Viduthalai Part 1

In 1987, a train derailment occurs in rural Tamil Nadu, leaving many people severely injured or dead. Following the rescue operation, the officials begin their investigation and indict the extremist group Makkal Padai ({{translation|People's Army}}), who, they say, caused the incident as a protest against the state government's decision to allow a mining company take over their hilltop village for a project. The government announces Operation Ghosthunt to capture the group's leader, Vaathiyar Perumal, whose identity and whereabouts are unknown.

Meanwhile, Kumaresan is a newly recruited constable who joins a police batch named E-Company as a new driver. Kumaresan learns about the complicated alliances and conflicts between Makkal Padai and the government, where he also discovers that following orders is essential and that he cannot always help the locals, which conflicts with his helpful nature. Kumaresan also learns about bureaucracy's intricacies and the difficulties of professional life, especially as a newly recruited officer. Kumaresan also falls in love with Tamilarasi "Pappa", the granddaughter of a woman whom Kumaresan once rescued and admitted to hospital after a bear attack. Due to a brutal incident orchestrated by E-Company's Officer-in-charge (OC) Ragavendar, the government assigns DSP Sunil Menon as the head of the operation.

The police decide to turn the residents of the hill village against Perumal. Sunil interrogates a villager and manages to sketch Perumal's face, causing Kumaresan to realise that the people he helped during his duty hours were Perumal and his men. He relays this information to Head Constable Chandran, unaware that Chandran is a part of Makkal Padai and Perumal's mole. Chandran secretly informs Perumal about Kumaresan. Makkal Padai attempts to assassinate him, but it appears as an attempt on Sunil. However, he manages to escape unscathed and reaches the camp safely with the timely help from Kumaresan. Kumaresan learns from Pappa that Perumal has been targeting officers who are committing atrocities against innocents in the name of police interrogation.

Pappa also reveals that the officers were involved in the death of her father, which led her mother to suffer a mental breakdown. Kumaresan realises the extent of police brutality against the villagers. During the construction in the hilltop village, Makkal Padai attacks the inauguration ceremony, and an accidental bomb blast kills four officers. Enraged, Sunil orders the police to arrest any villagers suspected of being involved with Makkal Padai. The police drag the villagers away for interrogation, where Pappa's grandmother is killed during torture. A few days later, Pappa is arrested and tortured along with other villagers from her village by E-Company as the police believe that one of them is Perumal's close relative.

Hoping Tamilarasi will be set free if Perumal is found, Kumaresan meets Sunil and tells him about Perumal's hideout. He is assigned along with other officers to arrest Perumal. After a massive shootout, Kumaresan manages to arrest Perumal. Pappa draws the police's attention to save others and is taken away. Perumal is interrogated in custody, while Kumaresan is unable to find Pappa. Ragavendar suspends Kumaresan for not filing an act-of-subordination memo and says he will take credit for Kumaresan's effort to arrest Perumal.

In the mid-credits scene, a photographer sneaks into the camp and records the brutal atrocities on women by the police department. Perumal is interrogated and insulted by Sunil. Later, Perumal manages to escape and meets with Kumaresan in the forest, where he reveals essential information about the train attack. Perumal tells Kumaresan and the police to find the truth behind the attack.

{{cast listing|

• Soori as Constable Kumaresan (#1563)
• Vijay Sethupathi as Perumal "Vaathiyaar", the leader of Makkal Padai
• Bhavani Sre as Tamilarasi alias Pappa, Kumaresan's love interest
• Gautham Vasudev Menon as DSP Sunil Menon, Head of Operation Ghosthunt
• Rajiv Menon as A. Subramaniyan, Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu
• Ilavarasu as Ila. Ilavarasu, Tamil Nadu's Minister of Public Works
• Balaji Sakthivel as a villager
• Saravana Subbiah as Collector of Arumapuri District
• Tamizh as SI Amudan
• Chetan as V. Ragavendar, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of E-Company
• Aryan as Constable Aari
• Munnar Ramesh as SI "Chow Chow" Ramasamy
• Pavel Navageethan as a photographer at the train derailment
• Sardar Sathya as Sub-Inspector Velmurugan
• Manimegalai as Tamilarasi's paternal grandmother ("Appathaa")
• Bala Hasan as a Constable{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QcPfDW66wo |title=நான் monitor பாக்கும்போது பயந்துட்டேன் 😱 {{!}} Viduthalai Actor Bala Hasan Interview {{!}} VJ Dhanush |date=11 April 2023 |language=ta |publisher=Provoke TV |access-date=11 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511164124/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QcPfDW66wo&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=11 May 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}
• S. Chandran as Head Constable Chandran{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IO1IfSpbaI |title=Viduthalai -க்கு உயிரையே கொடுத்திருக்கார் Soori! |date=14 April 2023 |language=ta |publisher=Cinema Vikatan |access-date=10 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415072719/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IO1IfSpbaI |archive-date=15 April 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}
• Asuran Krishna
• Sundareswaran CVC as T.A.,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orK7xOnnKRM |title=" வெற்றி மாறனோட அரசியலே வேற " – Viduthalai Makkal Padai Round Table {{!}} Vetrimaaran {{!}} Soori |date=2 April 2023 |language=ta |publisher=SS Music |access-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509155540/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orK7xOnnKRM |archive-date=9 May 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}} the second-in-command to Perumal
• R. Ganesh Gurung as Natarajan, SP for Arumapuri District{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCVPBVy0YSc&t |title=Vetrimaran's 'Viduthalai' to release in two parts |date=2 September 2022 |language=ta |publisher=Provoke TV |access-date=1 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230501143346/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCVPBVy0YSc&t |archive-date=1 May 2023 |url-status=live |via=YouTube}}

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After wrapping work on Asuran in mid-2019, it was reported that director Vetrimaaran was in talks with Soori as the lead for his next directorial venture. Elred Kumar would reportedly be project under the banner RS Infotainment.{{Cite web |date=25 July 2019 |title=Vetrimaaran to team up with Soori after Dhanush's Asuran |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vetrimaaran-to-team-up-with-soori-after-dhanush-s-asuran-1573281-2019-07-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023221231/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vetrimaaran-to-team-up-with-soori-after-dhanush-s-asuran-1573281-2019-07-25 |archive-date=23 October 2021 |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}} The production was reported to begin after the director completed the post-production for Asuran.{{Cite web |date=10 July 2019 |title=Vetrimaaran to direct a film with Soori in the lead |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/story/stories/news/2019/Jul/27/vetrimaaran-to-direct-a-film-with-soori-in-the-lead-13251.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215162836/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/story/stories/news/2019/Jul/27/vetrimaaran-to-direct-a-film-with-soori-in-the-lead-13251.html |archive-date=15 December 2024 |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=25 July 2019 |title=Comedian Soori to play the lead in Vetrimaaran's next? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/comedian-soori-to-play-the-lead-in-vetrimaarans-next/articleshow/70380581.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812005631/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/comedian-soori-to-play-the-lead-in-vetrimaarans-next/articleshow/70380581.cms |archive-date=12 August 2019 |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} The following October, Vetrimaaran confirmed that he would direct Soori's debut as a lead.{{Cite web |last=Sekar |first=Raja |date=7 October 2019 |title=Vetrimaaran on Asuran, his relationship with Dhanush, Vada Chennai 2, and upcoming film with Soori |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/vetrimaaran-on-asuran-his-relationship-with-dhanush-vada-chennai-2-and-upcoming-film-with-soori-7461161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116131234/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/vetrimaaran-on-asuran-his-relationship-with-dhanush-vada-chennai-2-and-upcoming-film-with-soori-7461161.html |archive-date=16 November 2022 |access-date=27 November 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en}} The company made a public announcement a few days later.{{Cite web |date=6 October 2019 |title=Vetri Maaran's film with Soori to be produced by Elred Kumar |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/Oct/16/vetri-maarans-film-with-soori-to-be-produced-by-elred-kumar-14946.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209055023/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/oct/16/vetri-maarans-film-with-soori-to-be-produced-by-elred-kumar-14946.html |archive-date=9 February 2023 |access-date=15 December 2024 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} Tentatively titled Production No. 15, the project would be based on late Na. Muthukumar's poem Pattampoochi Virpavan.{{Cite news |date=17 October 2019 |title=Asuran director Vetrimaaran's next announced |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/asuran-director-vetrimaarans-next-announced/articleshow/71631192.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111233626/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/asuran-director-vetrimaarans-next-announced/articleshow/71631192.cms |archive-date=11 November 2019 |access-date=15 December 2024 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the commencement of production was postponed.{{Cite news |date=1 December 2020 |title=Vetri Maaran's film with Soori is based on a short story written by Jeyamohan |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maarans-film-with-soori-is-based-on-a-short-story-written-by-jeyamohan/articleshow/79511819.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419071915/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maarans-film-with-soori-is-based-on-a-short-story-written-by-jeyamohan/articleshow/79511819.cms |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} It was later confirmed that the project would be based on B. Jeyamohan's short story Thunaivan.{{Cite news |date=3 December 2020 |title=Will Vetrimaaran keep the name of Jeyamohan's short story as the title of his movie with Soori? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-vetrimaaran-keep-the-name-of-jayakanthans-short-story-as-the-title-of-his-movie-with-soori/articleshow/79543507.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115235856/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/will-vetrimaaran-keep-the-name-of-jayakanthans-short-story-as-the-title-of-his-movie-with-soori/articleshow/79543507.cms |archive-date=15 January 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}

To reduce production cost, the makers reportedly began filming the portions with an IPhone, which was never done before in Tamil cinema.{{Cite news |date=19 January 2021 |title=Vetri Maaran uses a new technique to shoot his film with Soori |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maaran-uses-a-new-technique-to-shoot-his-film-with-soori/articleshow/80345818.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305112947/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maaran-uses-a-new-technique-to-shoot-his-film-with-soori/articleshow/80345818.cms |archive-date=5 March 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} The film's official title Viduthalai was announced on 21 April 2021.{{Cite web |date=22 April 2021 |title=First look posters of Vidhuthalai, starring Vijay Sethupathi, Soori, unveiled; Vetri Maaran directorial to release in multiple languages |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/first-look-posters-of-vidhuthalai-starring-vijay-sethupathi-soori-unveiled-vetri-maaran-directorial-to-release-in-multiple-languages-9554451.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814064321/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/first-look-posters-of-vidhuthalai-starring-vijay-sethupathi-soori-unveiled-vetri-maaran-directorial-to-release-in-multiple-languages-9554451.html |archive-date=14 August 2022 |access-date=27 November 2024 |website=Firstpost |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=22 April 2021 |title=Vijay Sethupathi, Soori and Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai first-look posters out |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vijay-sethupathi-soori-and-vetri-maaran-s-viduthalai-first-look-posters-out-1793800-2021-04-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422221744/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/vijay-sethupathi-soori-and-vetri-maaran-s-viduthalai-first-look-posters-out-1793800-2021-04-22 |archive-date=22 April 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}} Originally intended to be a single film, it was later split into two parts.{{Cite web |date=2 September 2022 |title=Vetrimaran's 'Viduthalai' to release in two parts |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/sep/02/vetrimarans-viduthalai-to-release-in-two-parts-2494115.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222172203/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2022/sep/02/vetrimarans-viduthalai-to-release-in-two-parts-2494115.html |archive-date=22 February 2023 |access-date=9 March 2023 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en |agency=IANS}} Cinematography was handled by R. Velraj, editing by R. Ramar, and action choreography by Peter Hein.{{Cite web |last=Devan |first=Aswin |date=27 March 2023 |title=Making video of Viduthalai Part 1 is out |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/mar/27/making-video-of-viduthalai-part-1-is-out-41592.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327143039/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/tamil/news/2023/mar/27/making-video-of-viduthalai-part-1-is-out-41592.html |archive-date=27 March 2023 |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}

Soori worked with Vetrimaaran from the inception of the project, and Viduthalai Part 1 became his first film in a leading role. He said Vijay Sethupathi earlier advised him to explore all kinds of roles and not restrict himself to the comedic roles he was primarily known for.{{Cite web |last=Sangeetha |first=P |date=23 March 2023 |title=Viduthalai censored; Vetri Maaran narrated two scripts to Soori before the film |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/viduthalai-censored-soori-says-vetri-maaran-narrated-two-scripts-to-him-before-the-film/7fdd4f9525923 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324084511/https://www.ottplay.com/news/viduthalai-censored-soori-says-vetri-maaran-narrated-two-scripts-to-him-before-the-film/7fdd4f9525923 |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Sethupathi eventually joined the cast,{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=6 January 2021 |title=Vijay Sethupathi to team up with Vetrimaaran for next project: report |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vijay-sethupathi-to-team-up-with-vetrimaaran-for-next-project-report/story-AFzFxmqsD1ujP33WdiKgOI.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517125657/https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/vijay-sethupathi-to-team-up-with-vetrimaaran-for-next-project-report/story-AFzFxmqsD1ujP33WdiKgOI.html |archive-date=17 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=6 January 2021 |title=Vijay Sethupathi joins hands with Vetrimaaran's finally? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-sethupathi-joins-hands-with-vetrimaarans-finally/articleshow/80128416.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318044546/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-sethupathi-joins-hands-with-vetrimaarans-finally/articleshow/80128416.cms |archive-date=18 March 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India}} with his character based on Kaliyaperumal Vaathiyaar, a member of the Tamil Desiyam Group who operated in the 1980s.{{Cite news |last=CR |first=Sharanya |date=2 May 2021 |title=Vijay Sethupathi's role as Vaathiyaar in Viduthalai is based on a real-life person |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-sethupathis-role-as-vaathiyaar-in-viduthalai-is-based-on-a-real-life-person/articleshow/82346307.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518135435/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijay-sethupathis-role-as-vaathiyaar-in-viduthalai-is-based-on-a-real-life-person/articleshow/82346307.cms |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=3 April 2023 |title=Exclusive interview with son of the real Vaathiyaar on whom Vetrimaaran's 'Viduthalai' is based |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/real-life-vaathiyaar-of-viduthalai-kaliyaperumal-son-chozhan-perumal-interview-vijay-sethupathi-vetrimaaran-soori-jeyamohan-tamil-news-335064 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411071931/https://www.indiaglitz.com/real-life-vaathiyaar-of-viduthalai-kaliyaperumal-son-chozhan-perumal-interview-vijay-sethupathi-vetrimaaran-soori-jeyamohan-tamil-news-335064 |archive-date=11 April 2023 |access-date=19 October 2023 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |language=en}} Bharathiraja initially joined the cast, although he was replaced by Kishore during the filming of the first schedule.{{Cite news |date=28 December 2020 |title=Vetri Maaran replaces Bharathiraja with Kishore in his next starring Soori |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maaran-replaces-bharathiraja-with-kishore-in-his-next-starring-soori/articleshow/79988695.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419071916/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maaran-replaces-bharathiraja-with-kishore-in-his-next-starring-soori/articleshow/79988695.cms |archive-date=19 April 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} In January 2021, Bhavani Sre, sister of composer G. V. Prakash Kumar, was announced to be playing the female lead, in her third feature film after Ka Pae Ranasingam and Paava Kadhaigal (both 2020).{{Cite news |date=15 January 2021 |title=Director Vetri Maaran ropes in actress Bhavani Sre opposite Soori for his next |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-vetri-maaran-ropes-in-actress-bhavani-sre-opposite-soori-for-his-next/articleshow/80287674.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518140143/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/director-vetri-maaran-ropes-in-actress-bhavani-sre-opposite-soori-for-his-next/articleshow/80287674.cms |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=14 January 2021 |title=Bhavani Sre to play the female lead in Vetrimaaran-Soori film? |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/jan/14/bhavani-sre-to-play-the-female-lead-in-vetrimaaran-soori-film-22250.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518140143/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/jan/14/bhavani-sre-to-play-the-female-lead-in-vetrimaaran-soori-film-22250.html |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} In April 2021, Gautham Vasudev Menon was reported to play the role of a police officer.{{Cite web |last=K |first=Janani |date=25 April 2021 |title=Gautham Menon to play a cop in Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai. Details here |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/gautham-menon-to-play-a-cop-in-vetri-maaran-s-viduthalai-details-here-1794731-2021-04-25 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426020511/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/gautham-menon-to-play-a-cop-in-vetri-maaran-s-viduthalai-details-here-1794731-2021-04-25 |archive-date=26 April 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=India Today |language=en}}

The filmmakers moved to Sathyamangalam forest to prepare to shoot major sequences featuring Soori during December 2020.{{Cite news |date=26 November 2020 |title=Vetrimaaran makes a big change in his film with Soori |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetrimaaran-makes-a-big-change-in-his-film-with-soori/articleshow/79422308.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717005636/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetrimaaran-makes-a-big-change-in-his-film-with-soori/articleshow/79422308.cms |archive-date=17 July 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=20 December 2020 |title=Vetri Maaran and Soori commence shooting their next in Sathyamangalam |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maaran-and-soori-commence-shooting-their-next-in-sathyamangalam/articleshow/79823642.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518135751/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maaran-and-soori-commence-shooting-their-next-in-sathyamangalam/articleshow/79823642.cms |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} Bharathiraja left the film due to the weather conditions of Sathyamangalam, which led Vetrimaaran to replace him with Kishore. The shooting of the film took place in Sathyamangalam for three months, and the filmmakers moved to Chengalpattu in April 2021, in which the filmmakers erected a police camp set, and shot there for 20 days. The filmmakers later planned to shoot the last leg of the film at Sathyamangalam after the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions there ended.{{Cite news |date=20 September 2020 |title=Vijay's film with Vetrimaaran will be one of the most expected films: GV Prakash |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-film-with-vetrimaaran-will-be-one-of-the-most-expected-films-gv-prakash/articleshow/78218179.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506121127/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vijays-film-with-vetrimaaran-will-be-one-of-the-most-expected-films-gv-prakash/articleshow/78218179.cms |archive-date=6 May 2021 |access-date=5 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} Principal photography wrapped by 31 December 2022.{{Cite web |date=31 December 2022 |title=விஜய் சேதுபதிக்கு நன்றி சொன்ன சூரி |url=https://www.nakkheeran.in/cinema/cinema-news/vetrimaaran-viduthalai-shoot-wrapped |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103113042/https://www.nakkheeran.in/cinema/cinema-news/vetrimaaran-viduthalai-shoot-wrapped |archive-date=3 January 2023 |access-date=3 January 2023 |website=Nakkheeran |language=ta}}

{{Infobox album

| name = Viduthalai Part 1

| type = Soundtrack

| artist = Ilaiyaraaja

| alt =

| caption =

| cover =

| released = 8 March 2023

| recorded = 2022–2023

| studio =

| genre = Feature film soundtrack

| length = {{Duration|m=13|s=51}}

| language = Tamil

| label = Sony Music South

| producer =

| chronology =

| prev_title = Ranga Maarthaanda

| prev_year = 2023

| next_title = Tamilarasan

| next_year = 2023

| misc = {{external media

| audio1 = {{YouTube|POL1cvE8tWE|Viduthalai Part 1 – Jukebox}}}}

{{Singles

| name = Vidhuthalai Part 1

| type = soundtrack

| single1 = Onnoda Nadandhaa

| single1date = 8 February 2023

}}

}}

The film's soundtrack is composed by Ilaiyaraaja in his maiden collaboration with Vetrimaaran.{{Cite news |date=7 December 2020 |title=Ilayaraja to compose music for Vetri Maaran's film with Soori |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/ilayaraja-to-compose-music-for-vetri-maarans-film-with-soori/articleshow/79604560.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114172314/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/music/ilayaraja-to-compose-music-for-vetri-maarans-film-with-soori/articleshow/79604560.cms |archive-date=14 January 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} Ilaiyaraaja composed the song of the film in his newly launched music studio in Kodambakkam, after his falling-out with Prasad Studios, where he recorded songs for nearly four decades.{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=3 February 2021 |title=Ilayaraja sets up own music studio, begins work on Vetrimaaran's film, see pics |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/ilayaraja-sets-up-own-music-studio-begins-work-on-vetrimaaran-s-film-see-pics-101612351278355.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602070259/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/music/ilayaraja-sets-up-own-music-studio-begins-work-on-vetrimaaran-s-film-see-pics-101612351278355.html |archive-date=2 June 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} Music composition of the film began in February 2021.{{Cite web |date=3 February 2021 |title=Ilaiyaraaja opens own studio in Kodambakkam after Prasad studio row |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ilaiyaraaja-opens-own-studio-kodambakkam-after-prasad-studio-row-142726 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518142719/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/ilaiyaraaja-opens-own-studio-kodambakkam-after-prasad-studio-row-142726 |archive-date=18 May 2021 |access-date=18 May 2021 |website=The News Minute |language=en}} The music rights were purchased by Sony Music India. The first single titled "Onnoda Nadandhaa" released on 8 February 2023.{{Cite web |last=Purushothaman |first=Kirubhakar |date=8 February 2023 |title=Viduthalai song Onnoda Nadandhaa is a hopeful melody from Ilaiyaraaja, Dhanush and Ananya Bhat |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/viduthalai-song-onnoda-nadandhaa-ilaiyaraaja-dhanush-ananya-bhat-8432313/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306065900/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/tamil/viduthalai-song-onnoda-nadandhaa-ilaiyaraaja-dhanush-ananya-bhat-8432313/ |archive-date=6 March 2023 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}

{{Track listing

| headline = Track listing

| extra_column = Singer(s)

| title1 = Onnoda Nadandhaa

| lyrics1 = Suka

| extra1 = Dhanush, Ananya Bhat

| length1 = 5:11

| title2 = Kaattumalli

| lyrics2 = Ilaiyaraaja

| extra2 = Ilaiyaraaja, Ananya Bhat

| length2 = 5:07

| title3 = Arutperunjodhi

| lyrics3 = Vallalar, Thangam

| extra3 = Ilaiyaraaja

| length3 = 3:33

| total_length = 13:51

}}

The distribution rights for Tamil Nadu were acquired by Red Giant Movies.{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Thinkal |date=1 September 2022 |title=Red Giant Movies bags theatrical rights of Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai which will release in two parts |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/red-giant-movies-bags-theatrical-rights-of-vetri-maarans-viduthalai-which-will-release-in-two-parts/c21148fb88312 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903104911/https://www.ottplay.com/news/red-giant-movies-bags-theatrical-rights-of-vetri-maarans-viduthalai-which-will-release-in-two-parts/c21148fb88312 |archive-date=3 September 2022 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} The overseas distribution rights for UK and Europe were acquired by Ahimsa Entertainment.{{Cite web |last=Alar |date=4 April 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1: Actor Soori expresses gratitude for gratitude for the overwhelming response to the film |url=https://www.thenewstuff.in/viduthalai-part-1-actor-soori-expresses-gratitude-overwhelming-response-films-release |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406012208/https://www.thenewstuff.in/viduthalai-part-1-actor-soori-expresses-gratitude-overwhelming-response-films-release |archive-date=6 April 2023 |access-date=17 November 2024 |website=The New Stuff |language=en}} The film released theatrically on 31 March 2023.{{Cite news |date=20 March 2023 |title=Vetri Maaran's 'Viduthalai Part 1' to hit the screens on March 31 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maarans-viduthalai-part-1-to-hit-the-screens-on-march-31/articleshow/98816350.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324041833/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/vetri-maarans-viduthalai-part-1-to-hit-the-screens-on-march-31/articleshow/98816350.cms |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} It was later screened at the 54th International Film Festival of India.{{Cite news |date=23 October 2023 |title=Indian Panorama 2023 Announces Official Selection for 54th IFFI, 2023 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1970040 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121185238/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1970040 |archive-date=21 November 2023 |access-date=1 December 2023 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |language=en |via=press release}}

The film began streaming on ZEE5 from 28 April 2023.{{Cite news |date=25 April 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1 OTT release: When, where to watch Soori, Vijay Sethupathi film online |url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/how-to/viduthalai-part-1-ott-release-when-where-to-watch-soori-vijay-sethupathi-period-crime-thriller-online-71682412730255.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427183138/https://tech.hindustantimes.com/how-to/viduthalai-part-1-ott-release-when-where-to-watch-soori-vijay-sethupathi-period-crime-thriller-online-71682412730255.html |archive-date=27 April 2023 |access-date=27 April 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en}}and also streaming at Amazon Prime Video on 19 January 2025 coinciding with the digital release of the sequel.

{{multiple image

| width1 = 150

| footer = Critics praised the performances of Soori (left) and Vijay Sethupathi.

| image1 = Soori at Marudhu Press Meet.jpg

| alt1 =

| caption1 =

| width2 = 175

| image2 = Vijay Sethupathi at Dharmadurai Audio launch.jpg

| alt2 =

| caption2 =

}}

Viduthalai: Part 1 received positive reviews from critics.{{Cite news |date=1 April 2023 |title='Viduthalai Part 1' box office day 1: Vijay Sethupathi and Soori starrer gets a vibrant response |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/viduthalai-part-1-box-office-day-1-vijay-sethupathi-and-soori-starrer-gets-a-vibrant-response/articleshow/99165024.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401090451/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/viduthalai-part-1-box-office-day-1-vijay-sethupathi-and-soori-starrer-gets-a-vibrant-response/articleshow/99165024.cms |archive-date=1 April 2023 |access-date=1 April 2023 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} {{Rotten Tomatoes prose|score=100|count=6|average=7.5|ref=yes}}

Logesh Balachandran of The Times of India gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai Part 1 maintains a consistent pace and keeps viewers engaged with moments of high tension. It stays true to Vetri Maaran's style and artistry, making audiences eager for the sequel."{{Cite news |last=Balachandran |first=Logesh |date=31 March 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1 Movie Review : Vetri Maaran's Viduthalai Part 1 is a potent socio-political portrayal of a struggle for liberation |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/viduthalai-part-1/movie-review/99139534.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331112138/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/viduthalai-part-1/movie-review/99139534.cms |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |work=The Times of India}} P. Sangeetha of OTTPlay gave 4/5 and wrote "Viduthalai scores on all corners, be it the plot, narration, background score, acting performances, cinematography and not to forget, the filmmaking. A brilliant film from the Vetri Maaran stable!"{{Cite web |last=Sangeetha |first=P |date=29 April 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1 Review: Soori delivers his career-best performance in this gut-wrenching and riveting Vetri Maaran drama |url=https://www.ottplay.com/review/viduthalai-review-soori-delivers-his-career-best-performance-in-this-gut-wrenching-and-riveting-vetri-maaran-drama/e6ebbe0e8d203 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331182653/https://www.ottplay.com/amp/review/viduthalai-review-soori-delivers-his-career-best-performance-in-this-gut-wrenching-and-riveting-vetri-maaran-drama/e6ebbe0e8d203 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl of The Week gave 4/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai is a multi-layered film, held together by a gripping narrative."{{Cite web |last=Kuniyl |first=Sarath Ramesh |date=31 March 2023 |title=Viduthalai – Part 1 review: Soori steals the show in this Vetrimaaran flick |url=https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/03/31/viduthalai-part-1-review-soori-steals-the-show-in-this-vetrimaaran-flick.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606233013/https://www.theweek.in/review/movies/2023/03/31/viduthalai-part-1-review-soori-steals-the-show-in-this-vetrimaaran-flick.html |archive-date=6 June 2023 |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=The Week}}

Latha Srinivasan of India Today gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Viduthalai (Freedom) is a film that is a must-watch because it offers a new cinematic perspective of Vetrimaaran and especially because Soori is outstanding."{{Cite web |last=Srinivasan |first=Latha |date=31 March 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1 Movie Review: Soori's standout performance is the highlight of this film |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/viduthalai-part-1-movie-review-sooris-standout-performance-is-the-highlight-of-this-film-2353904-2023-03-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331123032/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/viduthalai-part-1-movie-review-sooris-standout-performance-is-the-highlight-of-this-film-2353904-2023-03-31 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=India Today}} Kirubhakar Purushothaman of The Indian Express gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Vetrimaaran is back with another film about police brutality that is heart-wrenching and might be a hard watch if you prefer your safety zone."{{Cite web |last=Purushothaman |first=Kirubhakar |date=31 March 2023 |title=Vidhuthalai Part 1 review: Vetrimaaran's film rages against abuse of institutional power |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/vidhuthalai-part-1-review-vetrimaaran-is-back-with-another-scream-against-institutional-power-8530143/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331173750/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/vidhuthalai-part-1-review-vetrimaaran-is-back-with-another-scream-against-institutional-power-8530143/ |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=The Indian Express}} Bharathy Singaravel of The News Minute gave 3.5/5 stars and wrote "Soori is masterful in Vetrimaaran's gritty political spectacle."{{Cite web |last=Singaravel |first=Bharathy |date=31 March 2023 |title=Viduthalai review: Soori is masterful in Vetrimaaran's gritty political spectacle |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/viduthalai-review-soori-masterful-vetrimaaran-s-gritty-political-spectacle-175344 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331184040/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/viduthalai-review-soori-masterful-vetrimaaran-s-gritty-political-spectacle-175344 |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=The News Minute}}

Haricharan Pudipeddi of Hindustan Times wrote "Viduthalai: Part 1, which is definitely not for the faint-hearted, is an elaborate, detailed exploration of the abuse of power."{{Cite web |last=Pudipeddi |first=Haricharan |date=31 March 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1 movie review: Vetrimaaran film is not for the faint-hearted, questions police brutality without fear |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/viduthalai-part-1-movie-review-vetrimaaran-film-is-not-for-the-faint-hearted-questions-police-brutality-without-fear-101680251417600.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331124350/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/tamil-cinema/viduthalai-part-1-movie-review-vetrimaaran-film-is-not-for-the-faint-hearted-questions-police-brutality-without-fear-101680251417600.html |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |website=Hindustan Times}} Gopinath Rajendran of The Hindu wrote "Viduthalai: Part 1 ends at a crucial juncture and the ending makes it evident that exponentially more incidents are bound to happen in the sequel; Vetri Maaran leaves us on the edge of our seats."{{Cite news |last=Rajendran |first=Gopinath |date=31 March 2023 |title='Viduthalai Part 1' movie review: Soori shines in Vetri Maaran's most politically-charged film yet |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/viduthalai-part-1-movie-review-soori-shines-in-vetri-maarans-most-politically-charged-film-yet/article66683906.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331181253/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/viduthalai-part-1-movie-review-soori-shines-in-vetri-maarans-most-politically-charged-film-yet/article66683906.ece |archive-date=31 March 2023 |access-date=31 March 2023 |work=The Hindu}} Vishal Menon of Film Companion wrote "Viduthalai remains the rare instance in a Vetri Maaran movie where you do not have to take a disciplined, conscious effort to wash away the chilling imagery. It’s still a powerful film but it’s arguably the only time a film of his did not feel like a punch to your gut."{{Cite web |last=Menon |first=Vishal |date=1 April 2023 |title=Viduthalai Part 1 Review: Reasonably Low-Impact For Vetri Maaran, But Still A Brutal Film |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/viduthalai-part-1-review-reasonably-low-impact-for-vetri-maaran-but-still-a-brutal-film-soori-vijay-sethupathi |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421141121/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tamil-review/viduthalai-part-1-review-reasonably-low-impact-for-vetri-maaran-but-still-a-brutal-film-soori-vijay-sethupathi |archive-date=21 April 2023 |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=Film Companion}}

{{update section|date=December 2024}}

Viduthalai: Part 1 grossed {{INR|4.8}} crore on its release day, and {{INR|28}} crore worldwide in four days.{{Cite news |date=2 April 2023 |title=Vetrimaaran, Vijay Sethupathi's 'Viduthalai – Part 1' box office collection picks up pace on Day 2 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/vetrimaaran-vijay-sethupathis-viduthalai-part-1-box-office-collection-picks-up-pace-on-day-2/articleshow/99189831.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408080647/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/vetrimaaran-vijay-sethupathis-viduthalai-part-1-box-office-collection-picks-up-pace-on-day-2/articleshow/99189831.cms |archive-date=8 April 2023 |access-date=7 April 2023 |work=The Economic Times |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=4 April 2023 |title='Viduthalai' box office collection day 4: Soori and Vijay Sethupathi starrer passes the Monday test |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/viduthalai-box-office-collection-day-4-soori-and-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-passes-the-monday-test/articleshow/99231113.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405113714/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/box-office/viduthalai-box-office-collection-day-4-soori-and-vijay-sethupathi-starrer-passes-the-monday-test/articleshow/99231113.cms |archive-date=5 April 2023 |access-date=7 April 2023 |work=The Times of India |language=en}} It concluded its run with worldwide gross estimated to be ₹61.50 crore.{{Cite web |date=2025-01-13 |title=Viduthalai Part 2 Final Worldwide Box Office: Vijay Sethupathi and Soori's movie ends run with below average Rs 63 crore gross |url=https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/box-office/viduthalai-part-2-final-worldwide-box-office-vijay-sethupathi-and-sooris-movie-ends-run-with-below-average-rs-63-crore-gross-1367144 |access-date=2025-01-14 |website=PINKVILLA |language=en}}

The sequel Viduthalai Part 2 was released on 20 December 2024.{{Cite web |date=20 December 2024 |title=Viduthalai 2 X review: Fans praise Vijay Sethupathi, say 'national award loading' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/viduthalai-2-x-review-vijay-sethupathi-national-award-vetri-maaran-2652726-2024-12-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220073227/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/viduthalai-2-x-review-vijay-sethupathi-national-award-vetri-maaran-2652726-2024-12-20 |archive-date=20 December 2024 |access-date=21 December 2024 |website=India Today |language=en}}

{{noteslist}}

{{reflist}}

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Category:2020s Indian films

Category:2020s police films

Category:2020s political thriller films

Category:2020s Tamil-language films

Category:2023 action thriller films

Category:2023 crime thriller films

Category:2023 films

Category:Fictional portrayals of the Tamil Nadu Police

Category:Films about police brutality

Category:Films about railway accidents and incidents

Category:Films about terrorism in India

Category:Films about the caste system in India

Category:Films based on short fiction

Category:Films based on Tamil novels

Category:Films directed by Vetrimaaran

Category:Films released in separate parts

Category:Films scored by Ilaiyaraaja

Category:Films set in 1987

Category:Films shot in Chennai

Category:Indian action thriller films

Category:Indian crime thriller films

Category:Indian police films

Category:Indian political action films

Category:Indian political thriller films

Category:Rail transport films

Category:Tamil-language Indian films