back then.{{Cite news |date=3 November 2022 |title='Jai Bhim' director TJ Gnanavel confirms his reunion with Suriya |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jai-bhim-director-tj-gnanavel-confirms-his-reunion-with-suriya/articleshow/95273867.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208115745/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/jai-bhim-director-tj-gnanavel-confirms-his-reunion-with-suriya/articleshow/95273867.cms |archive-date=8 December 2022 |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=2 November 2022 |title=TJ Gnanavel confirms reuniting with Suriya for his next |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/Nov/02/tj-gnanavel-confirms-reuniting-with-suriya-for-his-next-36197.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211151953/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2022/nov/02/tj-gnanavel-confirms-reuniting-with-suriya-for-his-next-36197.html |archive-date=11 December 2023 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

In July 2022, director Cibi Chakravarthy, was reported to begin work for his next, which would either star Vijay or Rajinikanth, with the latter being the top contender.{{Cite news |date=30 July 2022 |title='Don' director Cibi Chakravarthy plans to direct Vijay or Rajinikanth in his next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/don-director-cibi-chakravarthy-plans-to-direct-vijay-or-rajinikanth-in-his-next/articleshow/93229727.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230709205348/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/don-director-cibi-chakravarthy-plans-to-direct-vijay-or-rajinikanth-in-his-next/articleshow/93229727.cms |archive-date=9 July 2023 |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} In August, Chakravarthy confirmed that he indeed had begun work for his next directorial but the lead actor was not finalised.{{Cite news |date=2 August 2022 |title='Don' director Cibi Chakravarthy opens up about his next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/don-director-cibi-chakravarthy-opens-up-about-his-next/articleshow/93299164.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117204041/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/don-director-cibi-chakravarthy-opens-up-about-his-next/articleshow/93299164.cms |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Throughout the year, speculations arose over the collaboration of the director and Rajinikanth and the film was temporarily titled Thalaivar 170.{{Cite news |date=3 November 2022 |title=Aravind Swami hints about joining Rajinikanth after 31 years in Cibi Chakravarthy's directorial |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aravind-swamy-hints-about-joining-rajinikanth-after-31-years-in-cibi-chakravarthys-directorial/articleshow/94218186.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117204101/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aravind-swamy-hints-about-joining-rajinikanth-after-31-years-in-cibi-chakravarthys-directorial/articleshow/94218186.cms |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} As Rajinikanth signed a two-film deal with Lyca Productions due to the success of 2.0 (2018), the venture was reported to be produced by Lyca.{{Cite news |date=7 October 2022 |title=Rajinikanth signs a two-movie deal with the makers of '2.0' and 'Darbar': Reports |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-signs-a-two-movie-deal-with-the-makers-of-2-0-and-darbar-reports/articleshow/94697928.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107074810/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-signs-a-two-movie-deal-with-the-makers-of-2-0-and-darbar-reports/articleshow/94697928.cms |archive-date=7 November 2022 |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} In January 2023, Chakravarthy reportedly confirmed the collaboration of him and Rajinikanth.{{Cite news |date=2 January 2023 |title=Cibi Chakravarthy clears the rumour about him directing Rajinikanth |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cibi-chakravarthy-clears-the-rumour-about-him-directing-rajinikanth/articleshow/96684172.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103161336/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/cibi-chakravarthy-clears-the-rumour-about-him-directing-rajinikanth/articleshow/96684172.cms |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=17 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} However, the project failed to materialise and was dropped.{{Cite news |date=15 January 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's film with TJ Gnanavel to turn true |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-film-with-tj-gnanavel-to-turn-true/articleshow/97006726.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130011812/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-film-with-tj-gnanavel-to-turn-true/articleshow/97006726.cms |archive-date=30 January 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |work=The Times of India}}

In January 2023, sources claimed that due to Suriya's commitments with Siva's Kanguva and Vetrimaran's Vaadivaasal, Gnanavel began work on another script. He reportedly narrated it to Rajinikanth, who was impressed by the director and immediately gave his nod.{{Cite web |date=16 January 2023 |title=Rajinikanth to do a film with TJ Gnanavel? |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Jan/16/rajinikanth-to-do-a-film-with-tj-gnanavel-38805.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203155813/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/jan/16/rajinikanth-to-do-a-film-with-tj-gnanavel-38805.html |archive-date=3 February 2023 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} Lyca Productions announced the project on 2 March, tentatively titled Thalaivar 170.{{Cite web |last=Sundar |first=Anusha |date=2 March 2023 |title=TJ Gnanavel to direct Rajinikanth in Thalaivar 170 |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Mar/02/tj-gnanavel-to-direct-rajinikanth-in-thalaivar-170-40555.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326023209/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/mar/02/tj-gnanavel-to-direct-rajinikanth-in-thalaivar-170-40555.html |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} The project was planned to start after Rajinikanth wrapped up Jailer (2023) and Lal Salaam (2024).{{Cite web |date=2 March 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's next project with Jai Bhim director announced, to release in 2024 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/rajinikanths-next-project-with-jai-bhim-director-announced-to-release-in-2024-101677740177551.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240226070926/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/rajinikanths-next-project-with-jai-bhim-director-announced-to-release-in-2024-101677740177551.html |archive-date=26 February 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} A muhurat puja was held on 4 October in Thiruvananthapuram in the presence of the cast and crew.{{Cite tweet |number=1709531328360952174 |user=LycaProductions |title=#Thalaivar170 🕴🏻 journey begins with an auspicious pooja ceremony 🪔🌸 today at Trivandrum 📍 |author=Lyca Productions |author-link=Lyca Productions |access-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250122082335/https://x.com/LycaProductions/status/1709531328360952174 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |url-status=live}}

The film was made on a budget of {{INRConvert|160|c}}. Anirudh Ravichander would score the music, in his maiden collaboration with Gnanavel.{{Cite news |date=2 March 2023 |title=Rajinikanth to team up with 'Jai Bhim' TJ Gnanavel for 'Thalaivar 170' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-to-team-up-with-jai-bhim-tj-gnanavel-for-thalaivar-170/article66570959.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805012153/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-to-team-up-with-jai-bhim-tj-gnanavel-for-thalaivar-170/article66570959.ece |archive-date=5 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} On 4 October 2023, the technical crew including cinematographer S. R. Kathir, editor Philomin Raj and stunt choreography duo Anbariv were announced to have been retained by Gnanavel, after they previously worked in Jai Bhim.{{Cite tweet |number=1709536982999966163 |user=CinemaWithAB |title=#Thalaivar170 technical crew 🔥DOP – SR Kathir Editing – PhilominRaj Art Director – Kadhir Stunt – Anbariv Music – Anirudh Except Anirudh Director's previous movie #JaiBhim crew was retained for this too👌💥 |last=AmuthaBharathi |date=4 October 2023 |access-date=4 October 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240528044011/https://x.com/CinemaWithAB/status/1709536982999966163 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=4 October 2023 |title=Rajinikanth on 'Thalaivar 170': Will be starting shooting from October 4! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-on-thalaivar-170-will-be-starting-shooting-from-october-4/articleshow/104129548.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202231613/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-on-thalaivar-170-will-be-starting-shooting-from-october-4/articleshow/104129548.cms |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=12 March 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Art director K. Kathir, make-up artist Pattanam Rasheed and costume designer Anu Vardhan were chosen as crew.{{Cite news |date=4 August 2023 |title=Rajinikanth locks his look for 'Thalaivar 170'; to be styled by Aalim Hakim again |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-locks-his-look-for-thalaivar-170-to-be-styled-by-aalim-hakim-again/articleshow/102414499.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004182524/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanth-locks-his-look-for-thalaivar-170-to-be-styled-by-aalim-hakim-again/articleshow/102414499.cms |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}} The official title Vettaiyan was announced on 12 December 2023, coinciding with Rajinikanth's 73rd birthday.{{Cite news |date=12 December 2023 |title='Vettaiyan' is the title of Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 170' with TJ Gnanavel |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-is-the-title-of-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-with-tj-gnanavel/article67630639.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212130629/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-is-the-title-of-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-with-tj-gnanavel/article67630639.ece |archive-date=12 December 2023 |access-date=12 December 2023 |work=The Hindu |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=13 December 2023 |title=Vettaiyan: Lyca Productions reveal real title of Thalaivar 170 with a teaser on Rajinikanth's birthday |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-lyca-productions-reveal-real-title-of-thalaivar-170-with-a-teaser-on-rajinikanths-birthday-101702436843429.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302155126/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-lyca-productions-reveal-real-title-of-thalaivar-170-with-a-teaser-on-rajinikanths-birthday-101702436843429.html |archive-date=2 March 2024 |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}

Rajinikanth plays a police officer.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2024 |title=Rajinikanth spotted in police uniform on sets of Vettaiyan. Watch |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/rajinikanth-spotted-in-police-uniform-on-sets-of-vettaiyan-watch-9185955/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301112116/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/rajinikanth-spotted-in-police-uniform-on-sets-of-vettaiyan-watch-9185955/ |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=12 December 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 170 is titled Vettaiyan. Details inside |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-is-titled-vettaiyan-details-inside-63126.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217201133/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-is-titled-vettaiyan-details-inside-63126.html |archive-date=17 December 2023 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}} In October 2023, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan joined the cast,{{Cite news |date=30 October 2023 |title=Amitabh Bachchan's role in 'Thalaivar 170' revealed; deets inside |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/amitabh-bachchans-role-in-thalaivar-170-revealed-deets-inside/articleshow/104816105.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031114747/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/amitabh-bachchans-role-in-thalaivar-170-revealed-deets-inside/articleshow/104816105.cms |archive-date=31 October 2023 |access-date=18 November 2023 |work=The Times of India}} making his debut in Tamil cinema, as well as in his reunion with Rajinikanth after Hum (1991).{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Amitabh Bachchan joins Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 170, will work with him after 32 years |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/amitabh-bachchan-joins-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-will-work-with-him-after-32-years-101696334239317.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102034625/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/amitabh-bachchan-joins-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-will-work-with-him-after-32-years-101696334239317.html |archive-date=2 November 2023 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Chowdhury |first=Madhumanti Pait |date=3 October 2023 |title=Amitabh Bachchan And Rajinikanth To Share Screen Space After 32 Years |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-and-rajinikanth-to-share-screen-space-after-32-years-4446886 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124033214/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/amitabh-bachchan-and-rajinikanth-to-share-screen-space-after-32-years-4446886 |archive-date=24 November 2023 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=NDTV}} Bachchan was initially set to make his Tamil debut with Uyarndha Manidhan, which got shelved.{{Cite news |date=3 October 2023 |title=Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth reunite for 'Thalaivar 170' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/amitabh-bachchan-and-rajinikanth-reunite-for-thalaivar-170/article67375843.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003123941/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/amitabh-bachchan-and-rajinikanth-reunite-for-thalaivar-170/article67375843.ece |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 |work=The Hindu}} Fahadh Faasil was signed for a comic role in his fifth Tamil film{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Fahadh Faasil joins Rajinikanth in director TJ Gnanavel 'Thalaivar 170' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahaadh-faasil-joins-rajinikanth-in-thalaivar-170-lyca-productions-2443762-2023-10-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003101233/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahaadh-faasil-joins-rajinikanth-in-thalaivar-170-lyca-productions-2443762-2023-10-03 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=3 October 2023 |website=India Today}}{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=Fahadh Faasil joins the cast of Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 170 |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Oct/03/fahadh-faasil-joins-the-cast-of-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-48240.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313125702/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Oct/03/fahadh-faasil-joins-the-cast-of-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-48240.html |archive-date=13 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh and Dushara Vijayan play the female leads,{{Cite web |last=Darshan |first=Navein |date=2 October 2023 |title=Manju Warrier joins Thalaivar 170 |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Oct/02/manju-warrier-joins-thalaivar-170-48213.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313125706/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/Oct/02/manju-warrier-joins-thalaivar-170-48213.html |archive-date=13 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=25 August 2023 |title=Manju Warrier on board Thalaivar 170 shooting to start in Sept 3rd week in Chennai |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/manju-warrier-on-board-thalaivar-170-shooting-to-start-in-sept-3rd-week-in-chennai-732011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910051809/https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/manju-warrier-on-board-thalaivar-170-shooting-to-start-in-sept-3rd-week-in-chennai-732011 |archive-date=10 September 2023 |access-date=10 September 2023 |website=DT Next |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=13 March 2024 |title=Having The Time of My Life Working With Rajinikanth: Ritika Singh |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/having-the-time-of-my-life-working-with-rajinikanth-ritika-singh-article-108466804 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313125456/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/having-the-time-of-my-life-working-with-rajinikanth-ritika-singh-article-108466804 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2 October 2023 |title=Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan join Rajinikanth's Thalaivar 170 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ritika-singh-dushara-vijayan-join-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-8965197/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106165459/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/ritika-singh-dushara-vijayan-join-rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-8965197/ |archive-date=6 January 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}} and Rana Daggubati was chosen for a prominent role in the film.{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=It's official! Rana Daggubati joins Rajinikanth in 'Thalaivar 170' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/its-official-rana-daggubati-joins-rajinikanth-in-thailaivar-170-2443646-2023-10-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009103152/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/its-official-rana-daggubati-joins-rajinikanth-in-thailaivar-170-2443646-2023-10-03 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} The actresses were announced on 2 October 2023, while Daggubati was announced the day after, by the production house.{{Cite news |date=2 October 2023 |title='Thalaivar 170': Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan join Rajinikanth's next with TJ Gnanavel |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thalaivar-170-manju-warrier-ritika-singh-dushara-vijayan-join-rajinikanths-next-with-tj-gnanavel/article67372317.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002163354/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/thalaivar-170-manju-warrier-ritika-singh-dushara-vijayan-join-rajinikanths-next-with-tj-gnanavel/article67372317.ece |archive-date=2 October 2023 |access-date=2 October 2023 |work=The Hindu}} Rakshan and G. M. Sundar's presence at the muhurat puja confirmed their inclusion.{{Cite news |date=4 October 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 170' begins with an auspicious pooja ceremony |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-begins-with-an-auspicious-pooja-ceremony/articleshow/104161831.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004121156/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-begins-with-an-auspicious-pooja-ceremony/articleshow/104161831.cms |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=4 October 2023 |work=The Times of India}} Rohini, Rao Ramesh, and Ramesh Thilak were later confirmed to be a part of the cast.

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Principal photography was scheduled to begin on the third week of September 2023 in Chennai,{{Cite web |last=Rajaraman |first=Kaushik |date=25 August 2023 |title=Manju Warrier on board Thalaivar 170 shooting to start in Sept 3rd week in Chennai |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/manju-warrier-on-board-thalaivar-170-shooting-to-start-in-sept-3rd-week-in-chennai-732011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910051809/https://www.dtnext.in/news/cinema/manju-warrier-on-board-thalaivar-170-shooting-to-start-in-sept-3rd-week-in-chennai-732011 |archive-date=10 September 2023 |access-date=10 September 2023 |website=DT Next}} but ultimately began on 4 October in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.{{Cite web |last=Nair |first=Aishwarya |date=4 October 2023 |title=Thalaivar 170: Where can you meet Rajinikanth in Thiruvananthapuram doing shooting? Read this |url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/thalaivar-170-where-can-you-meet-rajinikanth-in-thiruvananthapuram-doing-shooting-read-this-anr-s1zx5f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004103621/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/thalaivar-170-where-can-you-meet-rajinikanth-in-thiruvananthapuram-doing-shooting-read-this-anr-s1zx5f |archive-date=4 October 2023 |access-date=4 October 2023 |website=Asianet News}} Production moved to Tirunelveli on 11 October.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2023 |title=Rajinikanth in Tirunelveli for Thalaivar 170: Superstar stops the car to greet his fans |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/rajinikanth-in-tirunelveli-for-thalaivar-170-superstar-stops-the-car-to-greet-his-fans-8976332/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010233854/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/rajinikanth-in-tirunelveli-for-thalaivar-170-superstar-stops-the-car-to-greet-his-fans-8976332/ |archive-date=10 October 2023 |access-date=10 October 2023 |website=The Indian Express}} In late October, the second schedule began filming in Mumbai, with Rajinikanth and Bachchan.{{Cite web |date=29 October 2023 |title=Thalaivar 170: Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan wrap up Mumbai schedule with new BTS pic from set |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/thalaivar-170-rajinikanth-amitabh-bachchan-wrap-up-mumbai-schedule-new-bts-pic-101698573662030.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029103624/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/thalaivar-170-rajinikanth-amitabh-bachchan-wrap-up-mumbai-schedule-new-bts-pic-101698573662030.html |archive-date=29 October 2023 |access-date=29 October 2023 |website=Hindustan Times}} The schedule concluded by 30 October. On 20 November, the filming began at Prasad Labs, Chennai.{{Cite news |date=20 November 2023 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Thalaivar 170' shooting resumes today |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-shooting-resumes-today/articleshow/105356779.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118134426/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-thalaivar-170-shooting-resumes-today/articleshow/105356779.cms |archive-date=18 January 2024 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} During this schedule, as Indian 2 was filming in the same studio, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan met at the studio and posted videos and pictures to social media, which went viral.{{Cite news |date=23 November 2023 |title=After 21 years, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan shoot side by side! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/after-21-years-rajinikanth-and-kamal-haasan-shoot-side-by-side/articleshow/105443948.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205001241/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/after-21-years-rajinikanth-and-kamal-haasan-shoot-side-by-side/articleshow/105443948.cms |archive-date=5 December 2023 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} In early December, Singh, through her social media, stated that she would take a break from filming as she injured herself during the filming of her portions.{{Cite news |date=5 December 2023 |title=Ritika Singh meets with a major injury while shooting for Rajinikanth starrer 'Thalaivar 170' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ritika-singh-meets-with-a-major-injury-while-shooting-for-rajinikanth-starrer-thalaivar-170/articleshow/105746684.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118134345/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ritika-singh-meets-with-a-major-injury-while-shooting-for-rajinikanth-starrer-thalaivar-170/articleshow/105746684.cms |archive-date=18 January 2024 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

A leaked picture of Rajinikanth and Fahadh, taken by paparazzi, was posted to X (formerly Twitter),{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title=Leaked pic: Rajinikanth and Fahadh Faasil shoot for TJ Gnanavel's 'Vettaiyan' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/leaked-pic-rajinikanth-and-fahadh-faasil-shoot-for-tj-gnanavels-vettaiyan-2481335-2023-12-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231230172522/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/leaked-pic-rajinikanth-and-fahadh-faasil-shoot-for-tj-gnanavels-vettaiyan-2481335-2023-12-28 |archive-date=30 December 2023 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} where the film's social media security partner removed the picture from the social media and warned the users not to post or else they would lose their account.{{Cite news |date=1 January 2024 |title=Another leaked video of Rajinikanth and Fahadh Faasil from 'Vettaiyan' set goes viral! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/another-leaked-video-of-rajinikanth-and-fahadh-faasil-from-vettaiyan-set-goes-viral/articleshow/106438816.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118134335/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/another-leaked-video-of-rajinikanth-and-fahadh-faasil-from-vettaiyan-set-goes-viral/articleshow/106438816.cms |archive-date=18 January 2024 |access-date=18 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}}{{Cite web |date=28 December 2023 |title=Rajinikanth and Fahadh Faasil's leaked pic from the sets of Vettaiyan goes viral |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajinikanth-and-fahadh-faasils-leaked-pic-from-the-sets-of-vettaiyan-goes-viral-63477.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231229014946/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/rajinikanth-and-fahadh-faasils-leaked-pic-from-the-sets-of-vettaiyan-goes-viral-63477.html |archive-date=29 December 2023 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}} After a short break for Pongal, filming resumed in Puducherry.{{Cite news |date=13 January 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's enduring charisma: Latest 'Vettaiyan' set picture goes viral |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-enduring-charisma-latest-vettaiyan-set-picture-goes-viral/articleshow/106807195.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122221533/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-enduring-charisma-latest-vettaiyan-set-picture-goes-viral/articleshow/106807195.cms |archive-date=22 January 2024 |access-date=22 January 2024 |work=The Times of India}} That schedule concluded by mid-January 2024. The final schedule began on 28 January in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh.{{Cite news |date=29 January 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' shoot resumes in Kadapa |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-shoot-resumes-in-kadapa-latest-news/articleshow/107221621.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004013830/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-shoot-resumes-in-kadapa-latest-news/articleshow/107221621.cms |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Rajinikanth, on 10 February, stated that 80% filming was done.{{Cite news |date=10 February 2024 |title=Rajinikanth says 'Lal Salaam' has gotten positive response; shares update on 'Vettaiyan' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-says-lal-salaam-has-gotten-positive-response-shares-update-on-vettaiyan/article67832228.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210132341/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-says-lal-salaam-has-gotten-positive-response-shares-update-on-vettaiyan/article67832228.ece |archive-date=10 February 2024 |access-date=10 February 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en |agency=ANI}} In early March, production moved to Hyderabad, and Daggubati began filming his portions on 4 March.{{Cite web |date=5 March 2024 |title=Rana Daggubati Joins The Unit Of Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/rana-daggubati-joins-the-unit-of-rajinikanths-vettaiyan-article-108242778 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313125619/https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/telugu/rana-daggubati-joins-the-unit-of-rajinikanths-vettaiyan-article-108242778 |archive-date=13 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=Times Now |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=4 March 2024 |title=Rana Daggubati joins the sets of 'Vettaiyan' and shares a photo from his day 1 shooting |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rana-daggubati-joins-the-sets-of-vettaiyan-and-shares-a-photo-from-his-day-1-shooting/articleshow/108203338.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309021907/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rana-daggubati-joins-the-sets-of-vettaiyan-and-shares-a-photo-from-his-day-1-shooting/articleshow/108203338.cms |archive-date=9 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024 |work=The Times of India}} Filming of Rajinikanth's portions ended on 13 May 2024,{{Cite news |date=14 May 2024 |title=Rajinikanth wraps up shooting for 'Vettaiyan' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-wraps-up-shooting-for-vettaiyan/article68173802.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240514091111/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-wraps-up-shooting-for-vettaiyan/article68173802.ece |archive-date=14 May 2024 |access-date=14 May 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en |agency=PTI}} while overall filming ended in late August.{{Cite news |date=29 August 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' shoot finally wrapped up after 148 days; more deets inside |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-shoot-finally-wrapped-up-after-148-days-more-deets-inside/articleshow/112890726.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240830130907/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-shoot-finally-wrapped-up-after-148-days-more-deets-inside/articleshow/112890726.cms |archive-date=30 August 2024 |access-date=8 September 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

{{Main|Vettaiyan (soundtrack)}}

The music and background score was composed by Anirudh Ravichander, in his fourth collaboration with Rajinikanth after Petta (2019), Darbar (2020) and Jailer (2023); maiden with Gnanavel.{{Cite news |date=2 March 2023 |title=Rajinikanth to team up with 'Jai Bhim' TJ Gnanavel for 'Thalaivar 170' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-to-team-up-with-jai-bhim-tj-gnanavel-for-thalaivar-170/article66570959.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805012153/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/rajinikanth-to-team-up-with-jai-bhim-tj-gnanavel-for-thalaivar-170/article66570959.ece |archive-date=5 August 2023 |access-date=5 August 2023 |work=The Hindu}} The audio rights were acquired by Sony Music India.{{Cite tweet |number=1734545096480317576 |user=LycaProductions |title=The wait is over! ⌛ Presenting the title of #Thalaivar170 🕴🏻 – VETTAIYAN 🕶️ |author=Lyca Productions |author-link=Lyca Productions |date=13 December 2023 |access-date=13 December 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240528044240/https://x.com/LycaProductions/status/1734545096480317576 |archive-date=28 May 2024 |url-status=live}} "Vettaiyan Birthday Teaser Music" was the song that was used on the title teaser that released on the occasion of Rajinikanth's birthday (12 December 2023).{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDT6PejlKd0 |title=Vettaiyan {{!}} Rajinikanth {{!}} T.J. Gnanavel {{!}} Anirudh {{!}} Subaskaran {{!}} Lyca Productions |date=12 December 2023 |publisher=Lyca Music |access-date=28 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128130511/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDT6PejlKd0 |archive-date=28 January 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} The first single "Manasilaayo" was released on 9 September 2024. It featured late singer Malaysia Vasudevan's vocals generated via artificial intelligence.{{Cite web |last=Nyayapati |first=Neeshita |date=9 September 2024 |title=Manasilaayo: Rajinikanth, Manju Warrier groove to a dance number from Vettaiyan. Watch |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/manasilaayo-rajinikanth-manju-warrier-groove-to-a-dance-number-from-vettaiyan-watch-101725878670743.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909120546/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/manasilaayo-rajinikanth-manju-warrier-groove-to-a-dance-number-from-vettaiyan-watch-101725878670743.html |archive-date=9 September 2024 |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}} The second single titled "Hunter Vantaar" was released on 20 September 2024.{{Cite web |last=Rao |first=Anisha |date=20 September 2024 |title=Hunter Vantaar: Vettaiyan's 2nd single is all about Rajinikanth's star power |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vettaiyan-hunter-vantaar-second-song-rajinikanth-anirudh-ravichander-2603289-2024-09-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923061718/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vettaiyan-hunter-vantaar-second-song-rajinikanth-anirudh-ravichander-2603289-2024-09-20 |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} The audio launch was held later the same day at Nehru Stadium, Chennai.{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Watch: Rajinikanth arrives at Vettaiyan event to roaring cheers from fans |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajinikanth-arrives-at-vettaiyan-prevue-launch-to-roaring-cheers-from-fans-watch-video-2603660-2024-09-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923061828/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajinikanth-arrives-at-vettaiyan-prevue-launch-to-roaring-cheers-from-fans-watch-video-2603660-2024-09-20 |archive-date=23 September 2024 |access-date=20 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} The third single "Uchathila" was released on 11 October 2024, after the film's release.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2024 |title=Uchathila (from Vettaiyan) – Single |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/uchathila-from-vettaiyan-single/1773339742 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241013145630/https://music.apple.com/us/album/uchathila-from-vettaiyan-single/1773339742 |archive-date=13 October 2024 |access-date=13 October 2024 |website=Apple Music}} The full album containing 9 tracks was released on 14 October 2024.{{Cite web |title=Vettaiyan (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6Xw7XAQQwpsy9KfUnJTrHz?si=dYb8y8oYQ3alicOI3kJAAw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250122080119/https://open.spotify.com/album/6Xw7XAQQwpsy9KfUnJTrHz?si=dYb8y8oYQ3alicOI3kJAAw&nd=1&dlsi=6efeb094f2ec40cd |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Spotify}}

The official prevue for Vettaiyan was released on 20 September.{{Cite web |date=20 September 2024 |title=Vettaiyan prevue: Rajinikanth, Big B lead Gnanavel's film on encounter killings |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vettaiyan-prevue-rajinikanth-supercop-amitabh-bachchan-tj-gnanavel-2603635-2024-09-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240921030839/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vettaiyan-prevue-rajinikanth-supercop-amitabh-bachchan-tj-gnanavel-2603635-2024-09-20 |archive-date=21 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} It received mixed response from viewers, with some finding Prakash Raj voicing Bachchan jarring. Subsequently, the makers decided to replace Raj's voice with Bachchan's own for the final cut and all other language releases, enhanced via artificial intelligence.{{Cite web |date=25 September 2024 |title=Amitabh Bachchan's voice in Vettaiyan to be enhanced using AI |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/amitabh-bachchans-voice-in-vettaiyan-to-be-enhanced-using-ai-68636.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926014200/https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/amitabh-bachchans-voice-in-vettaiyan-to-be-enhanced-using-ai-68636.html |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Filmfare |language=en}} The official trailer of the film was released on 2 October 2024, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti.{{Cite web |date=2 October 2024 |title='Vettaiyan' trailer: Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are two sides of the same coin in TJ Gnanavel's film |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-trailer-rajinikanth-and-amitabh-bachchan-are-two-sides-of-the-same-coin-in-tj-gnanavel-film/article68709559.ece/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002130539/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-trailer-rajinikanth-and-amitabh-bachchan-are-two-sides-of-the-same-coin-in-tj-gnanavel-film/article68709559.ece/amp/ |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date=2 October 2024 |website=The Hindu}}

Vettaiyan was theatrically released on 10 October 2024, coinciding with Vijayadashami.{{Cite news |last=K |first=Janani |date=19 August 2024 |title=Official: Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' will clash with Suriya's 'Kanguva' on October 10 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajinikanth-vettaiyan-suriya-kanguva-october-10-2584447-2024-08-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819051520/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rajinikanth-vettaiyan-suriya-kanguva-october-10-2584447-2024-08-19 |archive-date=19 August 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024 |work=India Today}}{{Cite news |date=10 October 2024 |title=Rana Daggubati opens about the 'Vettaiyan' title in Telugu! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rana-daggubati-opens-about-the-vettaiyan-title-in-telugu/articleshow/114112629.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130191729/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rana-daggubati-opens-about-the-vettaiyan-title-in-telugu/articleshow/114112629.cms |archive-date=30 November 2024 |access-date=2 November 2024 |work=The Times of India}} In the United Kingdom, the film was released on the same day; however, in a version which was classified 15 by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) for strong violence, bloody images and sexual violence, following 2 minutes of cuts.{{Cite web |title=Vettaiyan |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/vettaiyan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdi0oda3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241102080102/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/vettaiyan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmdi0oda3 |archive-date=2 November 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=British Board of Film Classification |language=en}}

Vettaiyan was the first Tamil film to be released with closed captions and audio descriptions,{{Cite web |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan becomes first Tamil movie to release with accessibility features |url=https://www.dtnext.in/entertainment/cinema/vettaiyan-becomes-first-tamil-movie-to-release-with-accessibility-features-807022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241102075523/https://www.dtnext.in/amp/entertainment/cinema/vettaiyan-becomes-first-tamil-movie-to-release-with-accessibility-features-807022 |archive-date=2 November 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=DT Next |language=en}} although they were previously used in preview shows for Love Today (2022) and The Greatest of All Time (2024).{{Cite web |last=Balaji |first=Abishek |date=8 October 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan becomes first Tamil film to release with disability-friendly features |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Oct/08/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-to-release-with-audio-description-and-closed-captions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008193814/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Oct/08/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-to-release-with-audio-description-and-closed-captions |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

Red Giant Movies acquired the distribution rights of the film in Tamil Nadu. Lyca Productions distributed the film themselves overseas.{{Cite web |date=11 April 2024 |title=Fahadh Faasil to play a funny character in Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-to-play-a-funny-character-in-rajinikanths-vettaiyan-2525908-2024-04-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424150508/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/fahadh-faasil-to-play-a-funny-character-in-rajinikanths-vettaiyan-2525908-2024-04-11 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |access-date=24 April 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} Sree Gokulam Movies acquired the distribution rights for Kerala.{{Cite web |date=12 September 2024 |title=Sree Gokulam Movies: ഈ രജനികാന്ത് ചിത്രവും കേരളത്തിലെത്തിക്കുന്നത് ശ്രീ ഗോകുലം മൂവീസ്! |url=https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/sree-gokulam-movies-bagged-the-rights-of-vettaiyan-kerala-distribution-207679 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004013949/https://zeenews.india.com/malayalam/movies/sree-gokulam-movies-bagged-the-rights-of-vettaiyan-kerala-distribution-207679 |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=Zee News |language=ml}} Harman Baweja acquired the Hindi distribution rights under the banner Baweja Studios.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2024 |title=Actor Harman Baweja acquires Hindi distribution rights of Vettaiyan |url=https://nationnow.org/2024/10/10/actor-harman-baweja-acquires-hindi-distribution-rights-of-vettaiyan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209020902/https://nationnow.org/2024/10/10/actor-harman-baweja-acquires-hindi-distribution-rights-of-vettaiyan/ |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=Nation Now}} Dil Raju acquired the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana distribution rights.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2024 |title=Rana Daggubati breaks silence on Vettaiyan Telugu title row, mentions Devara |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-breaks-silence-on-rajinikanth-vettaiyan-telugu-title-row-mentions-devara-2614520-2024-10-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010063104/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-breaks-silence-on-rajinikanth-vettaiyan-telugu-title-row-mentions-devara-2614520-2024-10-10 |archive-date=10 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=10 October 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's Vettaiyan sparks controversy over Tamil title in Telugu release |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/row-over-tamil-titles-for-dubbed-tamil-movies/article68741378.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209021238/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/variety/row-over-tamil-titles-for-dubbed-tamil-movies/article68741378.ece |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=Business Line}}

The post-theatrical streaming rights were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2024 |title='Vettaiyan' OTT: Here's where you can watch the Rajinikanth starrer! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vettaiyan-ott-heres-where-you-can-watch-the-rajinikanth-starrer/articleshow/114139558.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109025506/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vettaiyan-ott-heres-where-you-can-watch-the-rajinikanth-starrer/amp_articleshow/114139558.cms |archive-date=9 November 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |website=The Times of India}} The film began streaming there from 8 November 2024 in the original Tamil version and dubbed versions in Telugu, Hindi, Malayalam and Kannada languages.{{Cite web |last=Mullappilly |first=Sreejith |date=31 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan gets a streaming release date |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Oct/31/vettaiyan-gets-a-streaming-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250122083200/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2024/Oct/31/vettaiyan-gets-a-streaming-release-date |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=31 October 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

Vettaiyan received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Rajinikanth's performance and technical aspects, while the storyline and pacing received criticism.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan box office Day 1 prediction: Superb opening, but can it beat Jailer? |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vettaiyan-box-office-collection-day-1-prediction-detailed-report-superb-opening-but-can-it-beat-rajinikanth-jailer-2614644-2024-10-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122060804/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vettaiyan-box-office-collection-day-1-prediction-detailed-report-superb-opening-but-can-it-beat-rajinikanth-jailer-2614644-2024-10-10 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan review: Rajinikanth's polarizing crime thriller leaves fans divided. 'Thrilling first half, sluggish second half' |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/vettaiyan-review-rajinikanths-polarizing-crime-thriller-leaves-fans-divided-thrilling-first-half-sluggish-second-half/articleshow/114110011.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211233223/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/vettaiyan-review-rajinikanths-polarizing-crime-thriller-leaves-fans-divided-thrilling-first-half-sluggish-second-half/articleshow/114110011.cms?from=mdr |archive-date=11 December 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |work=The Economic Times}}

Goutham S of Pinkvilla gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Vettaiyan is an investigative action-drama that is told in a Rajinikanth-style narration. With strong convictions and a narrative to the storyline, the film offers a new dimension to telling good stories."{{Cite web |last=S |first=Goutham |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan Movie Review: Rajinikanth balances between emotion and action in this investigative drama |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-balances-between-emotion-and-action-in-this-investigative-drama-making-the-entire-show-his-own-1352940 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010073757/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-balances-between-emotion-and-action-in-this-investigative-drama-making-the-entire-show-his-own-1352940 |archive-date=10 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Pinkvilla}} Sridevi S of The Times of India gave 3/5 stars and wrote "The movie is a predictable investigative thriller-social drama that packs several ‘Rajini moments’ for fans to cherish".{{Cite web |last=S |first=Sridevi |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan Movie Review : Rajini preaches Gnanavel's school of thought, in style |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/vettaiyan/movie-review/114107368.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250119181031/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/vettaiyan/movie-review/114107368.cms |archive-date=19 January 2025 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=The Times of India}} Avinash Ramachandran of The Indian Express gave 2.5 stars and wrote "Confining Rajinikanth to a box isn’t easy as the world is still grappling with the dichotomy of being torn between wanting to see Rajinikanth in a new avatar, and wanting to see him exude style and charisma like old times. What do we really want? Well, the hunt for the answer is on."{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Avinash |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan movie review: TJ Gnanavel's take on encounter killings is burdened by predictability and the weight of Rajinikanth's superstardom |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-film-on-encounter-killings-is-burdened-by-predictability-9612846/lite/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010045359/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-film-on-encounter-killings-is-burdened-by-predictability-9612846/lite/ |archive-date=10 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Vettaiyan is a Rajinikanth film all the way but it is by no means only for fans of the Thalaivar. It talks about issues that matter and it has Fahadh Faasil in sparkling form.".{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |author-link=Saibal Chatterjee |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan: The Hunter Review: Rajinikanth Dishes Out Devastation And Death With Aplomb |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vettaiyan-the-hunter-review-rajinikanth-dishes-out-devastation-and-death-with-aplomb-2-5-stars-6759743 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250122060131/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vettaiyan-the-hunter-review-rajinikanth-dishes-out-devastation-and-death-with-aplomb-2-5-stars-6759743 |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=NDTV |language=en}} Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "TJ Gnanavel’s simple and predictable film leaves us wondering why it needed such supergiants in the first place."{{Cite web |last=Purushothaman |first=Kirubhakar |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan Movie Review: Rajinikanth Is Superb But Out of Place in TJ Gnanavel's Noble Attempt |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-is-superb-but-out-of-place-in-tj-gnanavels-noble-attempt-9081463.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20250122060159/https://www.news18.com/amp/movies/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-is-superb-but-out-of-place-in-tj-gnanavels-noble-attempt-9081463.html |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=News18 |language=en}} Janani K of India Today gave 2.5/5 stars and wrote "Vettaiyan is a film that will leave you unfulfilled. Courtesy: Uninteresting screenplay. It also makes you think what if the film featured an actor who doesn't come with the superstardom that Thalaivar Rajinikanth possesses?"{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan review: Rajinikanth gets a rooted script in TJ Gnanavel's middling drama |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-gets-rooted-script-tj-gnanavel-middling-drama-amitabh-bachchan-rana-daggubati-fahadh-faasil-2614602-2024-10-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241013192501/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/vettaiyan-movie-review-rajinikanth-gets-rooted-script-tj-gnanavel-middling-drama-amitabh-bachchan-rana-daggubati-fahadh-faasil-2614602-2024-10-10 |archive-date=13 October 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

Bhuvanesh Chandar of The Hindu wrote "Vettaiyan is a brave attempt to do something the moral compasses of Tamil cinema have long been wishing for, and it’s arguably one of the best Rajinikanth films since Kaala."{{Cite news |last=Chandar |first=Bhuvanesh |date=10 October 2024 |title='Vettaiyan' movie review: A gutsy Rajinikanth powers TJ Gnanavel's flawed film on unlawful encounter killings |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-movie-review-a-gutsy-rajinikanth-powers-tj-gnanavels-flawed-film-on-unlawful-encounter-killings/article68740554.ece/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122062455/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/vettaiyan-movie-review-a-gutsy-rajinikanth-powers-tj-gnanavels-flawed-film-on-unlawful-encounter-killings/article68740554.ece/amp/ |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=10 October 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en}} Latha Srinivasan of Hindustan Times wrote "Vettaiyan is a mixed bag and doesn’t do justice to either Superstar Rajinikanth and his legacy or to director TJ Gnanvel who gave us the powerful Jai Bhim."{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=10 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan movie review: TJ Gnanavel's lackluster follow-up to Jai Bhim squanders Rajinikanth's star power |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-movie-review-tj-gnanavels-follow-up-to-jai-bhim-squanders-rajinikanths-star-power-amitabh-bachchan-101728545738367-amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122061619/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-movie-review-tj-gnanavels-follow-up-to-jai-bhim-squanders-rajinikanths-star-power-amitabh-bachchan-101728545738367-amp.html |archive-date=22 January 2025 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}} Internationally, Simon Abrams of RogerEbert.com gave 2.5/4 stars and wrote "Vettaiyan may sometimes feel like the worst kind of throwback, but it still manages to coast on its star and his collaborators' unshakable faith in crowd-pleasing movie logic. The filmmakers don't miss a formulaic story beat nor do they skimp on what they think their audience will want from Rajinikanth."{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Simon |date=11 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/vettaiyan-tamil-film-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109015758/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/vettaiyan-tamil-film-review |archive-date=9 January 2025 |access-date=24 November 2024 |website=RogerEbert.com |language=en}}

Vettaiyan made an opening collection of nearly $3.5 million (₹29.8 crore) in India (including all languages). Globally, the film earned nearly $8 million (₹68.1 crore) on the first day. By the end of its fourth day it grossed $14.6 million (₹124.4 crore) in India. In North America, the film crossed $2.5 million over the first weekend.{{Cite web |last=Kaushal |first=Sweta |date=15 October 2024 |title=India Box Office: 'Vettaiyan' Crosses $28 Million |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/swetakaushal/2024/10/15/india-box-office-vettaiyan-crosses-28-million/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241015183042/https://www.forbes.com/sites/swetakaushal/2024/10/15/india-box-office-vettaiyan-crosses-28-million/ |archive-date=15 October 2024 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}} Debuting 5th at the UK and Ireland box office, the film grossed £485,910 in its first weekend as per Comscore.{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=15 October 2024 |title='Transformers One' Debuts Atop U.K., Ireland Box Office as Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' Makes Top 5 Bow |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/transformers-one-uk-ireland-box-rajinikanth-vettaiyan-1236178525/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114133758/https://variety.com/2024/film/box-office/transformers-one-uk-ireland-box-rajinikanth-vettaiyan-1236178525/ |archive-date=14 January 2025 |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Variety |language=en}}

On 4 October 2024, following the completion of the film's censorship, a petition was filed by K. Palanivelu at Madurai Bench of Madurai High Court where they sought removal or beep of certain dialogues. The petition stated that the makers should remove the word "renowned encounter specialist" and the dialogue "encounters are not just punishment by a preventive action." Palanivelu further stated that the dialogue glorifies extrajudicial killings and in his petition, mentioned that the film should be halted from releasing on its release date until the changes are made. The division bench admitted the petition and ordered a notice.{{Cite news |date=10 October 2024 |title=Rajinikanth's 'Vettaiyan' receives petition to mute dialogues post censorship |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-receives-petition-to-mute-dialogues-post-censorship/articleshow/113930000.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005014849/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/rajinikanths-vettaiyan-receives-petition-to-mute-dialogues-post-censorship/articleshow/113930000.cms |archive-date=5 October 2024 |access-date=11 October 2024 |work=The Times of India}}

On 9 October, Daggubati organised a press meet and addressed the situation of the release of the film in other states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and in North Indian states, being released under the title Vettaiyan The Hunter which received criticism. Daggubati used Devara: Part 1 (2024) as an argument as it was also released in Tamil Nadu with the same title.{{Cite web |date=10 October 2024 |title=Rana Daggubati breaks silence on Vettaiyan Telugu title row, mentions Devara |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-breaks-silence-on-rajinikanth-vettaiyan-telugu-title-row-mentions-devara-2614520-2024-10-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209015607/https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/rana-daggubati-breaks-silence-on-rajinikanth-vettaiyan-telugu-title-row-mentions-devara-2614520-2024-10-10 |archive-date=9 December 2024 |access-date=10 October 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

On 12 October, a screening of the film at PVR INOX in Velachery was scheduled to begin on 9:30 am IST; however, the audiences ended up waiting for three hours, with the manager assuring them that it would begin in 10 minutes and that there was problems with the projector. After almost three hours, at 12 pm, the manager stated that the show was cancelled.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan screening cancelled after 3-hour wait; chaos in Chennai multiplex |url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/chennai/vettaiyan-screening-cancelled-after-3-hour-wait-chaos-in-chennai-multiplex-807167 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241116013659/https://www.dtnext.in/amp/news/chennai/vettaiyan-screening-cancelled-after-3-hour-wait-chaos-in-chennai-multiplex-807167 |archive-date=16 November 2024 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=DT Next |language=en}}

Post release, reports stated that Lyca Production asked Rajinikanth to compensate for the loss by doing another film with them with a reduced remuneration.{{Cite web |date=19 October 2024 |title=Has Rajinikanth been asked to compensate for Vettaiyan's underwhelming box office performance? Here's what we know |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/has-rajinikanth-been-asked-to-compensate-for-vettaiyans-underwhelming-box-office-performance-heres-what-we-know-1354238 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205061354/https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/south/has-rajinikanth-been-asked-to-compensate-for-vettaiyans-underwhelming-box-office-performance-heres-what-we-know-1354238 |archive-date=5 December 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Pinkvilla |language=en |quote=the makers of the film, Lyca Productions, have asked Rajinikanth to compensate for the loss by doing another movie with them.}}{{Cite web |date=21 October 2024 |title=Will Rajinikanth compensate for Vettaiyan's box office performance? Here's what we know... |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-rajinikanth-compensate-for-vettaiyans-box-office-performance-heres-what-we-know-/articleshow/114379319.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204095550/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-rajinikanth-compensate-for-vettaiyans-box-office-performance-heres-what-we-know-/articleshow/114379319.cms |archive-date=4 December 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=20 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan box-office collection Day 10: Rajinikanth's thriller struggles, Lyca eyeing fee adjustment? |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/vettaiyan-box-office-collection-day-10-rajinikanths-thriller-struggles-lyca-eyeing-fee-adjustment-450768-2024-10-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111054023/https://www.businesstoday.in/trending/box-office/story/vettaiyan-box-office-collection-day-10-rajinikanths-thriller-struggles-lyca-eyeing-fee-adjustment-450768-2024-10-20 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |access-date=21 October 2024 |website=Business Today |language=en}}

After the film's release, Gnanavel expressed interest in making a prequel that could delve into Rajinikanth and Faasil's characters.{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=17 October 2024 |title=Vettaiyan director keen on making prequel to film with Rajinikanth |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-director-keen-on-making-prequel-to-film-with-rajinikanth-101729166138162-amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20241022121031/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/vettaiyan-director-keen-on-making-prequel-to-film-with-rajinikanth-101729166138162-amp.html |archive-date=22 October 2024 |access-date=17 October 2024 |website=Hindustan Times}}

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Category:2020s Indian films

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Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police

Category:Films about corruption in India

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Category:Films about police misconduct

Category:Films about rape in India

Category:Films directed by T. J. Gnanavel

Category:Films scored by Anirudh Ravichander

Category:Films set in Kanyakumari

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Category:Films shot in Kanyakumari

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Category:Indian action drama films

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