Vaarasudu, directed by Vamshi Paidipally and also released in Tamil as Varisu, features Thalapathy Vijay in top form, delivering peppy songs and heavy-duty heroic moments. The film revolves around a family with toxic dynamics, misunderstood sons, and a dying father (played by Sarath Kumar) who pits his sons against each other to determine the rightful successor to his business empire.
The first half of the film begins shakily, with scenes that feel out of place and a lackluster mother sentiment subplot. However, the parallels to Vijay’s real-life family conflicts keep the audience engaged. The film also shares similarities with Chekka Chivantha Vaanam, with a power struggle between three brothers, but in a corporate setting.
The second half of the film picks up momentum, featuring mass moments that combine heroism and comedy while puncturing sentimental scenes with light-hearted moments to avoid melodrama. The film is self-aware and acknowledges the toxicity of relatives while emphasizing the importance of making the best of what we have when it comes to family.
The romantic subplot with Rashmika Mandanna and the less-than-formidable villains fall short, but Vijay’s performance keeps the audience entertained. His comic timing and earnestness in delivering sentimental moments make up for the uneven pacing and unnecessary songs and fights, resulting in an overall enjoyable film.
